At the end of the cooling coil was a spirit-safe through which the spirit flows from
the still into the bonded store. A hydrometer is placed in the safe and floats on
the spirit. The spirit safe was covered with a glass cover and was locked with a
Government lock. The distiller could see at what strength the spirit was running
but could not take out even a sample. Being continuous a constant supply of wash
was flowing into the top and a stream of spirit into the bond as long as it was kept
in operation. The exhausted wash or “dunder” was drawn off at intervals into receivers,
a portion of which was again used in the fermenting vats.
The spirit was received in the bonded store in two receivers of approximately 500
gallons (2273.04594L) where it was tested and measured. These were placed at an elevation
so that the spirit would flow by gravity into the storage vats. This rum was about
58% over-proof and was as clear as crystal. In August of 1889 there were four storage
vats. Two of 1000
Distilling at the distillery began 26 August 1889. Over the first 4 days of operations
there was an average of about 150 gallons (681.9L) per day, which from the quantity
of molasses used was about equal to 1 gallon of spirit to two gallons of juice. Under
the management of S.H. Bravo, who had extensive distilling experience in the West
Indies, it was estimated that the distillery, with four men, would be able to produce
1000 gallons (4546.09L) per week or 52000 gallons (236396.7L) per year. Assuming
that the close vicinity of Millaquin refinery would see it supplying a large quantity
of the juice required by the distillery would be incorrect. The Bundaberg and Mount
Perry Mail reported that Millaquin was too efficient in extracting the sugar and
therefore their molasses was not as desirable for distilling and thusly “was left
very much alone”. This distillery burnt down in 1907, with only the new bond store
(completed approximately 1905) surviving. Bundaberg 101 was released in 2008 to
commemorate 101 years since this fire.
