A journey of passion, tradition and innovation
This is the story of how a feeling became a distillery. Of how traditions were preserved by giving them new life. Of how family, community, and creativity came together to build something lasting.
This timeline follows the moments that shaped The Cadushy Distillery. From the first spark to the present day. Welcome to our story.
August 1991
The story of The Cadushy Distillery began long before the first bottle was ever filled. In August 1991, Eric first set foot in the Dutch Caribbean while working an internship on Curaçao. At the time, he could not have known that this journey would quietly plant the seed for a lifelong connection with the region.
August 1997
Six years later, in August 1997, Eric and Jolande returned, this time for their honeymoon on Bonaire. From the moment they arrived, the island left an indelible impression. Its people, its rhythm, its authenticity. What began as a visit turned into a feeling they could not let go.
From that moment on, Bonaire became a place they returned to year after year. Not as tourists, but as people drawn back by something deeper. A place that felt like home long before it ever truly was. It became a journey shaped by curiosity, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for Bonaire and its heritage.
This is the story of how a feeling became a distillery. Of how traditions were preserved by giving them new life. Of how family, community, and creativity came together to build something lasting.
This timeline follows the moments that shaped The Cadushy Distillery. From the first spark to the present day. Welcome to our story.
29 April 2009
Long before the distillery existed, Eric and Jolande felt a growing desire to help preserve something precious: the cultural heritage of Bonaire. Nature conservation already had many initiatives, but culture had far fewer champions. On April 29th 2008 they founded the Bonaire Heritage Foundation. The foundation began with hands-on projects they carried out themselves, and later grew into supporting initiatives from others. The restoration of the historic Cinelandia complex would become one of their most meaningful heritage efforts.
7 March 2009
The big leap. The Gietman family arrived on Bonaire with a clear plan: to start a completely new company rooted in island culture. Within a month they were at the notary to officially establish the business.
Eric took on a job alongside the early startup phase, but it soon became clear that Cadushy needed his full focus. They moved into Rincón, and from the very first day it felt like home.
16 April 2009
On this day, Eric sat at the office of Notary Maartense to sign the documents that officially created Cadushy B.V. The distillery was now a legal reality. The iconic logo serves as the visual marker of this milestone: the birth of the Cadushy brand.
6 September 2009
During Dia di Boneiru, Bonaire’s national holiday, celebrated in the village of Rincón this year, Cadushy presented its very first bottle of Cadushy of Bonaire Liqueur. Governor Glenn Thodé received the inaugural bottle, followed by several invited guests. Many attendees had the chance to taste this new island creation for the first time. The reactions were immediate and enthusiastic. A new Bonairean tradition had begun.
27 April 2010
When Eric and Jolande first acquired the old Cinelandia complex, the building was literally falling apart. The real estate agent urged them to demolish everything and build something new, which would indeed have been far cheaper.
But they had other plans. Over the next five years, with help from skilled craftsmen from Rincón, they restored the entire complex by hand: first the production buildings, then the family home, and finally the historic cinema itself.
27 April 2010
For Eric and Jolande, restoring this landmark was more than a construction project. With their passion for Bonaire’s cultural heritage, breathing new life into these old structures felt like honoring the island itself. Today, The Cadushy Distillery sits proudly in the restored heart of Rincón… a living example of preservation, purpose, and local pride.
6 September 2010
On this day, the Cadushy of Bonaire Liqueur welcomed its first new family member. Alongside the original bottle, a miniature version was introduced for the very first time. The playful “big and mini” imagery captured the moment perfectly, symbolising the start of Cadushy’s product family expansion and making the spirit even more accessible as a gift and souvenir.
Discover our Island Liqueurs
28 January 2011
The Cadushy Experience opened its doors with a vibrant art exhibition by Nochi Coffie, the celebrated artist from Rincón. Guests enjoyed local music, drinks, and the first glimpse of what would become one of Bonaire’s most beloved visitor attractions… a place where culture, craftsmanship, and a touch of rebellion come together.
