Exploring Local Flavours: 83 Islands Distillery’s Innovative Barrel Research Project

At 83 Islands Distillery, we pride ourselves on our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and celebrating the unique flavours of our region. With this in mind, we are excited to announce the launch of a groundbreaking research project focused on the development of barrels made from local wood sources. Our aim is to create distinctive, high-quality rum by ageing it in barrels crafted from mahogany, mango trees, avocado trees*, and rosewood, and to uncover the impact of these woods on the flavour profiles of our spirits.

Our inspiration for this innovative research project comes from anecdotal stories dating back 150 years ago, suggesting that Cuban rum was occasionally aged in mahogany barrels. Although these accounts are not well-documented and oak barrels have been the traditional choice for ageing rum, the intriguing possibility of a unique flavour profile arising from mahogany-aged rum piqued our curiosity. 

Traditional rum barrels are commonly made from oak, which imparts unique flavours and characteristics to the spirit during the ageing process. As a distillery that celebrates the rich diversity of our local environment, we want to explore the untapped potential of using locally sourced woods in our barrel-making process.

We will collaborate with local artisans and forestry experts to identify and source high-quality, sustainable wood from mahogany, mango, avocado*, and rosewood trees in our region.

Talented local artisans will create barrels from each wood variety, taking into account the unique properties of these denser materials, which may require adapting or deviating from conventional techniques typically employed with oak. As a result, these barrels may have a distinctive appearance, setting them apart from the traditional oak barrels typically seen in the industry.

We will produce and age our rum in the newly constructed barrels, monitoring the maturation process closely to identify the effects of each wood type on the flavour, aroma, and colour of the spirit.

Before the tasting process, we will prioritise safety by conducting a thorough evaluation of the rum for any potential toxicity resulting from the ageing process in the non-traditional wood barrels. Once the safety and quality of the rum have been confirmed, our experienced distillers and tasters will proceed to evaluate the rums, comparing their flavour profiles to those of rums aged in traditional oak barrels. We will also extend invitations to industry experts and enthusiasts, encouraging them to share their valuable feedback and insights on this innovative project.

The results of our research will be documented and shared with the wider spirits industry and our loyal customers, showcasing our commitment to innovation and the pursuit of new flavour experiences.

Through this pioneering research project, we anticipate achieving several key outcomes. Our primary goal is to discover unprecedented and captivating flavours in rum by utilising a diverse range of wood types. Additionally, we aim to champion sustainability by sourcing local wood, thereby reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to a greener supply chain. This endeavour also serves as an opportunity to celebrate the expertise of local artisans, foresters, and distillers. Ultimately, we hope to foster innovation within the spirits industry by sharing our findings, inspiring other distilleries to embark on their own creative and unconventional ventures.

83 Islands Distillery’s barrel research project is a testament to our dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional rum making and our commitment to sustainability and local craftsmanship. We eagerly anticipate the unique flavours that will emerge from this project and look forward to sharing our discoveries with rum enthusiasts around the world. Stay tuned for updates on our progress and exciting taste revelations!

*We are fully aware that the avocado tree contains the persin toxin. Our primary objective in creating an avocado tree rum barrel is to evaluate and refine our ability to measure the presence and concentration of this toxin. This research is intended to contribute to the development of a robust and reliable toxicity measurement methodology. We will take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of those involved in this experiment, and we do not endorse the consumption or use of any potentially toxic substances without proper safety measures in place.