Tortuga Rum Company Ltd. was founded in 1984 by Captain Robert Hamaty and his wife, Carlene Jackson Hamaty, in the Cayman Islands. The company initially focused on selling rum to tourists but quickly expanded its product range and market presence. A pivotal moment came in 1987 when Carlene introduced her four-generation-old family recipe for rum cake, which became the cornerstone of Tortuga’s success.

• Tortuga Rum Cake is Cayman’s top-selling souvenir and number one export.
• The cake is available in over ten different flavors, including the Golden Original, chocolate, and Blue Mountain coffee rum cakes.
• The company has diversified into a gourmet product line featuring:

• • Premium blended coffees

• • Honey

• • Rum-flavored gourmet chocolate fudge

• • Award-winning Caribbean hot and savory sauces

Production and Visitor Experience

• The rum cakes are hand-glazed with rich rum sauce before being vacuum-packed, preserving the traditional recipe that has remained unchanged for four generations.
• Tortuga’s bakery produces more than 5,000 cakes each day.
• Visitors can tour the factory in Grand Cayman, watching the baking process through observation windows.
• The free tour includes tastings of various rum cake flavors and Tortuga rums, with knowledgeable guides sharing the company’s 40-year history.
• The on-site gift store offers a wide selection of Tortuga products for purchase.

Conclusion

Tortuga Rum Company Ltd. exemplifies how a family tradition, combined with entrepreneurial vision, can evolve into a thriving international business. Through innovation, commitment to quality, and strategic expansion, Tortuga has established itself as a leading producer of rum cakes and gourmet products, contributing significantly to Cayman’s economy and cultural heritage.