Forres Park: From sugar plantation to rum legacy

Forres Park, nestled in the southern reaches of Trinidad and Tobago, boasts a rich and multifaceted history. Once a bustling sugar plantation and later a renowned rum producer, its legacy continues to this day, albeit in a different form.

Classic Foress Park Puncheon Rum label courtesy www.rum .cz

Early days: Sugar and labour

The earliest recorded association of Forres Park dates back to 1825, when Joseph Harragin, Robert Gray, and William Hardin Burnley jointly owned the land and the neighbouring Cedar Hill estate. By 1834, William Gray managed both estates, marking the beginning of a long and prosperous era for Forres Park.

Throughout the 19th century, Forres Park thrived as a sugar producer. A testament to its success is the narrow-gauge tramway built in 1850 under the ownership of William Frederick Burnley and William Eccles. This tramway connected the vast cane fields to the factory and the “Embarcadere” at Claxton Bay, facilitating the efficient transportation of sugar and molasses.

The workforce at Forres Park mainly comprised indentured labourers from India. These individuals, brought from their homeland under a controversial system, played a crucial role in the estate’s operation.

From sugar to rum: A new chapter

By the 1870s, Forres Park was owned by Louis Le Roy, a Corsican planter. Le Roy further modernised the estate by constructing a tramway connecting the plantation directly to the seaboard. This enabled the direct shipment of sugar, rum, and molasses, streamlining the process and maximising profitability.

The production of rum alongside sugar was a common practice on many Caribbean plantations. White fire-water rum, a potent variety, was also distilled at Forres Park, catering to a different segment of the market.

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Fernandes and the birth of Forres Park Puncheon Rum

The year 1933 marked a significant turning point for Forres Park. JB Fernandes, a visionary entrepreneur, acquired the estate with a specific goal: to produce his rum. The derelict wooden pot still on the property became the focal point of his endeavours.

Fernandes not only revitalised the estate but also briefly transformed it into the second most efficient sugar refinery on the island. His most significant contribution, however, was the creation of the iconic Forres Park Puncheon Rum. This dark, overproof rum, aged in wooden puncheons, quickly captured the hearts of Trinidadians and continues to be a beloved brand today.

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A legacy enduring

While the original Forres Park estate and sugar refinery no longer stand, their legacy echoes through the lush greenery and historic landmarks of the area. The Forres Park Landfill, a major waste disposal site, occupies a portion of the land, serving as a reminder of the estate’s transformation.

The most enduring legacy of Forres Park, however, lives on in the form of the beloved Forres Park Puncheon Rum. Each sip of this potent spirit evokes memories of the estate’s vibrant past, the dedication of generations of workers, and the innovative spirit of JB Fernandes.

Forres Park may no longer be a bustling sugar plantation, but its history remains deeply woven into the fabric of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural heritage. The name continues to resonate with locals and visitors alike, standing as a testament to the island’s rich and complex past.

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The history of Forres Park, Trinidad, is multifaceted and surprisingly complex. Here’s a summary:

Early years (1825-1870):

1825: Joseph Harragin, Robert Gray, and William Hardin Burnley jointly own Forres Park and Cedar Hill estate.
1834: William Gray becomes the manager of both estates.
1850: Ownership passes to William Frederick Burnley and William Eccles.
1859: William Eccles owns nine sugar estates, including Forres Park.
1870: Louis Le Roy, a Corsican planter, owns Forres Park and builds a tramway for transporting sugar, rum, and molasses.

Sugar and Rum Production (1870-1933):

The estate flourishes as a sugar and rum producer, employing hundreds of indentured labourers.
A narrow-gauge tramway connects the cane fields to the factory and the “Embarcadere” at Claxton Bay.
The estate boasts a large business for refining sugar.
Production of a white fire-water rum variety also takes place.

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Fernandes and Puncheon Rum (1933-present):

1933: JB Fernandes acquires Forres Park, primarily for its derelict wooden pot still to produce rum.
Fernandes reestablishes the estate and briefly makes it the second most efficient sugar refinery on the island.
He developed the famous Forres Park Puncheon Rum, still a favourite in Trinidad today.
The Fernandes family continues to own and operate the rum brand under Angostura Holdings.

Present day:

The original Forres Park estate and sugar refinery are no longer operational.
The land is now occupied by the Forres Park Landfill, a major waste disposal site in south Trinidad.
The name “Forres Park” continues to live on through the popular Forres Park Puncheon Rum.

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