NASSAU, The Bahamas – 1st October 2025
John Watling’s Distillery partnerships are reshaping tourism in The Bahamas. Consequently, in today’s visitor economy, success depends not on rivalry but on collaboration. Moreover, this philosophy drives John Watling’s Distillery and has transformed the historic Buena Vista Estate into one of Nassau’s most celebrated cultural landmarks.
Pepin Argamasilla, a marketing executive, explains: “Through collaboration, you can expand your reach. However, we noticed companies trying to outsell each other. Then, it hit us: the best advertising is word of mouth. Therefore, instead of competing, we asked what if we partnered and became part of what other industry experts were already doing?”
1. John Watling’s Distillery Partnerships Revive Buena Vista Estate
Since the new founders purchased the abandoned 1789 Buena Vista Estate, the property has flourished. Today, it houses a working distillery, tavern, the We B Learnin’ Rum Academy, and a lively gathering place. Visitors can bottle their own rum, enjoy immersive tastings, try cocktail mixing, or relax with drinks from the tavern, coffee from Louis & Steen’s New Orleans Coffeehouse, or Bahamian-inspired dishes from Vell Monkey Foot Eatery.
2. Expanding Tourism Through John Watling’s Distillery Partnerships
Early partnerships with Bahamas Experience, Leisure Travel, and Majestic Tours set the foundation. Today, over 75 tour operators bring visitors, including Islandz Tours, Pirate Jeep Tours, Snappa Tours, and Cheryl’s Taxi and Tour Service. These collaborations cement the distillery as a hub of Nassau’s visitor economy.
3. Signature Rums and John Watling’s Distillery Partnerships
At the Rum Academy, guests enjoy chocolates from Graycliff Chocolatier paired with John Watling’s 10-Year-Old Bullion Rum, awarded a Gold Medal at Monde Selection in Brussels (2024). Signature cocktails such as the Skylarkin’ and Cascarilla Sunrise highlight Bahamian creativity, combining John Watling’s Amber Rum with RICARDO Coconut Rum or Pale Rum with AMARO by Bahamas Botanicals.
Among its most notable achievements is John Watling’s Paradise Rum, developed with Atlantis Paradise Island. Initially served in the Pineapple Passion cocktail, it quickly became a best-seller in The Bahamas and is now exported to the U.S.
4. Protecting Culture via John Watling’s Distillery Partnerships
Paradise Rum blends 4- and 6-year-old rums aged in ex-Bourbon barrels and finishes six months in Oloroso sherry casks. This delivers a smooth, complex flavor reflecting Bahamian luxury and authenticity. It pairs well with a Graycliff Cigar.
Argamasilla adds: “Outcompeting others is no longer the path to growth. Visitors deserve a richer experience. Nassau has more than one venue; there’s enough for everyone to discover.”
Partnerships also extend to cultural preservation. Historic cannons at the Water Battery on West Bay Street needed restoration. John Watling’s partnered with the Antiquities, Monuments, and Museums Corporation (AMMC) to restore the site. Work is expected to finish by American Thanksgiving.
Starting 15th October, AMMC will provide the West Indian Guard for daily ceremonial cannon firings at noon at Buena Vista Estate. Guests will even pull the trigger, creating unforgettable moments blending history, entertainment, and national pride.
5. Expanding Reach Through U.S. Retail and Cruise Partnerships
John Watling’s products are now available in 15 U.S. states through Total Wine & More, including Florida, New York, Texas, and California. Consequently, The Rum of The Bahamas reaches more American consumers than ever.
Royal Caribbean International partnered with John Watling’s Rum for the President’s Cruise 2025, docking in Nassau on 23rd September. The distillery created a pop-up Rum Academy at the Nassau Cruise Port Art Gallery. Guests bottled rum, sealed it with molten wax, added custom labels, and enjoyed guided tastings. This hands-on experience highlights Bahamian rum-making heritage.
Argamasilla says: “Hundreds of thousands of cruise, stopover, and local guests visit Buena Vista each year. This event brought the Rum Academy directly to them. It proved the power of partnership and showed what The Bahamas offers.”
6. Local Collaborations and Championing The Bahamas
John Watling’s network of partnerships continues to grow. “We collaborate with the Graycliff Group, The National Art Gallery, Educulture Junkanoo Museum, Tasty Teas, D’Aguilar Art Gallery, artist Antonius Roberts, and nearby churches and historic sites,” explains Argamasilla. “Together, we restore and position our neighborhood as the cultural heart of The Bahamas.”
Beyond rum, the mission of John Watling’s is to champion The Bahamas as a destination rich in history, culture, and hospitality. Argamasilla reflects: “At the end of the day, our product is The Bahamas. The more goodwill we extend, the more comes back. Partnerships make the pie bigger for everyone.”
Learn more at www.johnwatlings.com
Photos: Focus Cay Photography
