TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin maDoudou rum factory/store

I remember some posts about visiting maDoudou on the French side but all I find is that they have a small store in cul de sac. Is that what folks were visiting? Is it worth the time? Is there a distillery to visit?

We love the rum

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We have not been there in a few years but the last time we were there was a small multi-colored store off the main road to Cul de sac. That was the factory/distillery store where you could sample and buy their rum. There was also a small building behind it where the rum was produced. It is worth a visit if you want to sample and buy rum. Won't be a Bacardi or Havana Club rum factory tour if that's what you're looking for.

The rum they use is not distilled or made there. They simply buy the rum somewhere and infuse it with different flavors. The also sell spices and other non food novelties.

There's no distillery but the store is worth the visit. Outside, the building is a photo op. Inside is full of multi-colored, hand-painted bottles. They let you sample the flavors. Worth the trip.

Directions please? Thanks!

Directions to Ma Doudou Factory in Cul-de-Sac. It's a little bit in French but I think you can figure it out I'm sure.
I think they have a retail store in Philipsburg, but the place in Cul-de-Sac is more entertaining...
Check out this Art of Making Ma Doudou Rum Video created there.

It's easy to miss, so I'll try to be more detailed than usual directions. On the road to Pinel, you'll see a Pharmacy at the top of the hill on the right. Within a few hundred yards, you'll see Pancho Villa and Ti Bouchon restaurants on the right. Very shortly after, turn right on the first road. It's easy to miss it if you drive too fast. Go to the THIRD gate (the other day we slipped into the second by mistake and had to wait for someone to leave in order to exit). There's a small Ma Dou Dou sign at the code entry box. The factory is a short way up the hill on your left.

There is also a store in Philipsburg on Old Street. All it sells is Madoudou products.

YES!!! Easy to miss!! I remember (some time ago) that you need the security code to get in the gate. Yes, worth the 'hunting" to find and fun photo ops. Great lil place to visit. The gal's (sisters?) are lovely and the "wear's" are hand crafted. THAT you don't see anymore. Also, stock up at there place of business. The new liquor store in the airport JACKED up the price on there products!! More than double from anywhere on the island or from the factory/house. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Thanks all, we found the third gate after the road after ran home restaurant. If was about 5pm and the sign said Monday-friday 0800 to 1500. Where to find the code or is there a call button. We didn't get out and look more closely at sign or code box.

Thanks for the directions cruder and the code maniahs, I just found it in your link.

Hit the madoudo store in cul de sac. You have to call to get the code. The simple 3 digit one on the website is defunct. There is also a separate exit code.

They have oodles of plastic and glass bottles in 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and full liters. Free tasting.

The big thing I can add is they don't take credit cards. Euros and dollars accepted. On this day $1.15 to the euro difference.

I always found it much cheaper to buy in town on the Dutch side. Shops in Maho, Simpson Bay and Phillipsburg carry it. Both painted plastic and painted glass bottles.

It's not always about the cheapest price. The selection at the store/factory in Cul de Sac is much better than at any outlet, and they have products that are not carried elsewhere.

There is a Ma Dou Dou shop in Philipsburg on the boardwalk that is very well stocked. They have all the flavors that the little factory shop has and lots of spices, glasses etc... The prices are the same, but very convenient if you happen to be shopping in Philipsburg and want to make a few purchases there.