“Barbados & Blue Chair Bay”

This is where Blue Chair Bay Rum is made…

West Indies Rum Distillery | Barbados

Story from USA Today by Melanie Reffes
After several long decades of producing the smooth Cockspur rum along with coconut Malibu and Popov vodka, the distillery caught the eye of multi-platinum country artist Kenny Chesney, who channeled his love of island life to create his own brand called Blue Chair Bay Rum. (Photo: West Indian Distillery)
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As the onetime capital of sugar, Barbados still has a robust rum culture with Mount Gay the top-seller and tours of its distillery a predictable stop for tourists. For those who have been there and done that, check out the lesser-known West Indies Rum Distillery that has the real star power. In the southern parish of St. Michael, the scruffy seaside distillery has seen the turn of not one but two centuries. Opened in 1893 by the Stades brothers to export rum to back to their home in Germany, they changed their plans in 1903 when a consortium of Barbadians bought the business. After several long decades of producing the smooth Cockspur rum along with coconut Malibu and Popovvodka, the distillery caught the eye of multi-platinum country artist Kenny Chesney, who channeled his love of island life to create his own brand called Blue Chair Bay Rum; the fastest-growing new company launch in the history of wine and spirits. A sponsor of Chesney’s 2015 Big Revival Tour, the rum blend comes in tasty tropical flavors like Coconut Spiced, Coconut Spiced Rum Cream and the fan favorite Banana Rum in the yellow-tinged bottle. Tours and tastings are USD$10 and are offered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Recipes are divine and yes, you can make them at home: bluechairbayrum.com/recipes.