River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery

A trip to River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery should be on your agenda if you enjoy history, unique machinery, and strong rum. One of the Caribbean’s living museums, River Antoine is an estate distillery located inland on the northeastern side of the island that continues to produce rum in the traditional manner.

Why Visit

Often referred to as the oldest operational water-powered distillery in the Caribbean, River Antoine was founded in 1785 and continues to crush sugar cane using its original, gravity-fed water wheel. For generations, the entire production process, which includes copper pot stills, wood-fired boilers, open fermentation, and cane crushing, has remained the same. It’s visceral, dramatic, and photogenic; you can see copper heating, hear wood creaking, and smell burning wood.

What to expect on a visit

The majority of visits are guided. A typical trip includes a visit to the estate fields, the water-wheel house, the pot stills, the fermentation vats, and a tasting. When paired with neighboring sights, tours provided by local operators often last three to four hours (or less if you’re simply stopping at the distillery). Instead of elegant manufacturing tours, anticipate simple, genuine demonstrations.

Getting there

On Grenada’s northeastern coast, the River Antoine is located inland, close to Tivoli. Depending on traffic and breaks, the travel from St. George’s takes around 60 to 90 minutes. It’s a beautiful, picturesque route that passes through villages, plantations, and coastline vistas. Routes toward Grenville/Gouyave with transfers are served by public buses; drivers and conductors are accustomed to letting off passengers at nearby locations, but the trip may take longer and require walking, so make appropriate plans. Many tourists would rather take a taxi, rent a car, or go on a transportation-inclusive guided trip.

Practical tips

• Opening & bookings: The distillery sometimes runs variable hours and may require a quick phone call or arranged tour during peak season. Check listings or local operators before you go.
• Tasting caution: River Antoine rums are famous for being very high proof (many bottles at 69 – 75% ABV). Sip slowly or dilute; locals sometimes use it for medicinal or culinary uses as much as for straight drinking.
• Footwear & weather: Wear sturdy shoes for uneven ground and bring sun/rain protection: the site is partially open-air.
• Combine nearby: Pair your visit with nearby spice or cocoa estate tours, waterfalls, or a coastal drive for a full-day cultural loop.

Why it’s memorable

Authenticity is more important to River Antoine than opulent amenities. The boiling boilers and the boisterous water wheel provide you a unique glimpse into the origins of Caribbean rum if you enjoy handcrafted goods, living history, and touchable tales. You’ll leave with an unforgettable story (and maybe a bottle with a strong flavor) if you bring a camera, an open mind, and respect for the working site.