Celebration Distillation:
Old New Orleans is the brand of rum, and Celebration Distillation at 2815 Frenchmen Street is the site of the distillery. Some years ago, artist James Michalopoulos and friends created a still, and in 1995, found an old warehouse in which to begin their distillation of sugar cane into rum. Hence, the Old New Orleans Rum Distillery, at the edge of the Quarter.
Old New Orleans Rum:
Old New Orleans Rum has been around for a while, but its present incarnation is the creation of artists. The distillery produces several products, including White, Amber, Cajun Spice,and a 10 year special edition rum available only onsite. The bottles can be collectors items, since they sport special images created by Michalopoulos himself. Some of the specialty cocktails available are the Partly Cloudy (Amber Rum and ginger ale), and the Frenchmen, a rum punch which includes peach schnapps and cranberry juice.
Daily tours, including tastings, are available Monday thru Thursday, 11 AM and 2 PM, Friday and Saturdays at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 4 PM. You should call ahead, though, at 504-945-9400. You might want to have a party there, and the distillery can accomodate up to 300 guests. Check out the website at for more information and cocktail recipes.
