The Callwood Rum Distillery has claimed Best Tasting Rum honours at the 2026 Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association Conference and Exhibition held in Grenada, the Government of the Virgin Islands announced this week.
Junior Minister for Culture Luce Hodge-Smith handed over the award to the Callwood family during a formal ceremony in Grenada. Noni M. Georges, Managing Director of Seven Seas Water Corporation, also attended the presentation.
The winning spirit, Panty Dropper rum, undergoes roughly six years of maturation to develop its flavour profile. Hodge-Smith said the distillery's regional success shows that heritage products from the Virgin Islands can compete across the Caribbean market. "The distillery represents the strength of our traditions, the value of passing our cultural knowledge from one generation to the next, and the unique experiences that make our Territory special," she stated.
Michael Callwood, speaking for the family, emphasised their dedication to time-honoured production techniques. "It is our family history, our legacy that goes on from generation to generation," he said. He noted that maintaining traditional methods is essential to preserving the rum's distinctive character.
The Cane Garden Bay distillery, on Tortola, has operated continuously for more than 200 years. It won recognition at the competition in both 2024 and 2026, but could not enter in 2025 after shipping damage affected its materials.
Georges described the CWWA Conference as an annual gathering bringing together water and wastewater professionals, policymakers and officials from across the region. Beyond its technical sessions, the event includes cultural competitions featuring rum, water and pepper tastings. She highlighted the value of showcasing Virgin Islands rum-making heritage to a broader Caribbean audience through such competitions.
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