Once there were five Guyanas—now, only one truly remains.
Back in the days of colonial expansion, the Caribbean Sea was a prime target for European powers seeking new riches. Sugar had become popular and increasingly in demand, and the region’s climate and coastline were ideal for sugarcane cultivation. Initially, the Dutch dominated the northern coast of South America but eventually had to share their holdings with other European powers—by force or by trade.
Five European nations established colonies along this coast, each named Guyana: Portuguese, French, Dutch, British, and Spanish. The Portuguese territory became part of Brazil, and the Spanish part of Venezuela after slavery was abolished in 1833. The three central Guyanas remained relatively unchanged until the late 20th century. Regionally, all five are still considered Caribbean due to their cultural, historical, and political ties to the area.
Dutch Guyana became Suriname in 1975, the smallest country in South America, still closely connected to the Netherlands and Dutch-speaking. Rum from Suriname is currently limited, but before ceding land to the British in 1814, the Demerara region—especially the Uitvlugt distillery—produced rich, potent rums using wooden pot stills and high-quality sugarcane. Equipment from six estates was eventually consolidated at Guyana’s last remaining distillery: Diamond Distillery.
East of former Dutch Guyana lies French Guiana, nearly half the size of Suriname and still a French department. Its people identify as French, speak the language proudly, and enjoy croissants and café au lait like in Paris. Rum production is minimal, limited to agricole from the last distillery in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. However, they’ve mastered the art of importing Guyanese rum, aging it in old French cognac casks, and letting the tropical climate impart unique flavors.
Now to the star of this story: the former British colony of Guyana. Europeans arrived in the 18th century with sugarcane, establishing plantations where nearly every farm had its own distillery. In 1815, the most lucrative areas came under British control until independence in 1966, followed by republic status within the Commonwealth.
Initially, production boomed, with sugar and rum flowing eastward. After slavery ended, the British brought in Indian laborers—more costly but English-speaking—which kept exports going. Over time, European import restrictions and declining demand led to the closure of many Guyanese distilleries. The final blow came on July 31, 1970: Black Tot Day. Since 1655, Royal Navy sailors had received daily rum rations, but this tradition ended with mourning armbands and symbolic burials at sea.
Enter Diamond Distilleries Ltd., determined to preserve Guyana’s rum heritage using equipment from the last six distilleries. They restored three legendary wooden stills, which now form the backbone of their flagship rums. These feature short fermentation and minimal congeners for a clean, powerful spirit. Rom de Luxe handpicked six full-strength casks, finished them in Europe, and bottled them in limited editions for this tasting.
Collectors Series Rum No. 12 Guyana 16 YO – 53% ABV – Marque REV
Distilled on the historic Versailles pot still, this rum aged 8 years in the tropics and 8 in Europe. Dark golden color, aromas of oak, sweetness, leather, tobacco, vanilla, and dried tropical fruit. Full-bodied and rounded. Score: 7.5/10
Wild Series Rum No. 34 Diamond 20 YO – 59.8% ABV – Marque MEE
From the Enmore EHP Coffey still, the only wooden column still in use. Aged 20 years in ex-bourbon casks. Spicy nose with molasses, licorice, and tropical fruit. Complex palate with dried fruit, charred oak, and balanced spices. Strong personality. Score: 8.5/10
Wild Series Rum No. 35 Diamond 18 YO – 59.3% ABV – Marque SLV
Produced on the Savalle Still from Uitvlugt. Peppery nose with raisin and chocolate, reminiscent of Christmas. Sweet start followed by dry strength, roasted coffee, and herbs. Honest Guyana style. Score: 9.5/10
Wild Series Rum No. 36 Diamond 18 YO – 54.9% ABV – Marque MDXC
Back to the Versailles wooden still. Distilled in 2004, aged continentally in ex-bourbon casks with slight coloring. Fruity nose with sulfites, nuts, and cinnamon. Flavor of molasses, black tea, licorice, and dried fruit. Long, dry finish with earthy and floral notes. Score: 9/10
Wild Series Rum No. 50 Anniversary Edition 20 YO – 56.9% ABV – Marque MDK
Distilled on the Versailles still, marking the 50th Wild Series release. Aged 20 years in ex-rum casks. Nutty nose with charred oak, hay, lavender, citrus, and apple. Sweet and smooth palate with butter caramel, banana, pepper, clove, salted molasses, herbs, and earth. Dry, balanced finish with a hint of tannin. Score: 8/10
Wild Series Rum No. 60 4 YO – 77.75% ABV – Marque SWR
Youngest and strongest of the day, made on the Savalle column still. Aged nearly 5 years in virgin American oak in Denmark. Pale golden color. Fresh, grassy nose with explosive, floral palate of fruit, vanilla, and new oak. Surprisingly full-bodied. Long, nuanced finish. Score: 9.5/10
This Saturday at Whisky.dk offered a rum tasting far beyond the ordinary. Though three additional rums from Trinidad, Nicaragua, and Jamaica were also featured, we’ll save those for another time. While I personally prefer longer fermentation and funkier profiles, Kim Pedersen is a brilliant ambassador for Rom de Luxe. Rumor has it only half his stories are true—but they’re all highly entertaining. Come back soon, Kim, and bring more of your fantastic bottles!
