By Andy Young, Editor of The Shout.com.au
The Bundaberg Distilling Company has opened the doors on its new visitor experience, following an $8.5 million upgrade.
The upgrade is one of the most significant investments made by the distillery in its 127-year history and the new centre also gives visitors the opportunity to craft their own personalised Bundaberg Rum blend.
The centre opened this weekend with guests including Bundaberg Distilling Company Chairman, Anthony Mortimer and Bundaberg Rum Senior Brand Manager, Duncan Littler, as well as the Federal Member for Hinkler and Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Keith Pitt and Mayor of Bundaberg, Jack Dempsey.
Mortimer said, “Bundaberg Rum is an Australian icon which now has the visitor experience to match its world class and award winning rum. We’re proud to invite locals, Australians and rum lovers from around the world to visit the distillery and experience the rich history of Bundaberg Rum and the Bundaberg region, and to of course enjoy a rum with us while they’re there.”
Pitt said the Bundaberg Rum Distillery has long been a popular destination for people visiting the region.
“This significant investment of $8.5 million will help cement the Bundaberg Rum Visitor Experience as one of the leading attractions in Queensland and bring additional visitors and trade to Bundaberg. I congratulate the Bundaberg Distilling Company for its ongoing commitment to the region.”
The new experience includes the Bundaberg Rum Museum, which allows visitors to walk through six 75,000-litre oak vats, which have previously matured Bundaberg rum. Visitors will also have the opportunity to spend time with expert rum blending guides who will talk about the art of tasting rum straight from the barrel.
Littler added, “Our expert guides will teach the art of blending rum, helping visitors understand their palates and craft their own bespoke blend from a selection of their favourite rums. The bottles will be sealed and finished with a personalised label and the blend recipe kept on file if they wish to order the same blend again in the future.”
