The admin wonāt let me post the videos. Tom, you have most of them (the three from last night) and Iāll forward you the one I received a few hours ago.
Here in the Czech Republic weāre going to do a charity bottle auction plus a straight donation drive.
Iāve been in touch with dozens of friends on the island, most of them were severely effected by the storm, but none more than those in Black River.
If we can do something for them it would be appreciated beyond belief. Theyāre wonderful people having to survive through extraordinary circumstances.
If you need information about distilleries, here is the short brief east to west:
Worthy Park: minor damage - some slight flooding and no real structural damage.
CDL: Aluminum/Zinc roof panels missing, a lot of detritus and debris, downed trees and moderate flooding.
NYE: no word yet, will be in touch with Campari/Appleton staff when the time is right.
Long Pond: Similar roof damage to CDL, an old column still feel on sone barreled stocks, the barrels are OK. Fermentation house in decent condition.
Hampden Estate: The town of Wakefield, which borders the Estate was devastated as the eye-wall went directly over Hampden. In communication with Andrew Hussey I was told that there is moderate structural damage, perhaps some mechanical issues, but it would be 2 -3 weeks work to get back up and running. The new aging warehouses held (more than 25000 barrels), theyāre new and were built very strong. Did not ask about the Great House itself, but at 272 year of age, it has seen many storms.
Appleton Estate: Just a couple of Km from the eye-wall when it was at itās most powerful, I have not gotten a response from the JSAERE team about the condition of the visitorās center or distillery. Right now itās much more about the team. According to the GM of the Estate as of Saturday about 70% of the team had checked in (including Tācan whose house is pictured above). Right now it is about the people, everything else can be rebuilt.
This is going to be a long process. Our Jamrock 2026 trip is still on for now, weāve made some adjustments, taking Black River (which was always the most soulful part of the trip) out for now. One of the villas we stayed in is in rubble, the other will need major repair, but theyāve started already. Iām in close contact with the owner. As well, Floydās Pelican Bar is gone, but Floyd and his son Sheldon have already begun rebuild it. JAMAICA STRONG!
Still, we will see the distilleries, the mountains, beaches and share in their love for life and assuage their grief with our presence. Jamaican people are strong, resilient and very down to earth. Theyāll welcome us and we will be taken care of like family.
In turn, I will do what I can for now from here, and if any of you - through Tom or otherwise can devise a way to put together a vehicle to help raise some relief funds it would be fantastic. Together we can help these lovely people. So, @RobBauer perhaps we can put our minds together, harness the love of Jamaica in this outstanding community and generate some substantial loving relief that can be sent either to a larger charity or directly to people that the Appleton and Hampden teams recommend.
Blessing to all of you that can help and respect for your shared concern for the Jamaican people!
Robert
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but the casks themselves appear to be intact.
