Lifestyle

John Watling’s: The Rum of the Bahamas

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – For more than a decade, John Watlings Distillery has expanded its footprint, cementing its place as the rum of The Bahamas.

Published

3 months ago

December 21, 2025

Jasmin Brown

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – For more than a decade, John Watlings Distillery has expanded its footprint, cementing its place as the rum of The Bahamas.

Our Jasmin Brown recently toured the centuries-old estate where Bahamians handcraft John Watling’s small-batch rums.

“It’s a great place to come, relax and just have a great time” – Managing Director Pepin Argamasilla

No one knows that better than John Watlings Distillery Managing Partner Pepin Argamasilla.

I caught up with him at the iconic Buena Vista Estate.

It’s a pictureque property offering panoramic views of downtown Nassau.

And Argamasilla tells me the property has a rich history – it was established in 1789 and is one of Nassau’s oldest estates.

On the grounds is a 200-year-old water well carved out of solid limestone.

Today, the property is carving out its next chapter in a colorful history, as the home of John Watling’s distillery.

Visitors can not only tour the historic grounds, they can experience it.

“The distillery that we’re standing in right now also has a tavern and a retail store, as well as a newly launched rum academy where we host different rum tastings, a mixology class and in addition to that we also have Louis and Steens Coffee shop and Vell Monkey Foot Eatery”