30 April 2011
Cadushy’s inspiration often comes straight from the island, and sometimes from the youngest member of the family. Because she was too young to drink alcohol, Rianne wondered whether the Kadushi cactus could also make a delicious tea. She tried it, loved it, and sparked the idea for an entirely new product line of Cadushy teas.
And soup...!
At the same time, Bonaire’s traditional Kadushi soup, the cultural root that inspired Cadushy’s very first liqueur, was slowly disappearing, as fewer people still knew how to prepare it. To help preserve this culinary tradition, Cadushy created three modern versions: the original recipe, a richer version for those who love to cook, and an almost-instant style for easy preparation. A cherished island tradition, kept alive in a fresh new way.
Curious about our Tea & Soup?30 October 2011
On this day, Cadushy officially introduced the full Island Liqueurs line. Each liqueur represented a sister island within the Caribbean: Kukui of Aruba, Calbas of Curaçao, Gold of Statia, Spices of Saba, and Orange of Orange. Together, they formed a colourful and meaningful collection inspired by shared island heritage. The line was launched in both full-size bottles and miniature versions, making the Island Liqueurs accessible to collectors, travellers, and first-time tasters alike. The introduction made waves beyond the distillery as well, Eric appeared on the front page of Extra, Bonaire’s newspaper, marking a proud milestone for Cadushy and its growing recognition on Bonaire.
30 October 2011
On this day, Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Máxima visited Bonaire. It seemed almost impossible to present them with a bottle, but against all expectations, they ended up taking one with them… of course with Eric’s permission. The Orange Liqueur marked this royal moment, capturing the festive spirit of the visit in true Cadushy style. The full story behind how it happened is one best told in person. Curious? Come and hear it at the distillery.
28 August 2012
On this day, Eric and Jolande sat down with Captain Don to ask for permission to use his name for a Cadushy whisky. After a long and meaningful conversation, Captain Don smiled and said:
“You know, Eric, it’s about time someone made a product that is worthy of my name. You can use my name. Call your lawyer so we can put the consent in writing.” With that, Captain Don’s Whisky was born. The photo captures this special moment: Eric and Jolande together with Janet and Captain Don, with their signed bottles. A meeting of shared values, respect for the island, and a legacy sealed in spirit.
January 2013
On this day, The Spirit of Bonaire line was officially introduced. Three distinctive spirits marked the beginning of what would become a legendary collection: Captain Don’s Whisky, Cadushy Vodka, and Rom Rincón. Each spirit reflected a different expression of the island, crafted with care, character, and respect for tradition. This launch signaled a new chapter for Cadushy. No longer just inspired by Bonaire, these spirits aimed to capture its soul itself… the spirit of the island, captured in a bottle.
27 April 2010 - 30 April 2015
As the final phase of the complete restoration of the Cinelandia complex, the cinema itself was the ultimate challenge. It was an enormous project that demanded everything from Eric and the team, perseverance, craftsmanship, and belief in the vision. One of the key forces behind this restoration was Julian Cicilia, whose dedication and skill played a crucial role in bringing the cinema back to life.
On 30 April 2015, Cinelandia was officially and joyfully reopened. What once stood as a crumbling structure had been transformed into a vibrant cultural landmark at the heart of Rincón. In 2021, the cinema received a new roof, ensuring that this historic building would continue to welcome visitors for many years to come.
6 September 2016
Kaomati is Cadushy’s agave spirit, crafted from agave grown on Bonaire itself. The name Kaomati refers to the rocky formation just outside Rincón which, according to Bonairean mythology, marks the gateway to the island’s spirit world. By connecting local agave with ancient stories and landscape, Kaomati became more than a spirit. It is a tribute to Bonaire’s land, its myths, and the belief that every place carries its own spirit… waiting to be discovered.
January 2019
It took four years of experimenting, refining, and tasting before Eric was finally satisfied with the recipe for Salú! Gin. Only then did he feel it was ready to be shared with the world. The gin is crafted with 13 different botanicals, almost all of them Caribbean, carefully selected for their character and natural qualities. With so many botanicals traditionally associated with health and vitality, the name came naturally: Salú!, meaning “to your health” in the local language, Papiamentu. A gin born from patience, craftsmanship, and a toast to life on the island.
