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West Indies Rum Distillery
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Founded
1893
Region
Barbados
Status
Operational
Company
Production type
Pure Single Rum
Former name
West India Rum Refinery
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The West Indies Rum Distillery (also referred to as WIRD) is a historic rum producer on Barbados. It was originally known as West India Rum Refinery (WIRR) and was built by George Stade in 1893. It changed to its current name in 1994 under ownership of Goddard Enterprises Ltd and today is part of the rum holdings of the French company, Maison Ferrand, who bought it from them in 2017.
The distillery produces molasses rums on a vast array or different pot and column stills, many of which have been resurrected by Maison Ferrand. Traditionally a contract-distiller, its first in-house distillery brand was launched in 2021 and is named Stade's. Some of its rum is also shipped to France where its owner uses it to bottle its Planteray brand.
2017-present
1988-2017
1893
1900
1901
1927
1936
1945
1946
1957
1994
2006
2017
2021
West India Rum Refinery built by George Stade.
It introduced the first column still to Barbados.
Stade returns to Europe and distillery falls into bankruptcy.
WIRR is saved by reorganisation as a publicly traded company.
Shares are acquired by Valdemar Hanschell, Martin Doorly and Alleyne, Arthur & Co.
WIRR sells its first aged rum.
Acquires the Batson's distillery in order to obtain its 180-gallon pot still and cooperage.
New column still installed.
Vulcan chamber still is installed.
The Gregg's Farm pot still is acquired from Martin Doorly & Co.
Name is changed to West Indies Rum Distillery.
West Indies Rum Distillery Ltd acquires a one-third stake in National Rums of Jamaica Ltd.
West Indies Rum Distillery Ltd is acquired by Maison Ferrand.
Stade's is launched as the first in-house distillery brand.
Active Stills
Vulcan chamber still
1946-present
Leishman & Welsh pot still
1957-present