Cane Garden Bay Maker Of Rums Sets Up GoFundMe Account
With all the damage done to businesses by Hurricane Irma and the rebuilding required for hotels, restaurants and bars, one element key to the Caribbean has received little attention: rum.
Rum production is a key part of life and one small company is asking for help. Callwood Rum Distillery in Cane Garden Bay of the British Virgin Islands was leveled by Irma and it has started a GoFundMe account to raise money.
“Hurricane Irma left the distillery and the Callwood’s home in ruins, we are raising money to help the family get the distillery and themselves back on their feet.” the company posted on its GoFundMe page.
“All proceeds will be going straight to the family for rebuilding and starting over. Any support is appreciated, thank you for being a part of rebuilding BVI history. One love!”
The company also stated it is in the process of rebuilding the distillery.
Here is the link: www.gofundme.com/4h6c4fs
Callwood Rum has been producing rum in the BVIs since the 1600s and it is one of the oldest continuously run distilleries in the Caribbean. The distillery offered tours and for $1 you would get a taste of all four of its rums.
It is, of course, not the only rum produced in the Virgin Islands. Cruzan Rum is made on St. Croix. PubClub.com has no update on the status of its factory. St. Croix escaped major damage from Hurricane Irma but took a direct hit from Hurricane Maria.
Rum is so prevalent in the Virgin Islands that it’s cheaper than the mix, which is why the rum drinks in the islands are made so strong. This takes a little getting used to for novice rum drinkers and new tourists to the islands.
We started visiting Callwoods back in the 70’s when you had to bring your own bottles and they would fill it up with rum. Then they started recycling – the rum you bought from them could be in a gin bottle, or our favorite (still have the bottle) was a Crown Royal bottle, with the Arundel label. Last few times there they had their own bottles. Progress. Great place. Great people. You should give generously to their gofundme account.
Great comment. Thanks! – PubClub.com
I am searching for contact with you all for an article about Rum distilleries and the hurricanes. Contact me ASAP, deadline is fast.
Hi, any update on this?
Only got to visit there one time. I will remember it forever. Even got to meet Puice Caldewood at that little restaurant/bar at the end of the road on the beach side walking from the beach at Cane Garden bay. Tasted the rum and fell in love with the dark. Bought a bottle from the armoire behind the “tasting bar” (few planks laid over a couple of barrels). It looked like the bottles in this write-up, but there were at least 30 different bottles to choose from. We were told they “scavenge” for bottles, “sterilize them” and fill them from that spout that goes through the wall from the still outside.
I am devastated to learn they were so badly damaged by Irma. This is the first I heard of it. Does anyone know the status of their efforts to re-build?
Thanks for this great comment. This is the latest from the distillery and PubClub should do an update to this story: “We Have Been So Busy Lately but Better Late Than Never.” Cheers!