Venture into Antigua's only rainforest along the lush, banana-canopied Fig Tree Drive, then tour the island's celebrated Antigua Distillery for a behind-the-scenes look at English Harbour Rum — one of the Caribbean's finest small-batch spirits.
What to expect
Your journey begins as you wind down Fig Tree Drive, a sinuous road canopied by breadfruit, mango, and banana trees, stopping to pick fresh fruit and hear your guide explain the island's agricultural heritage. At the distillery in St. John's, a knowledgeable tour guide walks you through the fermentation tanks, copper pot stills, and aging warehouse where barrels of rum mellow in the Caribbean heat. The tasting session pairs expressions of English Harbour 5-Year and 10-Year Reserve with local dark chocolate and dried fruit. Bottles of the 25-Year Anniversary Reserve — rarely found abroad — are available to purchase duty-free on site.
Good to know
The distillery is a short taxi ride from the cruise pier in St. John's. Pre-book distillery tours via their website or by direct email. Fig Tree Drive is best visited in the morning before heat peaks. Combine with a stop at the Fig Tree Studio Art Gallery for local crafts.