The Callwood family runs the only rum distillery still operating in the British Virgin Islands about 100 yards from the beach at Cane Garden Bay [1]. Located on what was once better known as Estate Arundel, the Callwood Rum Distillery (284/495-9383, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon.–Sat., free) still produces rum much the same way it was done 300 years ago—the biggest concession to modernity is that instead of animal power they use a small diesel engine to crush the sugarcane.
Inside, things appear to have changed even less. Wooden barrels filled with aging rum line the walls, and demijohns of rum are lined along the floor. The air is musty and the light is dim. It doesn’t take much imagination to picture this place in the days of planters and pirates.
Admission to Callwood Rum Distillery is free, but you should definitely splurge on the $1 tour, which involves an explanation of the process of rum production. If you want to take pictures, you will have to pay $2 or buy at least one bottle of rum.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/virgin-islands/tortola/sights/cane-garden-bay