Barbados has added another milestone to its growing reputation as a world-class producer of premium spirits after Citadelle Bajan, crafted by Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery, secured a Gold Medal at the prestigious 2026 Gin Masters. The international accolade highlights the island’s expanding expertise beyond rum production and demonstrates how Barbados is successfully blending centuries-old distilling traditions with innovative new spirit categories.
Organised annually by The Spirits Business, the Gin Masters is one of the industry’s most respected blind-tasting competitions, where spirits are judged solely on quality by an independent panel of experts. Winning a Gold Medal places Citadelle Bajan among some of the finest gins produced worldwide.
A Gin Crafted in Barbados with Caribbean Character
Citadelle Bajan is a 100% Barbadian-made premium gin, distilled at Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery in Brighton, St. Michael.
Unlike traditional grain-based gins, Citadelle Bajan is crafted using a molasses base, drawing inspiration from Barbados’ world-famous rum-making heritage. The spirit is then infused with locally inspired botanicals that capture the island’s vibrant flavours, including:
- Grapefruit
- Hibiscus
- Bay Leaf
- Lemongrass
The result is a distinctive Caribbean expression that combines the complexity of a classic gin with the bright, tropical notes synonymous with Barbados.
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International Recognition for Barbados’ Distilling Industry
Welcoming the award, Andrew Hassell, Managing Director of Stade’s West Indies Rum Distillery, said the recognition reflects Barbados’ long-standing distilling expertise and the dedication of the team behind the product.
He noted that Barbados possesses an extraordinary distilling culture and described Citadelle Bajan as another example of the innovation emerging from the island. He also credited the collaboration between the Barbadian team and the renowned French gin brand for creating a spirit that brings a distinctly Barbadian perspective to an internationally respected label.
Building on an Award-Winning Legacy
The Gold Medal further strengthens the impressive reputation of the wider Citadelle Gin portfolio.
The brand has received more than 180 international awards, including:
- Spirit of the Year at the 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards
- Gin of the Year at the 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards
- Master Medal—the highest honour—at the 2025 Gin Masters
The success of Citadelle Bajan extends this legacy while giving Barbados its own place within the globally recognised brand.
From Rum Capital to Premium Gin Destination
Barbados is widely recognised as the birthplace of rum, with more than 320 years of continuous rum-making history dating back to the early 1700s.
Founded in 1893, West Indies Rum Distillery has been one of the island’s most influential producers for well over a century. Since joining the Maison Ferrand group in 2017, the distillery has continued expanding its international portfolio while remaining deeply rooted in Barbadian craftsmanship.
In addition to producing Planteray Rum (formerly Plantation Rum) and Stade’s Rum, the distillery has embraced premium gin production through Citadelle Bajan, demonstrating how traditional rum-making knowledge can successfully be applied to new spirit categories.
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Barbados’ Emerging Craft Gin Scene
While rum remains Barbados’ signature spirit, the island has quietly developed a growing reputation for premium craft gin.
Local distillers are increasingly drawing upon the same expertise, fermentation methods, and botanical knowledge that have shaped Barbados’ rum industry for generations.
Among the producers helping to build this emerging sector is Perkins & Sons, located at the family-owned Hopewell Distillery, which also produces premium Caribbean-inspired gin using locally influenced ingredients.
Many Barbadian gins celebrate indigenous flavours such as grapefruit, a fruit believed to have originated in Barbados during the mid-18th century, alongside other tropical botanicals that distinguish the island’s spirits from traditional European styles.
Elevating Barbados on the Global Spirits Stage
The success of Citadelle Bajan comes as Barbados continues to strengthen its international reputation not only as a premier tourism destination but also as a producer of world-class premium beverages.
Recognition at competitions such as the Gin Masters reinforces the island’s growing influence within the global spirits industry and highlights the innovation taking place alongside its centuries-old rum heritage.
As consumers increasingly seek distinctive, craft-produced spirits with authentic regional identity, Barbados is proving that its distilling excellence extends far beyond rum, with premium gin now becoming another proud ambassador for the island on the world stage.
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