Bahamian Brewery

The Bahamian Brewery & Beverage Co. (sometimes called BBB) swung open its doors in 2007, and it’s pretty much been a hit ever since. Their first craft brew was Sands, a European Pale Lager-style beer that’s light, light, light—perfect for drinking on the beach. (Fun fact: It’s not named after where to drink it; it’s named after the owner, Jimmy Sands.) The brewery has expanded four times since 2007, growing more and more popular each year—some consider Sands to be the national drink of the Bahamas. Today, BBB offers nine different brews, from lagers to radlers to stouts, and their tasting room is a buzzing spot to sample them all.

Short tours of the facility are often given upon request; they’re typically around 20 minutes long. The brewery usually has 7–9 beers on tap, all brewed on-site. A liquor store is also on-site, with products typically priced well below average.

The Bahamian Brewery is just 5 minutes from the Freeport cruise port. If you’re visiting on a ship, it’s an easy day excursion. Otherwise, if you have your own wheels, you’ll find it west of downtown Nassau off the Queen’s Highway, and there are plenty of road signs; taxis are a common way to arrive, too.

If you’re looking for a tour, the brewery can accommodate walk-ups most days. Certain operations, like bottling, may be shut down at any given time. Otherwise, simply visit when you’d like a little time out of the sun and a dose of culture, as the brewery is small enough that staff and visitors chat openly (and sometimes even sing).

While Kalik is the beer most associated with the Bahamas, it’s a government-owned brand, and profits don’t go back to the people. Freeport’s Bahamian Brewery is the only privately owned brewery on all the islands of the Bahamas. Come here not just for a drink but to support a local business.