6 September 2019
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Cadushy hosted a festive gathering with many invited guests, both from the business world and private life. It was a night filled with music, memories, and gratitude. Harry Schoffelen performed “The Spirit of Bonaire”, while DJ Ferry Maat set the tone for the evening with his unmistakable sound.
Eric marked the moment with a speech reflecting on ten years of hard work, perseverance, and building success from the ground up. He also looked ahead with confidence and optimism, sharing his vision for a bright and exciting future for Cadushy.
6 September 2019
During the celebration of Cadushy’s 10th anniversary, a brand-new beer was introduced: Triple B – Bonairean Belgian Beer. To let the guests decide its future, two trash bins were placed at the party: one labelled “Stop” and the other “Go On.” By the end of the night, the message was crystal clear. The “Go On” bin was overflowing with empty Tripple B bottles, while the “Stop” bin contained just a single bottle… a Heineken. The verdict was unanimous. Tripple B was here to stay.
March 2020
In March 2020, the island came to an abrupt standstill. The COVID-19 pandemic brought global tourism to a halt, and Bonaire fell unusually quiet. What first appeared to be a crisis became a moment of clarity. The right time to fully invest in international ambitions that had been taking shape for years. Cadushy Bonaire B.V. was brought to life, and Eric, together with Michael Vlietstra, Manager Europe, set out to take Cadushy beyond the island. They began their journey into the European market, marking the start of a completely new chapter. The Cadushy Distillery went international, a multinational brand, proudly headquartered in Rincón.
While Cadushy was investing internationally during the COVID period, major developments were also taking place at home in Rincón. A new, much larger distillation still was specially designed and produced to support future growth. At the same time, the historic cinema received a roof. The former cinema was transformed into a new production space, with the impressive new still placed at center stage on the original podium. What once hosted film screenings now became the heart of Cadushy’s distillation process.
30 April 2024
With the new still and the expanded production facility fully operational, it was time to grow the Cadushy fleet. The search led to a true gem: a 1936 Framo pickup truck. More than just a vehicle, it represents a piece of history, engineering, and creativity. Restored and repurposed for modern use, the Framo perfectly reflects the Cadushy spirit, blending craftsmanship, character, and respect for the past while driving forward into the future.
6 September 2024
Cadushy turns 15, but this year there is no party. Instead of celebrating ourselves, we chose to give back to the community that has supported us from the very beginning. Ten local causes on Bonaire were selected, each receiving a donation of US $1,500 in recognition of their valuable work. A milestone marked not by speeches or music, but by gratitude, connection, and shared responsibility.
6 September 2024
The Cadushy team stands strong and continues to grow. This year, Mrs Cadushy came to life as the official Cadushy mascot. Full of character and joy, she represents the playful and welcoming spirit of the brand. From now on, you may occasionally encounter a life-sized Mrs Cadushy at the distillery or during events across Bonaire, spreading smiles, energy, and unmistakable Cadushy vibes wherever she appears.
2025
With the Impact Edition, Cadushy enters a new chapter where craftsmanship and social responsibility come together in one bottle. This special edition was created to actively support local initiatives on Bonaire, reinforcing the belief that a successful brand should also make a positive difference.
The Impact Edition reflects what Cadushy stands for today: rooted in Rincón, connected to the community, and always looking ahead. A spirit with a purpose — created not just to be enjoyed, but to give back.
Eric still loves his work. The curiosity, the creativity, the joy of building something meaningful are very much alive. At the same time, he is committed to preparing the next generation of leadership, carefully training and empowering people who will one day take the helm.
Cadushy has become an inseparable part of Bonaire. The Cadushy Experience will continue to play an important role in the island’s tourism, welcoming visitors with stories, craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality. International expansion continues step by step, thoughtfully and sustainably, always staying true to the island roots.
And who knows… perhaps one day Rom Rincón will even become the drink of choice on future space journeys. After all, the spirit of Bonaire knows no boundaries.
Plan your trip to the heart of Rincón and discover our handcrafted liqueurs and spirits firsthand.
