Porto da Cruz ancient distillery

Engenhos do Norte Rum distillery

In Porto da Cruz, a small village located in the North Eastern part of Madeira, an ancient rum distillery testifies the importance of sugarcane for Madeira.  Ancient steam engines set the working pace in this distillery.  The original factory workers still maintain and keep the equipment operational.  But in spite of this, Engenhos do Norte recently opened their site for visitors.   You can enter freely.  Now walk through each production stage from fresh sugarcane juice, all the way to the production of internationally acclaimed rums.  You can also see the staff prepare the typical Poncha drink in the Rum House.

Between March and May, the months of the harvest, you can experience the sounds, movements and odors of the production process. The rest of the year you can see the machines and study the mechanisms with the help of some interactive displays.

The factory building is constructed of basalt masonry with lime mortar.  It also has a tall chimney, 26 meters high, cylindrical in shape built in red brick.
The production line was built in 1927, but using older equipment from the 19th century Industrial Revolution.

Some Facts and Figures

Here’s some facts to get an idea of what sugarcane represents in agriculture on Madeira…

– Prince Henry imported sugar cane from Sicily
– On Madeira Island, farmers cultivate 172 Ha of sugar cane
– To Produce 1 liter of rum (50% alcohol), it takes 12kg of sugar cane.

How to get to Engenhos do Norte

Here’s how you get to Engenhos do Norte from Funchal. For opening hours click on the North Mills Distillery button.
Check out the coastal route driving distance versus the mountain road driving distance…they are correct!

Production process and ancient equipment at Engenhos do Norte

We really do recommend a visit to Engenhos do Norte, especially during harvest season.  You will see some amazing steam powered equipment in action, a unique experience and a fascinating time travel to the Industrial Revolution.