Cape Town Craft Rum Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience

Summary

Guided Rum Tasting & Distillery Tour in Cape Town

If you want to get behind the scenes of Cape Town’s only craft rum distillery, this tour is for you. You’ll taste real local rums, learn how they’re made from scratch, and share stories with fellow visitors—all in a laid-back setting that feels more like hanging out with friends than a formal tasting.

What’s the experience like?

It’s easy to miss the little courtyard where the distillery sits—tucked away from the city noise, with just a faint whiff of molasses in the air as you step inside. Our guide, Sipho, greeted us with a quick smile and a story about how rum first made its way to South Africa. The place feels personal; you can hear the soft clink of bottles being stacked somewhere in back. We started off by dipping a spoon into thick, sticky molasses—surprisingly tangy—and then moved on to sniffing jars of cinnamon bark and toasted oak chips. I never realized how much goes into each bottle until I saw it up close.

The tasting room isn’t fancy, but there’s something inviting about its mismatched chairs and old wooden bar. We tried three different rums—each poured neat at first, then paired with mixers if you wanted. Everyone picked up different flavors; someone swore they tasted banana bread in one, while another caught hints of pepper. The guide encouraged us to chat about what we noticed, so nobody felt out of place if they didn’t know “rum words.” It was relaxed—no rush at all. Even if you’re not a rum expert (I’m definitely not), you’ll walk out knowing exactly what’s in your glass and why it tastes that way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Craft Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting

• Arrive and introductions
• Brief history of rum
• Taste molasses and smell spices
• Tour rum production area
• Tasting of 3 different rums neat
• Discuss flavors and experience

Top questions

Can I bring my kids or baby along?

Yes! Infants and small children can come along in a pram or stroller. Just keep them close during the tour for safety.

Are service animals allowed inside?

Absolutely—service animals are welcome throughout the distillery and tasting areas.

Is it easy to get there by public transport?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby so getting here without a car is no problem.

I don’t know much about rum—will I still enjoy it?

No worries at all! The tour is beginner-friendly and our guide explains everything in simple terms. You’ll learn as you go.

What’s included

You’ll join an interactive tour through our working distillery, see every step of our rum-making process up close, and get to taste three different rums—both neat and mixed. All tastings are included!