West Indies

There are 166 rums from the West Indies distillery in the RumX database.

Show all West Indies rums

Located in Bridgetown and adjacent to the Brighton Beach, West Indies’ origins date back to 1893, making it the second oldest yet operational distillery in Barbados. WIRD or the “Blackrock distillery” as it is called by the locals due to its location in the Blackrock suburb, was founded as the “West Indies Rum Refinery” (WIRR) by the brothers Georg and Hermann Stade who immigrated from Germany to Barbados a couple of years earlier. In 1903, however, the distillery went insolvent and was subsequently taken over by local merchants (i.e. mainly its customers for which it produced the rum). It remained - with changing ownership, inlcluding Goddard Enterprises Ltd. more recently - in local hands until 2017, when Maison Ferrand took over the distillery, securing not only a rich stock of Bajan rum and vast production capabilities but also access to Jamaican rum producers due to WIRD’s stake at National Rums of Jamaica Ltd. (fully owning Long Pond Distillers Ltd. and a majority stake in Clarendon Distillers Ltd.).

WIRD currently has four operational stills, two column stills, a batch (or chamber) still and a pot still. The largest column still, a Canadian-made four-column still is mainly used for production of light type rums. The second largest, a John Dore built four-column still, commissioned in 1975, can be used in several configurations and produce rums ranging from very light to a heavy types.

The batch still, which is called the “Vulcan“ is named after former Cincinatti-based coppersmith company Vulcan, basically bridges pot and column distillation techniques. It was build in the late 19th/early 20th century and is the last original in operation of its kind. It was decommissioned for some time and reactivated in the early 2000s. Previously, it has been used mainly to produce the so-called wash which is the first step in the distillation process.

The operational pot still is named “Gregg Farm” after its initial location at the Gregg Farm plantation. It is used for the production of heavier rum types. This still often comes into play for the second distillation step at WIRD’s.

While WIRD has been providing the basis for many “lower-end” rums and rum-based spirits such as Malibu, it has also been producing one of the most iconic rums for rum nerds: The so called “Rockley Style” rum, which is occassionally also referred to “Blackrock Style” or “Rockley Still” rum. Currently there are two acknowledged “Rockley Style” vintages, one from 1986 and one from 2000. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the Gregg Farm and Vulcan still are key to this rum style. The “Rockley Style” is renowned for its smoky and medicinal notes, accompanied by sweeter honey-like notes. Rum Artesanal’s West Indies - Barbados Rum Rockley Style 1986 (RX 7784) was rated second best in the RumX annual review 2021.

The “Rockley Style” rum may, however, not be confused with rum from the ancient Rockley distillery. The Rockley estate was founded in the 18th century and abandoned at the end of the 19th century. While WIRR/WIRD acquired and operated one of Rockley distillery’s pot stills at some time, it was not functional any longer at the time the “Rockley style” rums were produced. Indeed, Don Benn, master distiller at WIRD, recently acknowledged that the “Rockley styles” were not produced to replicate any rum profiles originating from the Rockley still. The reason for this was simply that there was no more rum existing from this still at the time the “Rockley styles” were produced. Hence, “Rockley Style” could rather be consiedered a marketing term without reference to any actual rum from the Rockley distillery.

In 2021, WIRD shipped the disfunctional pot still, which is supposedly “the Rockley still” to the UK for refurbishment. It remains to be seen whether there will be any rum emanating from this still in the near future.


Top rated rums from West Indies

Short RumX logo7784

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Rum Artesanal Barbados Rum Rockley Style BBR

9.4/10

62 ratings

Rum Artesanal Barbados Rum Rockley Style BBR

Heinz Eggert GmbH • West Indies
1986   34yr   53,7%   €€€€

Community opinion:

“Exceptional, honey-sweet, complex, well-balanced with a sublime, creamy texture.”

Short RumX logo3896

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Barbados BRS

9.3/10

25 ratings

Barbados BRS

Silver Seal • West Indies
1986   33yr   58,8%   €€€€

Community opinion:

“An extraordinary, intensely flavorful rum with a perfect balance. Unforgettable.”

Short RumX logo1028

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Single Cask Rum BRS

9.3/10

15 ratings

Single Cask Rum BRS

Duncan Taylor • West Indies
1986   25yr   52,7%   €€€€

Top review from Zucker und Zeste:

"Ich fand ihn etwas frischer als den Rum Artesanal, dafür war dieser noch eine ganz kleine Spur komplexer und reifer. Bei beiden Abfüllungen ist es erstaunlich wie genial Alkohol in einen Rum eingebunden sein kann."

Short RumX logo9395

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum No. 3 Rockley BBR

9.1/10

35 ratings

No. 3 Rockley BBR

Nobilis Rum • West Indies
1986   34yr   54,7%   €€€€

Community opinion:

“Enchanting complexity; honey, tobacco, fruits. Velvety and indulgently spiced.”

