Distilling Grenada one bottle at a time
The origin of the word rum is unclear. A common claim is that the name was derived from rumbullion meaning “a great tumult or uproar”. Another claim is the name is from the large drinking glasses used by Dutch seamen known as rummers, from the Dutch word roemer, a drinking glass. Other options include contractions of the words saccharum, Latin for sugar, or arôme, French for aroma. Regardless of the original source, the name came into common use.
Grenada Distillers Ltd., with its flagship the Clarke’s Court Brand, is the definition of spirited (pun intended) Grenadian entrepreneurship, steeped in history, industry and good-old fashioned hard work.
The name Clarke’s Court dates back to the 1700s as a portion of the then Woodlands Estate was named after a former owner of the Estate – Gedney Clarke Esq. and the adjoining bay named Courts Bay by Dutch Colonists.
The present day makers of Clarke’s Court Rum began operations in 1937 and are still the largest and best-known distillery on the island.
In addition to the twenty odd products available from Grenada Distillers Ltd., visitors can tour the factory located at Woodlands, St. George. The processes of distilling, blending and aging are explained on the tour. The 15-minute tour includes viewing of old steam engines, some dating as far back as 1886. The tour ends at Nick’s Barrel House, also known as the Hospitality Center, where sampling and purchasing of the wide range of products are encouraged. Rum Recipes showing the versatile uses of the Clarke’s Court Rums are also available to visitors. The Hospitality Center is adorned with furniture unique to the Grenada Distillers Ltd. The ‘barrel furniture’ as it is sometimes referred to, is made from old oak barrels that were previously used for aging and storage. Barrel furniture can be ordered and custom-made to meet customers’ needs.
While Clarke’s Court Pure White Rum remains the most identifiable and popular of all the Clarke’s Court Rums, Grenada Distillers Ltd boasts a wide range of products that will find favour with consumers across a broad spectrum of tastes. Clarke’s Courts products can be placed into six categories – Premium Rums, Dark Rums, White Rums, Flavoured Rums, Overproof Rums and Liqueurs.
PREMIUM RUMS (Black Gold, Old Grog, Clarke’s Court #37)
As the name suggests these Rums represent the ultimate in aged perfection, comparable to any of the other premium brands available worldwide. The Premium Rums are a great way to make an impression – they are fantastic gifts that would be sure to leave a lasting impression. Nutmeg, coined Grenada’s Black Gold by a former Prime Minister, has been used in combination with premium Grenadian rum, to create Black Gold Rum; while Old Grog was named in remembrance of the finest spirits stored and shipped in casks marked GROG (Georgius Rex Old Grenada). #37 was launched in 2010 to commemorate the 300th Anniversary of the Town of St George’s.
DARK RUMS (Special Dark Rum, Exotic Spicy Rum)
Special Dark Rum received a high degree of popularity in the not too distant past when the new organic name, Flanker was birthed. The trendy name influenced a whole new audience to enjoy this mellow, golden rum. As the name suggest Exotic Spicy Rum is a blend of locally grown spices that captures the authentic taste of the Isle of Spice!
WHITE RUMS (Pure White, Superior Light Rum, Pure Jab)
Clarke’s Court Pure White Rum is the flagship of Grenada Distillers Ltd. It continues to be Grenada’s most popular rum, both for local consumption and export. Even at 69 % alcohol by volume it is versatile: used in punches, as an excellent mixer and also be used as a food preservative. Clarke’s Court Superior Light Rum is the highest and most awarded of all the rums produced by Grenada Distillers Ltd. It is light and mellow and certainly targeted to the consumer with a milder palate. The third of the white rums, Pure Jab, encapsulates the fervour of Grenada’s most distinct Carnival character, the Jab Jab, the energy of Cultural Ambassador, Tallpree and the heritage of a proud cultural people.
FLAVOURED RUMS (Rhythm Coconut, Grenadian Mojito, Passion Fruit, Sorrel, Lemon, Rum Punch)
The full gamut of creativity of Grenada Distillers Ltd. is on display here as the Company utilises coconut, limes, mint, passion fruit, sorrel and lemon to dazzle and tantalise the taste buds. These rums are best enjoyed as mixers but are also gentle enough to have neat or on ice.
LIQUEURS (AMAZ-IN Chocolate Crème Liqueur, Camerhogne Spiced Liqueur)
‘The best of Grenada in a bottle’ – it would be almost impossible to find a more apt summary for the treat that presents when one opens a bottle of AMAZ-IN. The world’s best cocoa, produced right here in Grenada, in combination with the multi-awarded Clarke’s Court rum produces a chocolate cream liqueur that represents a nation’s pride and passion for agriculture. Camerhogne Spiced Liqueur is smooth with a balanced spicy and fruity taste. Its tangy flavour combines well with ice cream and fruit; and, can also be used as an aperitif.
OVER-PROOF RUMS (White Ball, Black Jack)
Clarke’s Court White Ball and Black Jack are unique blends of white rum, respectively 75% and 70% by volume. These rums are strong but smooth and finish with pleasant tingling sensations and satisfying tastes.
DISTILLERY AWARDS
Grenada Distillers Ltd. is a proud Grenadian institution that has expanded its market share and continues to seek new markets for its products. In International and Regional tasting competitions between 1993 and 2018 Grenada Distillers Ltd. has won a total of 125 medals (Double Gold – 3; Gold – 60; Silver – 43; and, Bronze -19).
Additionally, at the 2018 World Spirit Awards in Austria Grenada Distillers Ltd. copped the titles Distillery of the Year and World Class Distillery; while the following products were awarded:
Poised to continue its dominance as Grenada’s top producer of quality rums and as a major player across the economic landscape of Grenada, with a few more than 50 employees, continuous innovations and the openness to new ideas and trends of its Board of Directors, led by Chairman, Mr. Leroy Neckles is Grenada Distillers Ltd., Home of Grenada’s #1 Rum, Clarke’s Court!
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