Guyana 2012 The Wild Parrot 52.9% 70cl

Diamond Distillery, located on the east bank of the Demerara River in Guyana, is the beating heart of Demerara rum production and home to one of the most remarkable collections of historic stills in the world. Owned and operated by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Diamond produces a wide array of distinctive rum marques that form the backbone of the legendary El Dorado range, as well as supplying components to independent bottlers and global blends.

The site itself has been in operation since 1670, but the modern Diamond Distillery was formed in the 1950s, eventually consolidating the production of Guyana’s surviving sugar estate distilleries under one roof. Over the decades, Diamond absorbed stills and expertise from iconic, now-closed distilleries such as Enmore, Port Mourant, Versailles, Albion, and Uitvlugt. Today, it is the only functioning rum distillery in Guyana, preserving centuries-old rum-making traditions alongside modern technology.

Diamond’s most extraordinary feature is its collection of heritage stills, many of which are unique in the world:

The distillery uses molasses derived from Demerara sugar, a key contributor to the region’s signature style. Fermentation can vary from short and clean to long and ester-heavy, depending on the marque being produced. This versatility means Diamond can craft rums suited to sipping, blending, or ageing for decades.

Diamond Distillery’s rums are typically aged in ex-bourbon American oak barrels in Guyana’s tropical climate, where the heat and humidity accelerate maturation. This results in spirits that are rich, dark, and deeply flavoured even at relatively young ages. The distillery’s own El Dorado brand showcases many of these marques in blends aged from 3 to over 25 years, while independent bottlers such as Velier, Duncan Taylor, and Samaroli have released highly sought-after single cask, high-strength expressions that highlight the individuality of each still.

Flavour profiles vary dramatically depending on the still and marque. The Port Mourant still yields earthy, herbal, and robustly spiced rum; the Enmore wooden still produces elegant, floral, and toffee-laced spirits; while Versailles rum is heavier and tannic, with deep molasses character. When blended, these marques create the complex, layered style that has made Demerara rum world famous.

Our Diamond Distillery Rum selection includes both official bottlings and rare independent releases, giving you the opportunity to experience everything from the approachable richness of El Dorado blends to the raw, high-proof intensity of single marque rums. Whether you’re a seasoned rum enthusiast or new to Guyanese spirits, Diamond Distillery offers an unmatched combination of history, craftsmanship, and flavour diversity, a living museum of rum-making excellence.