Nassau’s Graycliff Just Opened The Bahamas’ First Moonshine Company
A cigar company. A chocolate factory. A pizzeria. A winery. Nassau’s Graycliff never stops innovating with exciting, creative new attractions, and now the legendary hotel and restaurant’s Heritage Village has added a rather cool new offering: The Bahamas’ first moonshine company.
It’s called the Bahamian Moonshine Company by Graycliff, and it serves up a selection of full-fledged moonshines, from the adventurous “White Lightning” to a host of locally-inspired flavors.
It’s the product of a collaboration between Graycliff and North Carolina-based South Mountain Distilling Company, and the result is traditional, authentic Moonshine in the heart of historic Nassau.
The flavors are diverse: everything from mango to candy cane to sapodilla (“dilly” to a “chocolate brownie” moonshine. There’s also a quintessentially Bahamian expression: Guava, which was particularly delicious.
But the crown jewel is the White Lightning, an exceptionally smooth spirit (particularly when you compare it some of the Caribbean’s similar-strength rum expressions). But, be forewarned, it packs a punch, to the tune of 190 proof — 95 ABV, to be exact. (The flavor-infused moonshines are a milder 40 proof.)
There are also some South Mountain-branded options, including unique tastes like Peanut Butter Banana.
The wood-paneled interior is a portal to a country distillery, with free tastings available and assorted gifts on the shelves as well.
It’s just the latest clever addition for Graycliff, which has turned Nassau’s West Hill Street (just a short stroll away from Bay Street and the Nassau Cruise Port) into one of the country’s most popular places to visit, from the recently-expanded chocolate factory (which now even boasts its own candle factory) to its famous cigar company, which is marking its third decade with an expert team of Cuban rollers and a global footprint.
That’s accompanied by the just-transformed Bahama Barrels winery, where you can do a wine tasting, blend your own bottle of wine, with the world’s third-largest wine cellar is just down the street at the Graycliff main house (home to very popular wine lunches, too).
The transformation of West Hill street has been remarkable; it’s quickly vaulted to the top of the city’s must-visit stops, with its overhead umbrellas, colorful centuries-old buildings and seemingly endless array of unique, authentic experiences.
We’ve visited countless times and for us, it’s the most enjoyable street in all of Nassau & Paradise Island, a destination that’s tailor-made for experiential travelers.
Of course, you can’t go to Graycliff without a dinner at the five-star restaurant that was just named Caribbean Restaurant of the Year, or find a room and stay at charming, historic boutique hotel. (Rooms from $496 right now).
Just don’t forget the White Lightning.
For more, visit Graycliff.
