Visiting the River Antoine Estate Distillery in Grenada

A Potent Dram with a Dash of History.

River Antoine Estate Distillery

Rivers Royale Grenadian Rum has been produced organically since 1785, and little has changed at the River Antoine Estate Distillery in Grenada over the last few centuries: a gravity-fed water wheel still turns the gears that squeeze the juice from fresh-cut sugarcane from the estate fields, wood fires the boilers and copper pot stills, and fermentation takes place in open copper vats.

Copper Pot Stills

You’d be tempted to call it rum’s version of a living history museum, except that River Antione remains a thriving business: “Don’t say rum, say Rivers,” exhorts the timeworn local marketing slogan.

Workers Processing Sugarcane River Antoine Estate Distillery

Workers Processing Sugarcane River Antoine Estate Distillery

In Grenada, you’re likely to get poured the local version of Royale: at more than 70% alcohol (the precise ABV varies), it’s too potent to fly, though River Antoine does produce a 69% version that you can take home in your luggage. Either way, you’re going to want to mix, not sip, this overproof rum.

River Antoine Estate Distillery in Grenada

Melisa Nicholas, manager of the Bananas restaurant in St. George’s and one of Grenada’s top mixologists, created the Down Stream cocktail just for Chilled!

Rivers Royale Grenadian Rum

Down Stream

Down Stream

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Rivers Royale Grenadian Rum
• 1/2 oz. Triple Sec
• 2 dashes Angostura Orange Bitters
• 2 oz. Grapefruit Juice (Concentrate)
• Bay Leaf (for Garnish)

Preparation: Add all ingredients to shaker with ice and shake until frosty. Pour into Martini glass, garnish with one whole bay leaf, and enjoy!

River Antoine Estate Distillery in Grenada