We are trailblazers

Like Christopher Columbus himself, Christopher Columbus 1477 Distillery® is a trailblazer, pushing boundaries through innovation while honouring the traditional art of making rum.

We aim to push the boundaries of rum as no one has before—not out of a mere desire to break the rules but to reimagine what the category can become—more innovative, transparent, and collaborative. To create a truly new rum experience, we must always keep exploring and continually discovering and never remain static. We intend to use the latest technology and methods to create the best super-premium rum.

Our Aura Branca – Porto Santo is a golden rum that represents the golden island of Porto Santo. It comes in a special 500ml bottle. It will be available in 2026, This ultra-premium rum will be crafted in Madeira.

In 2027, 1477CC® Distillery will open its doors in Porto Santo, combining traditional methods with cutting-edge technology for distillation, maturation, and bottling. 2027 will be the 550th anniversary of the 1477 distillery’s name.

We have Several Different Approaches to Crafting Exceptional Rum

While most rums are placed in large barrels and left to mature undisturbed in warehouses, our approach is far more hands-on. Much like the master rum makers centuries ago, we meticulously craft, monitor, taste, and refine every step of the way.

However, where the rum artisans of the past concluded their craft, we advance it further. Building upon their traditions, we integrate modern scientific insights to enhance time-honoured techniques. A deep understanding of how wood influences rum at a molecular level is essential in shaping a superior spirit. From the type of wood used for the staves to the length of time a barrel has been naturally seasoned outdoors, and even the spirit it previously contained—every factor plays a crucial role.

From the microclimate of Madeira to the precise location within our warehouse and the proprietary methods we’ve developed, we blend scientific precision with artistic craftsmanship.

The Science Behind Our Craft

Our distinctive methodology considers every element within the rum maker’s toolkit—distillate selection, humidity control, climate variations, barrel types, and timing. Through frequent tasting and an expert appreciation of flavour, we carefully guide the evolution of our rum. By rotating barrels based on their location and exposure, monitoring humidity levels, and transferring the spirit into different casks when required, we ensure every batch develops its own unique story.

Unlocking Maturation: Under-Filling the Barrels

Traditionally, barrels are filled to capacity. However, for maturation to begin effectively, a crucial amount of headspace is required for oxygen interaction. A fully filled barrel naturally creates this space over time through evaporation, delaying the maturation process.

We take different paths. By under-filling our barrels, we accelerate the interaction between wood, spirit, and oxygen, enabling maturation to commence from day one. This enhances the complexity, smoothness, and viscosity of our rum at the same time.

It is within the barrel that the true magic of rum is revealed. Here, the raw spirit undergoes a vital transformation, absorbing and developing the diverse flavours and aromas that will ultimately define its final character. As a result, even when a single batch of rum is carefully crafted by the distillery, individual casks from that same batch can display unique characteristics. as a traditionally filled barrel.

A Unique Approach to Water Addition

In mass production, water is typically introduced post-maturation, often dulling the depth of flavour and viscosity. At The Christopher Columbus 1477 Distillery Co., we take a different approach. Instead of diluting the rum after ageing, we incorporate water at two critical stages—before maturation for our new-make spirit and before finishing for our mature rums.

This method allows the spirit and water to integrate gradually, extracting the full spectrum of flavour compounds from the wood. Over the years, the rum and water collectively absorb the rich, nuanced characteristics of the barrel, resulting in an extraordinary balance of intensity, viscosity, and depth. Our rum emerges at cask strength, retaining its full character without the need for further dilution, preserving its intricate complexity.

The Myth of Age Statements

To us, rum is a living entity, evolving continuously within the barrel. The volatile compounds and flavour elements fluctuate dramatically from month to month, sometimes increasing by over 140% within a single quarter. This proves that throughout the year, rum experiences peaks and troughs in its flavour profile.

Relying solely on an age statement contradicts the pursuit of perfection. Instead, we provide full transparency—sharing distillation and bottling dates along with a comprehensive record of the rum’s journey. Our commitment to excellence is validated not by an arbitrary number, but by the discerning palates of expert judges and the numerous accolades our rums have earned.

Our dedicated tasting team monitors the rum’s progression with meticulous care. By understanding the delicate interplay between wood, water, spirit, humidity, and oxygen, we allow each rum to follow its own unique path to perfection. During the final stages of maturation, our team tastes the spirit daily, ensuring it is bottled at its absolute peak rather than waiting for a predefined ageing milestone.

Learning To Taste Rum Like An Expert

More Than Just a Bottle: An Unparalleled Experience

A bottle of rum from The Christopher Columbus 1477 Distillery Co. represents far more than just a spirit—an invitation to an immersive experience. Years of research, innovation, and precise craftsmanship have been devoted to creating an exceptional drinking journey.

Our pursuit of perfection is relentless. Every aspect, from the scientific foundations to the final presentation, has been meticulously designed to elevate the rum-drinking experience. We go to extraordinary lengths to ensure that every sip tells a story of dedication, hundreds of years of tradition, and groundbreaking expertise.

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