Port Mourant

The Port Mourant Sugar Estate traces its roots back to 1732. However, historical records reveal that the region surrounding the estate was primarily dedicated to cotton cultivation in 1802. The name “Port Mourant” did not appear in any sources until 1813, indicating that it likely originated as a cotton plantation established by Stephen Mourant along the Berbice river.

The Port Mourant distillery, renowned for its exceptional rum production, ceased operations in 1955. Nevertheless, its legacy endured through the remarkable double pot still constructed from Guyanese Greenheart wood, known as Chlorocardium Rodiei.
This wood, often used for shipbuilding due to its water-resistant properties, exhibited characteristics similar to copper in purifying sulphur compounds.

When Port Mourant closed, the double pot still was relocated to Albion, then to Uitvlugt, and finally to Diamond after Uitvlugt’s closure in 1999.

The Port Mourant distillery achieved distinction for its production of rums, contributing to the renowned navy rums cherished by the Royal Navy. The double pot still’s unique qualities added depth and character to the spirits it crafted, leaving a lasting impression on rum enthusiasts worldwide.

Although the Port Mourant distillery is no longer operational, its heritage lives on through the remarkable story of its evolution and the exceptional rums it produced. The significance of Port Mourant’s history, coupled with its distinctive pot still, ensures its enduring place in the rich tapestry of Guyana’s rum-making traditions.