White rums represent pure distillation products that are not affected by the wood of the barrels in which they are matured, thus offering the opportunity to get closer to their origin.
The second rum is labeled NYE/WK, with “NYE” standing for New Yarmouth Distilleries. The beginnings of this Jamaican distillery date back to the mid-18th century, but otherwise it is shrouded in mystery, because for centuries visitors were not allowed entry. "WK" are the initials of Winston Kennedy. While it is not certain that Winston ever worked in New Yarmouth, thanks to research assisted by rum historian Matt Pietrek, we have discovered interesting details about his life and career.
Winston Kennedy was an important figure in the Jamaican sugar industry. After successfully completing his studies at the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture in Trinidad in 1955, Winston returned to Jamaica. He worked in several sugar factories which are now closed such as Bookers, Frome and Rose Hall. In 1964 he obtained the position of chief chemist at the now defunct Barnett Sugar Estate in Montego Bay. He remained in Montego Bay until 1973 when he moved to the Hampden Sugar Factory in Trelawny as assistant manager. After a few years, in 1979, Winston was promoted to plant manager at the Hampden factory, which was located near Duncans. A few years later he was appointed to the board of directors of the Long Pond Sugar Estate. From this point on his career remains obscure until 2005, when he is guest of honor at JAST (Jamaican Association of Sugar Technologists). Winston Kennedy's biography leaves some blanks, but we know for a fact that he was an important figure in the Jamaican sugar industry for more than 50 years.
It is unclear whether Winston left Long Pond and moved to New Yarmouth at some point. As with almost everything about the New Yarmouth distillery, we'll probably never know.
We know, however, that we are fortunate to present a rare brand of rum that pays homage to this key figure in Jamaican history.
The level of esters in NYE/WK rum varies between 1500-1600 ppm, and is therefore higher than that of typical overproof rums. There are notes of acetone, citrus peel, white pepper, with a hint of pear and peach and a powerful, long finish.
Discover another piece of Jamaican history in rum from its most mysterious distillery and toast Winston Kennedy, the man whose name is immortalized by the New Yarmouth Distillery and Warehouse #1 Overproof NYE/WK Rum.
The glass bottle is 75 Cl filled with 70 Cl of product as per note on the back label.
70 Cl
63% Vol.
