Diamond distillery

Introduction to Diamond Distillery

A distillery with passion for craft

Diamond Distillery is a renowned Guyanese rum distillery, situated on the east bank of the Demerara River, which combines traditional craftsmanship with modern expertise. The distillery has built a reputation for delivering exceptional spirits in a class of their own – created with profound respect for ingredients, technique, and terroir.

This historic production facility is home to some of the most unique and storied stills in the rum world, producing marks that are coveted by blenders and connoisseurs alike.

Why we have a soft spot for Diamond

At Vault of Spirits, we value distilleries that create something truly unique – both in flavor and identity. Diamond Distillery stands apart through its preservation of traditional equipment and methods, housing the last functioning wooden stills in the world.

Their diverse array of marks, each with distinctive character, allows for incredible variety and depth in their rum portfolio, making Diamond a treasure trove for spirit enthusiasts seeking authentic and historical rum expressions.

The History behind Diamond Distillery

Origin and development

Diamond Distillery’s story begins long before its current incarnation. The site has a rum-making history dating back to the 1600s, though the modern Diamond Distillery was established in 1955, consolidating several of Guyana’s historic sugar estates and distilleries.

This consolidation preserved not just rum-making traditions but also the unique equipment from various Demerara distilleries, including the legendary Port Mourant double wooden pot still and the Enmore wooden coffey still.

Through the years, the distillery has grown in stature, gaining recognition in both local and international markets for its distinctive Demerara rums.

The people behind

The distillery is currently operated by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), whose team shares a deep passion for rum and its heritage. Master distillers and blenders maintain the legacy of Demerara rum production, honoring traditional methods while adapting to modern standards.

Each batch, bottle, and decision reflects the dedication invested in preserving Guyana’s rum-making legacy while creating products that stand among the world’s finest spirits.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Production at Diamond Distillery begins with locally grown sugarcane, harvested from the fertile lands surrounding the Demerara River. The molasses derived from this sugarcane brings distinct regional character to the rum.

What truly sets Diamond apart is its remarkable collection of stills, each producing a specific “mark” (style of rum). These include the only functioning wooden pot stills in existence, including the Port Mourant double wooden pot still (dating from 1732), the Versailles single wooden pot still, and the Enmore wooden continuous coffey still.

These different stills produce rums of varying characters and densities, creating a palette of flavors that can be blended to create complex final products.

Maturation and aging

Aging takes place in ex-bourbon oak casks, allowing the spirits to develop depth, complexity, and balance in Guyana’s tropical climate. The high temperatures accelerate maturation, creating rich, deep flavors more quickly than in cooler climates.

Many releases from the distillery are single cask or small batch, giving enthusiasts a truly unique experience with each bottle. The angel’s share (evaporation during aging) can reach up to 7% annually in Guyana’s climate, making older expressions particularly rare and precious.

Selected Products from Diamond Distillery

El Dorado 15 Year Old – An introduction to the house style

This expression is an excellent place to start if you want to understand Diamond Distillery’s DNA. With notes of tropical fruits, dark chocolate, coffee, and oak spice, and a pleasantly full mouthfeel, it has become a favorite among both new and experienced enthusiasts.

The blend incorporates rums from various stills, showcasing the diversity and complexity that Diamond can achieve.

Single Still Releases – An experience for connoisseurs

Diamond occasionally releases expressions from individual stills, such as the Port Mourant or Versailles marks. These more complex expressions often feature higher alcohol strength and distinctive character profiles.

Expect concentrated spice notes, profound molasses character, oily texture, and subtle oak influence – bottles for those who truly wish to dive deep into the details of traditional rum production.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Diamond Distillery offers guided tours that bring you close to the process – from cane to glass. The subsequent tasting typically includes 3-5 expressions, providing good insight into their range.

Visitors can witness the historic wooden stills in action, a truly rare opportunity to see living rum history that exists nowhere else in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Diamond Distillery?

Diamond Distillery is a rum distillery in Guyana that produces spirits with a focus on traditional methods and equipment preservation. Their approach combines classical traditions with modern techniques to create unique tasting experiences rooted in centuries of rum-making heritage.

Where is Diamond Distillery located?

The distillery is located in Diamond, on the east bank of the Demerara River in Guyana, South America. The tropical environment plays a significant role in both raw material selection and the maturation process of their rums.

What characterizes Diamond Distillery?

Diamond Distillery is especially known for housing the world’s last functioning wooden stills, producing diverse “marks” of rum with distinctive profiles, and creating rich, heavy rums with profound character. Each bottling bears the hallmark of careful handling and a clear identity linked to Guyana’s rum traditions.

Where can I buy rum from Diamond Distillery?

You can find selected bottles from Diamond Distillery at Vault of Spirits. We hand-pick the best expressions – both regular releases and limited single casks – ensuring you have access to something special from this historic producer.