Travellers distillery

Introduction to Travellers

A distillery with passion for craft

Travellers is a renowned Belizean rum distillery that has masterfully blended traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques since its inception. Located in the lush landscapes of Belize, this family-owned operation has established itself as one of Central America’s premier rum producers, crafting spirits that truly capture the essence of their tropical homeland.

The distillery has become synonymous with authentic Caribbean rum production, maintaining time-honored methods while embracing modern refinements that enhance the quality and character of their spirits.

Why we have a soft spot for Travellers

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that honor their heritage while pushing boundaries – Travellers exemplifies this philosophy perfectly. What sets Travellers apart is their commitment to using locally grown sugar cane and their unique fermentation process using proprietary yeasts that have been cultivated for generations.

Their approach to distillation celebrates Belizean rum-making traditions while creating products that stand out in today’s competitive spirits market. Each bottle tells a story of place, tradition, and careful craftsmanship.

The History behind Travellers

Origin and development

Travellers was founded in 1953 by Jaime Omario Perdomo Sr., initially as a small bar serving the local community in Belize City. The name “Travellers” was chosen because the establishment catered to travelers moving between the northern and southern regions of the country.

What began as a modest venture expanded into a full-fledged distillery when the family recognized an opportunity to create quality Belizean rum. Through decades of dedication and perseverance, Travellers has grown from a local producer to an internationally recognized rum distillery with distribution across multiple continents.

The people behind

Today, Travellers remains a family enterprise, led by the third generation of the Perdomo family. Their collective passion for rum-making and commitment to preserving Belizean rum traditions drives the distillery’s operations and innovations.

Master Distiller Magali Perdomo has been instrumental in maintaining the distillery’s traditional methods while implementing quality control standards that ensure consistency across their product line. The team’s hands-on approach is evident in every aspect of production, from cane selection to bottling.

The Craft and Production

From raw materials to finished product

Production at Travellers begins with locally grown sugar cane harvested from the fertile soils of Belize. Unlike many modern distilleries that use imported molasses, Travellers produces their own “black gold” molasses from freshly pressed cane juice, contributing to their rum’s distinctive character.

The distillation occurs in a combination of pot and column stills, allowing for versatility in their rum portfolio. This dual approach enables them to create both fuller-bodied, robust expressions and lighter, more delicate spirits under the same roof.

Aging and maturation

The tropical climate of Belize accelerates the aging process, with the high temperatures increasing the interaction between the spirit and the wood. Travellers primarily uses ex-bourbon American oak barrels for maturation, though special releases may feature finishes in port, sherry, or wine casks.

The “angel’s share” – the portion of rum that evaporates during aging – is significantly higher in Belize than in cooler climates, sometimes reaching 8-10% annually. This rapid evaporation concentrates flavors more quickly, resulting in rums that achieve remarkable complexity in less time than their counterparts aged in temperate regions.

Featured Products from Travellers

One Barrel Rum – An introduction to the house style

This flagship expression is the perfect entry point to understand Travellers’ distillery character. With notes of vanilla, tropical fruits, and subtle spice, coupled with a smooth, medium-bodied mouthfeel, it has become a favorite among both newcomers and seasoned rum enthusiasts.

One Barrel is aged for at least one year in oak barrels, delivering a well-balanced spirit that works beautifully in cocktails while remaining complex enough to enjoy neat.

Don Omario Vintage Rum – An experience for connoisseurs

Named after the founder, this premium offering represents the pinnacle of Travellers’ craftsmanship. Aged for a minimum of five years, it presents a more complex expression with notes of dried fruits, caramelized sugar, oak, and a subtle hint of leather.

The higher proof and extended aging create a rich, viscous texture and a lingering finish that reveals new dimensions with each sip – a bottle truly meant for those who appreciate the finer details of rum production.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Travellers offers guided tours of their facilities in Belize, providing visitors with an immersive look into traditional Caribbean rum production. The tour takes you through every stage of the process – from molasses to bottling – and concludes with a tasting session featuring 3-5 expressions that showcase the breadth of their portfolio.

The experience offers a unique opportunity to understand the cultural significance of rum in Belize while appreciating the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle of Travellers rum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Travellers?

Travellers is a family-owned rum distillery based in Belize that produces authentic Caribbean rum with an emphasis on traditional production methods and local ingredients. Their approach combines time-honored distillation practices with careful quality control to create distinctive spirits that reflect the character of Belize.

Where is Travellers located?

The distillery is located in Belize City, Belize, with its tropical climate playing a significant role in both the fermentation process and the accelerated aging of their rums. The surrounding environment contributes to the terroir found in their spirits.

What characterizes Travellers rum?

Travellers rum is characterized by its authentic Belizean profile, featuring a distinctive balance of sweetness and complexity. Key attributes include the use of proprietary yeast strains passed down through generations, locally produced molasses, and the influence of the tropical aging environment, which creates rums with remarkable depth despite relatively modest age statements.

Where can I buy rum from Travellers?

You can find selected bottles from Travellers at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate both their core expressions and limited releases, ensuring you have access to the best that this storied Belizean distillery has to offer.