Short RumX logo2782

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum 2000

8.8/10

7 ratings

2000

Whiskybroker • West Indies
2000   16yr   57,6%

Top review from Dom M:

"A 2000 WIRD to my liking. Feels a bit more harsh than some other bottlings, however delivers a nice intensity without the faint watered down sensation I experienced with some other bottlers."

Short RumX logo4634

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum WIRR

8.8/10

6 ratings

WIRR

Cadenhead‘s • West Indies
1986   12yr   73,4%

Top review from Oliver:

"Wunderbar integrierter Alkohol. Ein Erlebnis!"

Short RumX logo12816

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Plantation Extreme No. 5

8.7/10

22 ratings

Plantation Extreme No. 5

Maison Ferrand • West Indies
1986   35yr   55,1%   €€€€

Community opinion:

“Harmonious honey, exotic fruits, with a complex, velvety finish.”

Short RumX logo5776

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Rockley Still

8.7/10

30 ratings

Rockley Still

Bristol Classic Rum • West Indies
1986   26yr   46%   €€€€

Community opinion:

“Elegant, complex rum with harmonious sherry notes and a rich profile.”

Short RumX logo1245

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Barbados Rum

8.6/10

8 ratings

Barbados Rum

Cave Guildive • West Indies
2000   15yr   54%   €€€€

Top review from Kevin Sorensen 🇩🇰:

"A wonderful rum truly true to its origin on Barbados. Fruity and herbal with some caramel and chocolate. A very well balance and complex rum. Should have bought a few extra bottles."

Short RumX logo5360

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Rockley

8.6/10

8 ratings

Rockley

Cadenhead‘s • West Indies
1986   16yr   67,7%

Top review from Kevin Sorensen 🇩🇰:

"This one was like a hammer when it comes to flavour and I had to add a bit of water to release alle the flavours. Not that it's needed, but it will give you a wider spectrum of flavours. The nose is fruity with smoke, herbs, vanilla and waxes. Without water it will bite your nose a bit. The palate has some sweetness to it with fruits, vanilla, nuts, caramel and honey. I also get wax and a medicinal note that reminds me of iodine. The finish is long and warm with vanilla and herbal notes and again the same medicinal note. Again it doesn't really need water, but it does release more flavours."

Short RumX logo3490

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum BBR

8.6/10

13 ratings

BBR

Cadenhead‘s • West Indies
2000   11yr   59,1%

Top review from Oliver:

"Smoky, intense and honey. This one is really fun!"

Short RumX logo4746

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Rockley Still

8.6/10

5 ratings

Rockley Still

Bristol Classic Rum • West Indies
1986   22yr   46%

Top review from crazyforgoodbooze:

"Teil 1/8 unseres 1986er Rockley Tastings: Madeira Einfluss ist stark da aber sehr schön eingebunden. Trotz Trinkstärke schön komplex: etwas Pfirsich/Mirabelle verbunden mit gerösteten pekannüssen, an armagnac erinnernd. tannine nicht zu stark ausgebaut, ganz im Abgang kommt leicht Rose dazu. sehr geil!!"

Short RumX logo16453

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Plantation Private Cask Barge 166

8.4/10

5 ratings

Plantation Private Cask Barge 166

Maison Ferrand • West Indies
2017   6yr   50,7%   €€€

Short RumX logo3153

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Single Cask Rum

8.4/10

6 ratings

Single Cask Rum

Duncan Taylor • West Indies
2000   15yr   52%   €€€

Top review from Tafia Guildive:

"Leckerer 2000er WIRD"

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Short RumX logo9395

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum No. 3 Rockley BBR

9.1/10

35 ratings

No. 3 Rockley BBR

Nobilis Rum • West Indies
1986   34yr   54,7%   €€€€

Community opinion:

“Enchanting complexity; honey, tobacco, fruits. Velvety and indulgently spiced.”

Short RumX logo1245

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Barbados Rum

8.6/10

8 ratings

Barbados Rum

Cave Guildive • West Indies
2000   15yr   54%   €€€€

Top review from Kevin Sorensen 🇩🇰:

"A wonderful rum truly true to its origin on Barbados. Fruity and herbal with some caramel and chocolate. A very well balance and complex rum. Should have bought a few extra bottles."

Short RumX logo1865

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Barbados Rum

8.4/10

34 ratings

Barbados Rum

Cave Guildive • West Indies
2000   17yr   56%   €€€

Community opinion:

“Rich, complex honey and spice with a smoky, unique twist.”

Short RumX logo7785

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Rum Artesanal Barbados Rum (Rockley Style)

8.3/10

54 ratings

Rum Artesanal Barbados Rum (Rockley Style)

Heinz Eggert GmbH • West Indies
2000   21yr   47,1%   €€€

Community opinion:

“Smooth, honeyed rum with complex smoky undertones; rich yet subtle.”

