Gosling Bros
In 1806 James Gosling set sail from London on the Mercury. The ship was laden with rum bound for America but unfavourable winds forced the ship to dock in Bermuda. Rather than continuing his voyage James settled in Bermuda and opened a liquor store. Gosling Brothers now has 3 outlets in Bermuda selling a good selection of beers, wines and spirits. It is however, perhaps best known for its own brand of rum; Black Seal.
In 1860 the company began to import Caribbean rum distillate into Bermuda. After much experimentation with different blends, Goslings created a smooth black rum that was initially named ‘Old Rum’. At first it was sold to customers from the barrel, but later was sold in champagne bottles retrieved from the British Army. Sealed with a cork and black wax the brand eventually became known as ‘Black Seal’. It’s the main ingredient in both dark ‘n' stormy and rum swizzle.
Extremely popular in Bermuda and sold all over the world, Black Seal received the ultimate accolade when it received the Platinum Award at the prestigious World Spirits Championships.
Gosling Bros has 2 stores on Front Street in Hamilton (one is called the Black Seal Store and sells Gosling's hats, shirts etc.) and another at the corner of York & Queen Streets in the historic town of St George. Black Seal can be purchased at all liquor stores and supermarkets around Bermuda.
Visitors wishing to take alcohol back to their country of residence can purchase it duty-free and make significant savings over the retail price. Bermuda’s laws dictate that your bounty is delivered to your cruise ship or to the airport (you pick it up on departure) but the store provides this service free of charge.
They can also provide a full bar service for weddings and other functions.
UK residents can purchase Black Seal rum from this online store.