NASSAU, BAHAMAS- John Watling’s Distillery, Ltd has announced the limited release of John Watling’s Bullion rum to commemorate both the 50th anniversary of Bahamian independence and the 10th anniversary of John Watling’s Distillery.
John Walting’s Bullion rum is a fusion of craftsmanship and heritage, poised to become a liquid embodiment of distinction. This special edition rum has undergone a unique 10-year double aging process, gracefully maturing first in White American Oak Bourbon Barrels before achieving perfection through additional refinement in French Limousin Oak Cognac Casks. The result is a spirit with a balanced aroma of woody notes and dried fruits, culminating in a smooth, dry finish. John Watling’s Bullion rum is bottled at 43 percent abv (86° proof) in a beautifully crafted 750ml decanter and presented in an exclusive bespoke box.
Pepin Argamasilla, Managing Partner at John Watling’s Distillery, expressed his sentiments, stating, “To craft a 10-year-old rum is a tremendous honor. We embarked on this journey a decade ago, and it’s truly gratifying to witness it come to fruition.”
Guillermo Garcia-Lay, Master Blender at John Watling’s Distillery, reflected on its creation, saying, “It was a privilege to use our oldest rums in a new way while remaining true to the John Watling’s house style. The limited quantity makes it both precious and fleeting, something that aficionados will appreciate.”
Limited to just 2,250 bottles, each hand-filled and packaged by skilled Bahamian artisans, John Watling’s Bullion rum stands as a tribute to the essence of The Bahamas and the enduring legacy of John Watling’s Distillery. This singular release embodies the spirit of celebration and pays homage to a decade of unwavering craftsmanship and commitment.
Jose Portuondo, Managing Partner at John Watling’s Distillery Limited, further emphasized the dedication behind this special release, stating, “From the label to the bottle and outer packaging, no expense was spared in presenting this gift to The Bahamas for its 50th Anniversary and John Watling’s 10th.”
The label design, by local Bahamian communications agency Octopus Digital, was led by Nicky Saddleton. Reflecting on the creative process, Saddleton remarked, “The design we co-created is a testament to luxury, elegance, and timelessness. The incorporation of the number 10 in the word ‘Bullion’ felt serendipitous, and the aquamarine and gold hues were a heartfelt dedication to our nation.”
The production of John Watling’s Bullion rum involved a global collaboration of skilled artisans. The bottles and corks, expertly crafted by Nouvel Glass and CapSeal in Mexico, feature the Company’s logo hot-stamped in gold. Labels, meticulously printed by Mammoth Packaging in Ohio, and the bespoke boxes, skillfully manufactured by The Custom Boxes Inc. in Illinois, reflect the commitment to quality and attention to detail.
Adding a personal touch to each bottle, local calligrapher Candi Thompson at Tied Goat Bahamas, individually numbered the labels, while Bahamian photographer Kovah Duncombe captured the milestone release through captivating photographs.