Short RumX logo7627

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Plantation Calvados Maturation

8.3/10

7 ratings

Plantation Calvados Maturation

Maison Ferrand • West Indies
2014   41,3%   €€

Top review from Kevin Sorensen 🇩🇰:

"Despite the age of only 6 years Plantation has managed to create a nicely balanced and full body rum. A delightful nose with spices and fruit and a palate that is sweet, well rounded and medium complex. The finish has spices and fruits to it with a bit of pear. Price to quality is very good. "

Short RumX logo7714

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Plantation One-Time Limited Edition

8.0/10

68 ratings

Plantation One-Time Limited Edition

Maison Ferrand • West Indies
2011   9yr   51,1%   €€

Community opinion:

“Rich, aromatic Barbadian rum with a spicy kick; great value.”

Short RumX logo1

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Plantation Extra Old XO 20th Anniversary

8.0/10

1,110 ratings

Plantation Extra Old XO 20th Anniversary

Maison Ferrand • West Indies
10yr - 15yr   40%   €

Community opinion:

“Smooth, sweet, plenty of coconut and vanilla; great for beginners.”

Short RumX logo13759

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Plantation Barbados (Excellence Rhum)

8.0/10

10 ratings

Plantation Barbados (Excellence Rhum)

Maison Ferrand • West Indies
2011   10yr   48,2%   €

Top review from Djehey:

"Rather pleasant, fairly intense rum. Rather short on the palate. Dominant aromas are fruit, coconut and vanilla. Quite simple."

Short RumX logo11342

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Plantation Barbados 10YO Imperial Stout Cask Finish (Cave du Val Chaineux)

7.9/10

8 ratings

Plantation Barbados 10YO Imperial Stout Cask Finish (Cave...

Maison Ferrand • West Indies
10yr   48,7%   €€

Top review from Henry Davies:

"Rich, deep and dark amber colour. A hint of grilled pineapple which is not typical for a Barbados rum. A real powerful belter, great after dinner rum. Sweet and rich somewhat sickly body, with candied nuts and pineapple on the mouth. A caramel and wine cask nose. The elements of stout barrel don’t come through for me but an interesting rum nevertheless"

Short RumX logo11345

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Romantic Rhine Collection

7.9/10

6 ratings

Romantic Rhine Collection

Reifferscheid • West Indies
1999   17yr   53%   €

Top review from Frank:

"Ein kleiner Exot… Nase: wow, super vielschichtig. Fruchtig, würzig , rauchig, süßlich. Von allem etwas. Zu Beginn noch etwas alkoholische Schärfe und überraschend der Geruch von After Eight, gefolgt von einer herben Ahornsirup-Süße. Dahinter kalter, süßlicher Rauch und altes, verkohlte Holz. An Frucht etwas alte Zitrone und grüner Apfel. Hinten raus Leder und Vanille-Pulver. Gaumen: auch am Gaumen ist diese After Eight-Note präsent, vielleicht etwas zu stark. Zunächst bitter. After Eight geht in etwa! künstliches, Jod-haltiges über; durchaus nicht angenehm. Die Fruchtigkeit kommt eher von herber Bergamotte. Die Würzigkeit eher von Kümmel. Erinnert auch an Retsina. Schade, der Nase hätte ich 85 gegeben, dem Gaumen jedoch nur 71. Da hatte ich auf mehr gehofft."

Short RumX logo13823

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Plantation Barbados One-Time Limited 20

7.8/10

43 ratings

Plantation Barbados One-Time Limited 20

Maison Ferrand • West Indies
2013   9yr   50,2%   €€

Community opinion:

“Enjoyable, warm vanilla and spice notes, smooth, good value.”

Short RumX logo10773

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Plantation Barbados

7.8/10

16 ratings

Plantation Barbados

Maison Ferrand • West Indies
2014   7yr   50,1%   €€

Top review from Jarek:

"Zucker 0 g/l"

Short RumX logo13104

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Planteray Cut and Dry Coconut Rum

7.6/10

47 ratings

Planteray Cut and Dry Coconut Rum

Maison Ferrand • West Indies
40%   €€€

Community opinion:

“Tropical coconut delight, not overly sweet, perfect for mixing.”

Short RumX logo13821

Image of the front of the bottle of the rum Plantation Barbados Single Cask VSOR 2022

7.5/10

11 ratings

Plantation Barbados Single Cask VSOR 2022

Maison Ferrand • West Indies
2016   6yr   44,9%   €

Top review from crazyforgoodbooze:

"Relaxed Barbados but why 10g dosage?😪"

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7.9/102752 ratings
Community rating

Flavour profile of West Indies

Most frequently mentioned flavors

Aroma

Vanilla Coconut Woody Honey Fruity Spice

Taste

Vanilla Honey Woody Smoky Sweet Caramel

Finish

Vanilla Woody Spice Honey Sweet Caramel

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About the West Indies distillery

The West Indies distillery is located in Barbados. Rums from West Indies have been reviewed 2,752 times with an average of 7.9/10.


All rums from West Indies

West Indies in Your Pocket

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