Who owns Long Pond Distillery?

Answered by Roy Gibson

Long Pond Distillery is currently owned by National Rums of Jamaica (NRJ), a Jamaican company that specializes in the production and distribution of . However, the journey to its current ownership began back in 2009 when the Long Pond Sugar Estate, along with Hampden Estate, was purchased by the Hussey family.

At that time, the Hussey family saw an opportunity to revive the once renowned Long Pond Sugar Estate, which had a long history dating back to the 18th century. They recognized the potential of the estate and its rich heritage in producing high-quality sugarcane and rum. The acquisition of the estate was not just a business decision but also a commitment to preserving Jamaica's rum-making tradition.

Under the ownership of the Hussey family, significant investments were made to rejuvenate and modernize the Long Pond Sugar Estate. The focus was not only on maintaining the estate's historical significance but also on improving the production processes to ensure the highest quality rum.

During this period, the Hussey family established Long Pond Distillers Ltd, a company dedicated to the production of rum at the estate. They brought in experts in the field of rum-making and invested in state-of-the-art distillation equipment. These efforts aimed to elevate the reputation of Long Pond rum and establish it as a premium brand in the global market.

However, in recent years, there have been changes in ownership. Long Pond Distillers Ltd is now part of National Rums of Jamaica (NRJ), which is a consortium of Jamaican rum producers. NRJ was formed to consolidate the resources and expertise of several rum estates in Jamaica, including Long Pond, and to promote Jamaican rum on a larger scale.

While the specific details of the acquisition by NRJ are not publicly available, it can be assumed that the ownership change was driven by the desire to further enhance the production and distribution capabilities of Long Pond rum. By joining forces with other Jamaican rum producers under the NRJ umbrella, Long Pond Distillers Ltd can leverage shared resources and expertise to continue producing exceptional rum.

In my personal experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and appreciate the craftsmanship of Long Pond rum. Its distinctive flavor profile, characterized by rich molasses notes and a unique tropical fruitiness, is a testament to the dedication and skill of the distillers involved. The ownership changes over the years have not compromised the quality of the rum but have rather provided opportunities for further growth and recognition in the global rum industry.

Long Pond Distillery is currently owned by National Rums of Jamaica (NRJ), a consortium of Jamaican rum producers. However, it was initially acquired by the Hussey family in 2009, who invested in revitalizing the Long Pond Sugar Estate and establishing Long Pond Distillers Ltd. The ownership change to NRJ signifies a strategic move to strengthen the position of Long Pond rum in the market and promote Jamaican rum on a larger scale.