The journey began in June of 2013, and what a journey it has been. The concept of a rum distillery on Daufuskie seemed to be a great one. After all, rum is an island drink and it is made on islands all throughout the Caribbean. So, why not on Daufuskie Island? The first obstacle was finding the right place to put the distillery...Set in a private oasis replete with two large live oaks with plenty of Spanish moss and a fantastic pond for the distillery to overlook, we found our future.
Next came obtaining the necessary permits and approvals. Multiple surveys, inspections and plan reviews delayed the building process until early summer. By July, we finally had the concrete pad poured and the concept was becoming a reality. Barge after barge of building materials began to arrive. After all was said and done, we erected over 30,000 pounds of steel and over 10,000 pounds of other materials, leaving us with a completed, hurricane rated steel building to house our future distillery.
The day came when the beautiful stills and fermenters arrived! They were created just for the Daufuskie Island Rum Company and built in Alabama. The stills are beautiful copper belly column stills. We fill the fermenter with 700 pounds of Demerara sugar, 7 pounds of yeast and hot water from our well. This begins the undertaking of turning premium raw ingredients into handcrafted rum. Careful attention is given to each step of the process.
12,000+ Facebook fans later, visitors from all over the world, and the growth of our product continuing, our 100% American made Rum is distilled, bottled and packed by hand here on Daufuskie Island. The sun, sea and rich history all blend together to make this island the perfect place for the Daufuskie Island Rum Company and an unforgettable Lowcountry treasure. We hope to see you at the distillery soon!
A JOURNEY TO THE RUM
Photography by Geoff L. Johnson