Last week saw the official launch of the Tortuga Visitor Centre and Bakery Tour at Tortuga Rum Company, sharing the company’s unique story and taking visitors behind the scenes of its renowned rum cakes. 

The new visitor experience captures Tortuga’s decades-long history, with the brand celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024. Born from the dreams of founders Captain Robert and Carlene Hamaty, Tortuga has grown from its initial offering of private-label rums to be the leading retail, wholesaleand duty-free liquor business in the Cayman Islands. It also has a significant international presence, particularly for its famous cakes.

The Bakery Tour gives visitors a look at the creation of these cakes through observation windows showing Tortuga’s expert bakers at work making the Tortuga “Original” Cayman Rum Cake. They can also sample the various flavours, including the iconic “Original” recipe that the companybegan with in 1987.

“Our rum cake business is a celebrated part of our identity, and we’re thrilled to showcase that through our new Bakery Tour,” Eugene Nolan, Chief Executive Officer of Tortuga Rum Company, said. 

The event was attended by a range of tourism industry professionals, including representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Ports and the Department of Tourism, with the new attractions set to enhance the on-island experiences and benefit local businesses. 

“The Ministry of Tourism is proud to have a partner like Tortuga to bring unique and innovative experiences to our visitors while celebrating and preserving Cayman Islands culture and heritagethrough signature flavours that have become synonymous with our country,” the Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Minister for Tourism and Ports, said. 

Also in attendance was the CEO of Tortuga International, Marcus Simmonds, who addressed Tortuga’s legacy of success in the Cayman Islands. 

“We’re so proud of how far we’ve come and how the business has grown and evolved locally and overseas, which is testament to the life’s work of our two founders” Simmonds said.“Today, with over 27 products and flavours, we are filled with gratitude and excitement for this next chapter and continuing our journey of innovation, excellence and community.”

To learn more about the history of the Tortuga Rum Company, the new Tortuga Visitor Centre and the Bakery Tour, visit tortuga.ky.