Of all the stops we made during my tour with Caribbean Horizons, visiting the River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery easily stands out as one of the most unique and memorable experiences. This was a trade-for-pay partnership, but all thoughts here are my own—and I cannot recommend this tour enough if you’re visiting Grenada.

---

The River Antoine Estate is one of the oldest rum distilleries in the Caribbean, still operating much as it did when it first opened in 1785. What makes it truly special is its continued use of hydro power—the large water wheel still drives the machinery that crushes the sugar cane, just as it has for centuries.

Walking through the estate, I was struck by the rhythm of the process. I photographed workers loading stalks of sugar cane onto a conveyor belt, the massive mounds of cane that had already been pressed, the heating vats where juice is boiled down, and the open-air vats where fermentation takes place. Each step felt timeless—equal parts history and craftsmanship, carried forward with hard work and dedication.

At the end of the tour, we sampled several of the rums, which are as bold and flavorful as the process itself. Tasting them after seeing the entire journey from raw cane to finished spirit gave me a much deeper appreciation for what goes into each bottle.

From a U.S. perspective, where we’re often so far removed from the production of the things we consume, this tour was eye-opening. It reminded me how easy it is to take products for granted when you don’t see the work behind them. Standing in the distillery, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scents of the process, I felt connected not just to the rum, but to the heritage and history of Grenada itself.

Whether you’re a history buff, a rum lover, or simply looking for a deeper connection to Grenadian culture, the River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery tour with Caribbean Horizons is one I can wholeheartedly recommend. It’s an experience that stays with you long after the last sip.

---

I photographed the tour with my Fuji X-T30 paired with the Viltrox 25mm f/1.7 lens. This setup was perfect for capturing both wider environmental shots and closer details of the distilling process. The fast aperture allowed me to work in lower light situations inside the factory, while still maintaining sharpness and clarity. I love how versatile this little combo is—lightweight enough to carry all day, yet powerful enough to handle challenging shooting conditions.