Rum, the king of Barbados
Barbados rum is more than just a spirit, it's a national pride. It's part of everyday life, whether you're enjoying a drink with friends at the local rum shop or during the Crop Over festivities. Entire songs are even dedicated to rum and its consumption.
Mount Gay, founded in 1703, is the oldest distillery still in operation on the island. If you're a rum lover, this is THE souvenir to bring back from Barbados.
Essentially distilled from molasses, a syrup made from the crystallization of sugarcane juice, Barbados rum comes in two main types:
White rum: unaged, it is used as a base for cocktails.
Dark rum : usually aged in bourbon barrels (or cognac, sherry, etc.) for at least 5 years. It can be enjoyed on its own, but can also be used in cocktails, notably Barbadian rum punch.
When infused with fruit, it is called " flavoured", and " spiced " when spices are added.
In addition to Mount Gay, other distilleries producing excellent rums in Barbados include Foursquare (Foursquare 12 ans, Doorly's XO...), West Indies Rum Distillery (Cockspur, Planteray...) and a recently opened micro-distillery at St. Nicholas Abbey, a former plantation.
Beware of the quantity of rum you can bring back undeclared at customs: 1.5 liters per person in the European Union and 1.14 liters in Canada.
Local crafts: pottery
Barbados is home to a number of pottery studios, producing everything from giant planters to small decorative objects. The best known, and most recognized, is undoubtedly Earthworks Pottery. Located in the parish of St. Thomas, this large studio is a spontaneous visit (it's open to the sales area) and you'll soon recognize their "touch", as their products can be found in many establishments on the island. Also in the parish of St. Thomas, Hamilton's Pottery offers more minimalist and organic designs, while in Chalky Mount, in the Highland District, Highland Pottery is another studio with highly appreciated productions.
Sauces and condiments
The famous " Hot Pepper Sauce " can be found on every restaurant table and street food stand. It's a spicy yellow sauce that we love to use to season fish cake or roti. Made from Scotch Bonnet peppers, it has a spicy yet slightly sweet flavor that makes it downright addictive.
Other sauces, marinades and chutneys are also worth a look. The Blends brand offers a wide range: marinades adapted to every type of meat or fish, sauces with surprising flavors (Cytherean plum, starfruit...) and delicious chutneys (ginger and pepper, spicy mango...). A trip to the supermarket or local market is all it takes to stock up and bring home the taste of Barbados.
Rum cake and sugar cake
Still on the culinary front, if you have a sweet tooth, extend the flavor of the vacations by packing a rum cake. Also known as black cake, this rum-soaked cake of candied fruit, dried fruit and spices is a classic at holiday tables, especially at Christmas. Its spicy, rum-infused caramel flavor is reminiscent of sunny Barbados in every bite. The good news is that it keeps well, so you'll have no trouble storing it until you get home. In the worst case, you'll find it at the airport. There are even chocolate and rum punch versions.
A little lighter, the sugar cake is made with... sugar, coconut and ginger. You can't miss them in bakeries, as they're usually colored in every shade of the rainbow, making them a favorite snack for children. Adults, meanwhile, will appreciate the exotic flavors of this little cake. As it's flour- and egg-free, it travels well.
Offset comics
Did you know that Barbados has its own superhero? The Offset comic book series follows the adventures of Kyle Harding, a teenager who discovers a dark family secret. Armed with his magic sugarcane stick, he battles dark forces across the Caribbean island of Bimshire (one of the island's nicknames). Imagined by Delvin Howell and Tristan Roach, Offset plunges you into the island's atmosphere and places that will remind you of your trip... but in a different, darker version than you remember. You'll find it in bookshops and at the Barbados Museum store.
Fabrics and jewelry
Fabrics, especially batik, are one of Barbados' most prized crafts. Highly colorful and available as table runners, cushion covers, wall hangings, stoles or t-shirts, they add a touch of playfulness. You'll find them at Ayisssa Textile Design. Jewelry, from the more luxurious, available in duty-free stores, to the more handcrafted (visit Oistins Fish Fry, where street vendors abound), is sure to please.
Mahogany sculptures
The majestic mahogany is a tree you'll often see in Barbados, not only in the wild but transformed into furniture in one or other of the Great Houses or hotels. Its wood, with its characteristic coppery color, is highly sought-after for cabinetmaking and revered by Barbadians. Although mahogany is a protected species, trees felled for construction purposes are not wasted: they are recovered, in part for carving. The best-known craftsman is Reginald Medford, who and his team create genuine works of art using the tree's roots, but you'll also find artisan carvers at the Pelican Village Craft Centre.
