Polished Palate Biography
GARY NELTHROPP
MASTER DISTILLER & PRESIDENT/CEO
CRUZAN RUM DIAMOND ESTATE DISTILLERY
ST. CROIX , U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
History , tradition, pride and quality are words that surround Gary Nelthropp, master distiller, president, and CEO Cruzan Rum Diamond Estate Distillery, St. Croix, USVI. Nelthropp, whose responsibilities at the family rum business begin every morning with a full inspection of the fermentation and five-column distillation processes, ends his morning ritual with a triangular taste-test, which is performed with his father, older brother and younger sister. This tradition reflects the Nelthropps’ passionate dedication to carrying on the production of high-quality and award-winning super-premium and premium rums. Since the 17 th century, the Nelthropp family has been making rum history in St. Croix and beyond; in fact, the family is proud to claim more awards of excellence than any other rum distiller in the Caribbean.
Nelthropp earned a degree in business administration in 1982 from Rollins College in Florida. He then immersed himself in a career in sales and marketing. After a few years of experience and with a deep-rooted calling to the family rum business, Nelthropp became a pupil to his father, Hardy, a master rum distiller and 50-year rum veteran, from whom he learned the extensive details of rum production.
Nelthropp, 49, resides on St. Croix with his wife and twin ten-year-olds. A former Jr. Davis Cup player, Nelthropp’s other passion, besides rum, is on the tennis court.