If you want to know how Haiti rum is made, the Barbancourt Rum Distillery in Port-au-Prince is the place to visit. There are several landmarks in the country, but this is one of the must-visit sites.
Location and How to Get to This Specific Site
The distillery is in Port-au-Prince. To get there, take a ride north out of the city. Go past the industrial estates. You will see the countryside and the distillery nearby.
What to See There
The distillery has over 24 types of rum. The flavors include hibiscus, coffee, orange and mango. When you go on a tour of the site, you will be shown how the rum is created. A supervisor will explain the process.
During the tour, the guide will explain how the various recipes are made. The interior workings of the Barbancourt Rum Distillery in Port-au-Prince will also be explained. Once the tour is finished, you will get a free sample.
History
The island’s original inhabitants were the Taino Indians. Following the arrival of Columbus, the Spaniards came in droves. They conquered the island and killed the inhabitants. The Spaniards in turn were driven out by the French.
As a colony of the French, the island’s inhabitants were forced to work in sugar and coffee plantations. As the number of plantations grew, more slaves were brought in.
The harsh working conditions would lead to a revolution. In 1791, the slaves rose up and killed the Frenchmen. The plantations were burned to the ground. In 1804, the slaves were granted independence.
Cost
There is no charge. However, you are expected to purchase some of the rum after the tour. The costs may vary, so it is a good idea to consult your travel guide about the prices.
Majority of the routes in Port-au-Prince come up to 10 Gourdes (2 Haitian dollars, $0.25 USD). If you are going to ride taxis, the fare is usually around $11.53 at 39 Gourdes to a dollar. If you prefer the minibuses, the cost will depend on the distance.
Other Info
The tour can be held anytime the distillery is running. It is best to consult a travel guide about the distillery’s running time. Aside from the distillery, you can also visit the Champs-de-Mars Park.
Before you can go on a tour of the Barbancourt Rum Distillery in Port-au-Prince, an appointment has to be made. The best time to visit is between December until June.
