For the investors in John Watling's Distillery, this week's opening is quite literately five years in the making.
Armed with only an idea, Pepin Argamasilla and Jose Portuondo started aging their premier Buena Vista Rum while laying the foundation for a new attraction in historic Nassau. Those wooden barrels will soon be cracked open and ready for the market as investors finally lift the curtain on the multimillion-dollar distillery.
"I think Bahamians and tourists have been waiting for a product and experience like this," Argamasilla said. "This process began five years ago and we have come full circle. We'll be open this week to tourist and locals, although we're still in the process of working out the kinks."
John Watling's Distillery appears well on its way to becoming a well-oiled machine.
A tour with Guardian Business revealed that signs of construction are melting away at the historic estate. Construction crews are placing the final touches on what has been described as a "living museum".
Argamasilla told Guardian Business that the estate boasts a number of antiques and portraits. While some of the memorabilia was already on site, several pieces of art have been donated by the property's past owners or by prominent Bahamians.
Tourists and locals are invited to take an interactive tour free of charge, whereby they can learn the history of the estate and watch the actual rum-making process. The crowds eventually spill out into an extensive gift shop and finally a full bar where guests can order several varieties of homegrown rum. Vodka and gin are also expected to come on stream in the coming months.
The attraction currently employs more than 20 Bahamians, with up to 30 positions expected by the time it starts operating at full steam.
Investors have been adamant in restoring the site so it reflects 18th century living. The product itself is produced entirely by hand without the use of machinery. Meanwhile, the estate is a "cold spot", in the sense that no wireless Internet signals or technological elements are on site. Even wires and cash registers have been hidden from view.
"Everything is by hand. You don't just push a button here. It is by Bahamian hands," Argamasilla said.
So far, local businesses have responded to the authentic approach.
According to management, John Watling's has already established 50 accounts or point of distribution, including restaurants, hotels and liquor stores.
The attraction is now producing around 50 cases per day, each containing six bottles. The goal is to get that production up to at least 52 cases per day, according to Mario Portuondo, managing partner and director of sales and marketing.
Investors hope John Watling's will be a hit by filing a void of activities and tours that celebrate the nation's rich heritage. The attraction's opening comes months after Graycliff opened its interactive chocolate factory just down the street. These two destinations combined are attempting to offer a new alternative to Bay Street and the straw market experience.
Argamasilla said John Watling's is working with a number of tour operators to funnel tourists to the estate. Marketing campaigns are planned for Festival Place where tourists disembark from cruise ships.
Interest has already been peeked from companies overseas.
"We will start with the U.S. The first step is to get the production going, which we have done. Now we are getting the site ready for tourism and it should take three months or so to iron out any kinks," he told Guardian Business. "I can tell you we already have interest though from Europe, Scandinavia and other places."

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