Engenhos do Norte Rum Distillery (also known as North Mills) celebrates and honors Madeira’s rich rum-making tradition. Located just north of Porto da Cruz on the northeastern coast of Madeira Island, Portugal, this historic establishment offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s agricultural past and its centuries-old sugar cane industry.
History
Engenhos do Norte emerged from Madeira’s long-standing relationship with sugarcane production, which dates back to the 16th century when Madeira established itself as one of the renowned “white gold” (sugar’s nickname back then) producers in the world. The current facility was built in 1927 with 19th century machinery and represents one of the last surviving traditional rum distilleries on the island.
Initially built to process the abundant sugarcane harvests from the fertile northeastern valleys, the distillery has witnessed the evolution of rum production techniques while maintaining many traditional methods. Throughout its history, the facility has survived changing economic tides and agricultural shifts on the island. It now preserves an important piece of Madeira’s industrial heritage.
Engenhos do Norte is one of three mills on Madeira Island that continue to be in operation, and it represents a living connection to Madeira’s agricultural past while also offering traditional (and delicious) Madeiran rum and poncha, Madeira’s most famous drink made with sugar, honey, orange juice or lemon juice, and aguardente de cana (distilled alcohol made from sugar cane juice).
In 2013, Engenho do Norte changed hands when J. Faria & Filhos purchased the distillery. It is currently the only distillery in Europe that still uses steam to power its key machinery.
Architecture
Engenhos do Norte’s facility features large production halls housing vintage equipment, including classic pot stills for making batches of rum, a heritage wooden boiler, a 26-meter tall chimney, and a firewood fed boiler.
Visitors can follow the complete rum-making process and purchase a variety of flavors of Madeiran rum in the shop attached.
Since 2015, Engenhos do Norte’s rum has competed worldwide and won over 30 medals, including Bronze, Silver and Gold. Some of the rums produced include:
- “970,” which got its name from the year in which from 1970, the year that it was first produced.
- “Larano” – one of Madeira’s oldest rum brands
- “TVT” – (Tristão Vaz Teixeira), named after one of the men who first discovered Madeira.
- “Branca” – one of the most popular rum brands in Madeira and also on the international market
After your self-guided tour of the distillery, you can sample the rum and even get cookies if you are lucky! There is also a nice coastal walk right beside the distillery.
Visiting Times & Tickets
Engenhos do Norte (North Mills) Distillery welcomes visitors throughout the year on Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is free!
Engenhos do Norte is located at Rua do Cais 6, Casas Próximas, 9225-050, Madeira, Portugal
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