Once owned and operated by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Vincent Distillers Ltd. Formerly Mt.Bentinck Distillery was built in 1900 in the foothills of La Soufriere Volcano to make use of the readily available molasses from the sugar factory next door. Unfortunately, when the sugar mill closed operation the same year, forcing the distillery to import molasses, the most important product in the production of rum. In 1996, the Government – in a move toward privatisation, sold the business. Today, St. Vincent Distillers Ltd. boasts a clean, modern facility comprised of an expert team of distillers, blenders, bottlers, technicians, and administrative staff. Together, they produce a variety of rums ranging from white to aged, and blended products, which continually win awards in international rum tasting competition.