The Cadushy Distillery was founded on March 7th, 2009, by the Gietman family and grew from a small start-up to a thriving company. The Distillery’s passion is to produce authentic products with traditional flavors. The unique products are produced in small batches in a responsible and sustainable way, by a dedicated team of craftsmen. Cadushy is the local liqueur of Bonaire. It is made from lime juice and the local Kadushi cactus plants.
The Dutch Caribbean Islands are full of Heritage and History. This sparked the creativity of the Cadushy Distilling team. The team made a unique liqueur for every Dutch Caribbean Island based on the traditions of these Islands: Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Sint Eustatius (AKA Statia) and Saba… Only for Sint Maarten they did not find traditions they could use. So… they took a great Dutch tradition that was ready to be renewed and made a Royal Orange of Orange Liqueur for the Kingdom of The Netherlands.
We visited the Cadushy Distillery, located in the northern part of the island, in Rincon. Rincon itself was the old capitol of Bonaire, and was established by the Spanish in 1527. The Distillery actually produces more than just Cadushy. They make six different kinds of liqueurs, one to represent each of the six Dutch Caribbean islands, as well as the award-winning Rom Rincón, Captain Don’s Whisky, Cadushy Vodka, and Salú! Gin. It is the only distillery on the island.
Our hostess with the mostest, Amanda, graciously explained the process of how all the liqueurs and spirits were made, then she gave us a small sampling of all the spirits we wished to try.
These are the tools used to pluck the cactus.
These tall cacti, Kadushi cactus, are found all over the island in abundance. They are the primary ingredient of Cadushy.
The different herbs, spices and flavorings that go into each batch of these specialty liqueurs.
Everything is made 100% by hand here in this distillery production area.
There are rum (Rom), gin and whiskey productions and tastings too.
And the award winning results of these handmade Caribbean spirits.
When Master distiller, Eric Gietman, wanted to develop a spirit line he decided to call it “The Spirit of Bonaire”… a tribute to the Island of Bonaire and its community. Since he was a rum drinker himself, he first developed his own rum and named it Rom Rincón, after the old Capital of Bonaire. Other spirits like vodka, whisky and gin followed.
Rom Rincon is spiced in the classic Caribbean tradition. Today’s Caribbean rum distillers have hundreds of years experience perfecting the art of distillation, aging and blending. In the early days, adding spices to rum was needed because the rums were so crude and harsh that seamen would blend and mix in any spices they had to improve and smooth-out its flavor.
Master distiller Eric Gietman combined the good things of the Big Whisky’s of the world to create the very first Caribbean Whisky. A Caribbean Whisky? Yes! He named it Captain Don, after Captain Don Stewart, the founder of the Bonairian diving industry. Captain Don’s Whisky won a Silver medal at the World Spirit Competition 2017 in San Francisco.
This Caribbean gin is made from 13 botanicals, Aloe Vera and Yerba di Holé (local basil) and of course the juniper. The end result is a bold gin with a soft edge. Master distiller and entrepreneur, Eric Gietman, worked on the recipe for four years before he was satisfied with the result. He is pleased with the positive reactions to his gin.
We tried all of these deliciously colorful liqueurs, as well as the rum (rom) and whiskey. They all had their own unique characteristics and personalities, that reflect the personalities of each island. We ONLY had very tiny amounts of each; just enough to get a taste. The green Cadushy represents Bonaire. The others represent the other Dutch Islands.
So in honor of the Bonairian and Caribbean spirits (all kinds of spirits), Salú! “Salú!” means to your health, cheers.
Larry and I even created a new spirit we call “The Donkey”, using Cadushy. We based it off a “Moscow Mule”. It is Cadushy, rum and ginger beer.
1 shot Cadushy
1 shot rum
ginger beer
served “on the rocks” or over ice.
Salú!
Salú! We all need a little Cadushy and spirits. Lighten up and have some fun. Life is short. Live life to the fullest and enjoy the ride. Have a great day and make everyday great. ‘Til next time.
A Jeanne in the Kitchen 