By Alexander Britell

A cigar company. A chocolate factory. A pizzeria. A winery. Nassau’s Graycliff never stops innovating with exciting, creative new attractions, and now the legendary hotel and restaurant’s Heritage Village has added a rather cool new offering: The Bahamas’ first moonshine company.

It’s called the Bahamian Moonshine Company by Graycliff, and it serves up a selection of full-fledged moonshines, from the adventurous “White Lightning” to a host of locally-inspired flavors.

It’s the product of a collaboration between Graycliff and North Carolina-based South Mountain Distilling Company, and the result is traditional, authentic Moonshine in the heart of historic Nassau.

The flavors are diverse: everything from mango to candy cane to sapodilla (“dilly” to a “chocolate brownie” moonshine. There’s also a quintessentially Bahamian expression: Guava, which was particularly delicious.

There’s a host of flavor options to try.

But the crown jewel is the White Lightning, an exceptionally smooth spirit (particularly when you compare it some of the Caribbean’s similar-strength rum expressions). But, be forewarned, it packs a punch, to the tune of 190 proof — 95 ABV, to be exact. (The flavor-infused moonshines are a milder 40 proof.)

There are also some South Mountain-branded options, including unique tastes like Peanut Butter Banana.

The wood-paneled interior is a portal to a country distillery, with free tastings available and assorted gifts on the shelves as well.

It’s just the latest clever addition for Graycliff, which has turned Nassau’s West Hill Street (just a short stroll away from Bay Street and the Nassau Cruise Port) into one of the country’s most popular places to visit, from the recently-expanded chocolate factory (which now even boasts its own candle factory) to its famous cigar company, which is marking its third decade with an expert team of Cuban rollers and a global footprint.

That’s accompanied by the just-transformed Bahama Barrels winery, where you can do a wine tasting, blend your own bottle of wine, with the world’s third-largest wine cellar is just down the street at the Graycliff main house (home to very popular wine lunches, too).

The transformation of West Hill street has been remarkable; it’s quickly vaulted to the top of the city’s must-visit stops, with its overhead umbrellas, colorful centuries-old buildings and seemingly endless array of unique, authentic experiences.

The main pool at Graycliff.

We’ve visited countless times and for us, it’s the most enjoyable street in all of Nassau & Paradise Island, a destination that’s tailor-made for experiential travelers.

Of course, you can’t go to Graycliff without a dinner at the five-star restaurant that was just named Caribbean Restaurant of the Year, or find a room and stay at charming, historic boutique hotel. (Rooms from $496 right now).

Just don’t forget the White Lightning.

For more, visit Graycliff.com.

Publishers Note: We are happy to partner with Alexander Britell, Founder and Editor in Chief of the Miami, Florida based Caribbean Journal and his staff contributing to the OTC and our Caribbean Connection Section. Check out the popular online magazine/website at caribjournal.com for valuable information on all fabulous travel options and things of interest in the Caribbean.