Callwood Rum Wins Top Caribbean Award
The historic Callwood Rum Distillery has won the Best Tasting Rum award at a regional conference in Grenada for its signature aged Panty Dropper rum. Junior Minister for Culture Luce Hodge-Smith commended the Callwood family for preserving more than 200 years of Virgin Islands heritage and craftsmanship. The achievement highlights the enduring appeal and quality of traditional BVI rum production across the Caribbean.
The historic Callwood Rum Distillery has earned major regional acclaim after its signature Panty Dropper rum was named Best Tasting Rum at the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) Conference and Exhibition in Grenada. The award was formally presented to the Callwood family during a handover ceremony attended by Junior Minister for Culture the Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith and Managing Director of Seven Seas Water Corporation, Ms Noni M.
Honourable Hodge-Smith commended the family for sustaining more than two centuries of distilling tradition in Cane Garden Bay, noting that the enterprise serves as a vital pillar of the Territory's cultural identity and tourism appeal. "We are incredibly proud of the Callwood family for preserving this important part of our Virgin Islands heritage for more than 200 years," Honourable Hodge-Smith stated.
She added that the distillery's regional success demonstrates the high caliber of traditional Virgin Islands products in the wider Caribbean marketplace. The annual CWWA Conference gathers regional water and wastewater professionals, policymakers, and senior officials. Alongside its technical sessions, the event hosts cultural showcases, including tasting competitions for rum, water, and pepper.
Ms Georges utilized the gathering to showcase the Territory's heritage, noting the overwhelmingly positive reception the BVI spirit received from regional delegates. Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Michael Callwood expressed deep gratitude for the honor, describing the distillery as a cherished legacy passed down through generations.
He emphasized the family's unwavering commitment to authentic, time-honored production methods. Mr Callwood explained that Panty Dropper matures for roughly six years, allowing the rum to develop its signature smooth, mellow profile. The latest victory follows previous recognition for the distillery at the conference in 2024.
Situated in Cane Garden Bay on Tortola, the Callwood Rum Distillery remains a living monument to Virgin Islands cultural and industrial history. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development extended its congratulations to the Callwood family for their resilience and ongoing contribution to the Territory's heritage.
Primary source: BVI Government