John Watling's Rum Distillery

We walked over to the John Watling's Rum Distillery, it is located on the historic Buena Vista Estate in the Downtown Nassau area. Overlooking the harbor and offering panoramic views, the estate is situated on more than two acres of lush tropical gardens with century-old black olive trees. Construction of the estate began the same year that George Washington was elected the first President of the United Sates (circa 1789). Antiques and prints, dating back more than 300 years, showcase the rich history and heritage of The Bahamas. On the grounds is a 200-year-old water well, supposedly carved out of solid limestone by enslaved Africans prior to the abolition of slavery in 1833.

You can take a free and self-guided tour of the estate, with the storehouse providing an intimate view of how the rums are bottled – the old-fashion way by local hands. More than 1,000 aging white oak barrels fill the air with the 'angel’s share', the portion lost to evaporation during the many years the liquor rests in the barrels. We got to sample the “Spirit of The Bahamas,” as John Watling’s signature creations are known: small-batch Pale, Amber and Buena Vista rums. They were ok, I have had better rums, the Amber and the Buena Vista just tasted like alcohol to me, but the Pale had a better flavor! For the price, not worth it!

On the way back we ran into the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, now that was interesting! 

Villa Doyle

There can be few sites more fitting than Villa Doyle to house this Gallery, by reason of history, beauty and location! Villa Doyle with its owners and occupants have contributed to the rich history of this country. The house was built by Sir William Doyle, Chief Justice of The Bahamas, a first generation Bahamian, he was the first Bahamian to be knighted! He served the Bahamans till his death in 1879.

Other owners include Mr. William Robert Pyfrom and Walter Kingsbury Moore, it was Moore who was responsible for the two-story addition to the southern end of the original building. Designed by Mr. Walsh of The Royal Engineers, it is one of a relatively few examples of Palladian architecture in the Caribbean.

Here are some trees we walk by a alot, I think they are stunning! One we saw in a old picture in the art gallery, dated 1805

this one we saw in the old picture

beautiful

this one is at the grocery store parking lot!

Angie..this one is for you!!
The radio commercial says "We like the way you drink"