Where Dominica’s Past Still Breathes
Step inside Dominica’s last surviving rum producer – a place where rum, history, and heritage come alive in the heart of the Nature Island.
The Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Caribbean was a stage for global events. Every island and each estate/plantation within each island, was a microcosm where world events they took shape or played out- technology, slavery, rebellion, abolition, migration, entrepreneurship and above all, resilience.
What You’ll Discover on Your Tour
The Power Behind the Rum
There were two methods used to drive the cane crushing mill at Belfast.
Water Power
Feel the force of the Belfast River — once the main engine crushing thousands of pounds of sugar cane.
Steam Power
This was followed by the era of cast iron steam engines where steam boilers powered the mill.
Belfast Estate- a spec on the map where global economic forces intersect
Learn the remarkable stories of Irish slave owners, African slaves, Maroons, Free People of Colour and Lebanese migrants whose paths intersected at Belfast.
Every stone, every machine, every rum barrel has a story waiting for you.
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A Legacy Carved through Centuries
Your visit brings you face-to-face with 260 years of uninterrupted production.
The Belfast Timeline
- 1777 — Owner: John Gregg from Ireland- Production begins: Sugar, Rum & Molasses
- 1827 — 54 enslaved workers; output: 53,500 lbs sugar | 1,740 gallons rum
- 1861–1879 — Charles Leatham & heirs (The famed “Sugar King of Dominica”)
- 1924 — O.R.C. Lockhart acquires the 344-acre estate
- 1940 — Elias Nassief acquires Belfast Estate to use the cane crushing mill to crush copra to make soap and this fails, so reverts to crushing cane and rum distilling.
- 1960–Present — The Nassief family diversifies into Rum, coconut products & soap manufacturing
A Historic Stop Along Dominica’s Lifeline
Between Portsmouth (the old capital) and Roseau (the new), travelers have stopped at Belfast Estate since 1770 to buy a “bouko rum” — sold directly from the casks and its exquisite aged rums. And it remains Dominica’s only surviving rum producer today.
The Rise & Fall of Sugar — and Belfast’s Survival
Between 1777 and 1774, sugar production in Dominica surged by nearly 500%, fueled by land purchase, increased investment in plant and equipment, forced labor and booming demand.
By the 1830s — following emancipation — sugar began to collapse across the island.
Most estates died out or shifted production to other crops such as limes, coffee and cocoa.
Belfast did not.
Instead, it adapted.
The Art of Reinvention
By 1905 sugar production ended in Dominica and Belfast shifted from sugar to rum-focused cane production, taking advantage of the estate’s rich volcanic soils.
In the 1960s, it evolved again — diversifying into soap production, even as rum distillation continued.
Today, Belfast Estate, drawing from Dominica’s “bush-rum” culture where rum is infused with local herbs, spices and fruits, produces award winning world infused rums and liqueurs from Bois Bande, Cinnamon, Lime juice, Ginger, Mint and Coconut.
Belfast stands as a living museum of innovation and endurance.
Why Visitors Love This Tour
Walk through living history
Feed the donkeys which once carried cane to the mill
Enjoy a welcome drink - Belfast's award-winning rum punch or ginger liqueur
Authentic machinery from the 1800's
View river-powered and steam driven systems
Generational stories of the intersection of estate owners, slaves, maroons, free people of colour and Lebanese migrants
View the rum bottling line in operation
Taste Belfast rums and liqueurs with a typical Dominican "hors d'oeuvre"
Browse through the souvenir shop for your Dominica and Belfast mementos, t-shirts, mugs rum and liqueurs, caps, shot glasses.....
Duration
1.5hr
Price
Groups
Small
Ready to Experience Dominica’s Most Historic Rum Tour?
Let visitors feel the fire of the old boilers, hear the river’s power, walk among ancient ironworks, and taste the legacy of money-making, pain, blood, freedom, betrayal and resilience over the centuries.
Book Your Tour Today
Limited spaces — the experience is intimate by design.