Beenleigh Rum Distillery

Beenleigh Rum Distillery is a historic rum distillery located in Beenleigh, Queensland, Australia. Established in 1884, it is one of the oldest registered distilleries in Australia and has a rich history of producing high-quality rum.

History

The Beenleigh Rum Distillery was founded by John Davy and Francis Gooding, who initially started a sugarcane plantation in the area. The distillery was built on the banks of the Albert River, which provided a reliable source of water essential for the distillation process. The distillery's name is derived from the town of Beenleigh, which itself was named after a farm in Devon, England.

Production Process

The production of Beenleigh Rum involves several key steps:

• **Fermentation**: The process begins with the fermentation of molasses, a byproduct of sugarcane processing. The molasses is mixed with water and yeast to convert the sugars into alcohol.
• **Distillation**: The fermented mixture is then distilled in traditional copper pot stills. This process helps to concentrate the alcohol and remove impurities.
• **Aging**: The distilled spirit is aged in oak barrels, which imparts unique flavors and characteristics to the rum. The aging process can vary, with some rums being aged for several years.
• **Blending and Bottling**: After aging, the rum is carefully blended to achieve the desired flavor profile before being bottled and distributed.

Products

Beenleigh Rum Distillery produces a range of rums, including:

• **Beenleigh White Rum**: A light and versatile rum suitable for cocktails.
• **Beenleigh Double Barrel**: A premium rum aged in oak barrels for a rich and complex flavor.
• **Beenleigh Honey Rum**: A unique blend of rum and honey, offering a sweet and smooth taste.

Heritage and Recognition

The Beenleigh Rum Distillery is recognized as a significant heritage site in Queensland. It has received numerous awards for its high-quality rums and continues to be a popular destination for tourists and rum enthusiasts. The distillery offers guided tours, where visitors can learn about the history and production process of Beenleigh Rum.

See Also

• Rum
• Distillation
• Sugarcane
• Queensland