Friday, December 11, 2015

Historic Beenleigh Rum Distillery Has Been Opened to Visitors

     Beenleigh Rum, owned by Bickford's Group,  is Australia's oldest rum and its distillery.   The Bickford's Group spokesman, Chris Illman, said visitor reactions to tours of the distillery, that officially started December 2, 2015, have been "nothing but positive".    "Consumers are looking to understand how to make great spirits.   This provides the opportunity to change how people view rum in this country." 

  The Queensland heritage register-listed Beenleigh Rum Distillery is the oldest registered distillery in Australia and is a rare survivor of Australia's early sugar industry. It commenced operations in 1884 and was the legal successor to a floating moonshine still, the SS Walrus, which drifted between cane plantations evading police in the early 19th century.
     The Distillery was original built on the banks of the Albert River"   The story of farmers who dabbled in this game of making rum."   Between 1981 and 2005 a museum featuring displays on the history of sugar and rum production in the Beenleigh area was open at the distillery.    The stills, vats and photos were relocated to the historic village at Beenleigh.    Queensland heritage register-listed Beenleigh Rum Distillery is the oldest registered distillery in Australia and is a rare survivor of Australia's Australia's oldest rum distillery has opened its doors to visitors for the first time since the 1980s.early sugar industry.    It commenced operations in 1884 and was the legal successor to a floating moonshine still, the SS Walrus, which drifted between cane plantations evading police in the early 19th century.   Between 1981 and 2005 a museum featuring displays on the history of sugar and rum production in the Beenleigh area was open at the distillery.    The stills, vats and photos were relocated to the Beenleigh Historical Village.  
     “The distillery has faced many challenges in its time, including being completely swept away in the 1887 Albert River flood, with the now iconic red building being built in the 1890's.    "It's the oldest continuously operated distillery in the Australia.  The story of this venerable distillery continues to be told to future generations," Chris Illman , Bickford Group Spokesman, said.
Gavin Butler
     On top of public tours of the distillery, Gavin Butler, manager and mixologist, said, "We can share with them the history of when the property was founded to the current day." "We'll take them to distillery and show them how we make the rum, as well as the great barrel room where we finish the rum.   "Visitors can also taste the products in the visitor’s center."
     Chris Illman said the number of tourists visiting South East Queensland is promising for the distillery.   "Four million people travel to Brisbane and the Gold Coast each year, both from interstate and internationally," Mr Illman said.  "Beenleigh is right in the middle so there is a huge opportunity for 200,000 people to visit annually.   "We're at such a close proximity to those hubs; it's a huge opportunity for local business to leverage off that."   Logan Mayor, Pam Parker, who has been a strong advocate for greater tourism in Logan, said the distillery showcased the region's history.   "It is wonderful to see history honored in this way," "I have no doubt tourists will embrace this trip down memory lane,” Mayor Parker said in her statement.
To book a tour of the Beenleigh Rum Distillery or for more information contact Gavin Butler at gavin.butler@beenleighrum.com.au.