Ainsley's Taste of the Bahamas

Ainsley Harriott explores John Watling’s Distillery in Nassau, sampling its rum on the tour. He then dines at Graycliff restaurant, where he savours a bowl of conch chowder, before heading to a rum‑cake factory for a brief look at the production process.

Aged to Perfection is a programme presented in a single episode format. The show centres on food‑and‑drink experiences, taking the viewer on a concise journey through a selection of local culinary highlights. Its focus is on tasting and discovery rather than competition or instruction, offering a snapshot of the flavours that define a particular region. In this episode, presenter Ainsley Harriott heads to Nassau to explore the island’s spirit heritage. He begins with a guided tour of John Watling’s Distillery, where he samples the house rum and learns a little about its production. From there he drops into the historic Graycliff restaurant for a bowl of conch chowder, a classic Bahamian dish. The itinerary finishes with a visit to a rum‑cake factory, where Harriott observes the process behind the sweet, spiced treat that often accompanies the local rum. The three stops together give a rounded picture of Nassau’s culinary scene. The distillery tour provides insight into the island’s rum‑making traditions, while the conch chowder at Graycliff showcases a staple of Bahamian seafood cuisine. The rum‑cake factory adds a finishing touch, highlighting how the region’s signature spirit is incorporated into desserts. Throughout, Harriott’s tasting notes and observations tie the experiences together, illustrating how each element contributes to the island’s distinctive flavour profile.