Rum is the signature spirit of the Caribbean and Puerto Rico is its biggest producer. Some of the world’s most famous names call this island paradise home and the history of rum is inextricably linked with its history. You can cruise from Puerto Rico to the Caribbean and destinations in the US, but don’t miss the chance to explore the best rum houses on the island first!
Ron del Barrilito at Hacienda Santa Ana
Ron del Barrillito is often described as Puerto Rico’s best rum and it’s created at the charming Hacienda Santa Ana. A vast, rambling ranch draped in history (the main office is inside an abandoned windmill)! A visit to the distillery is worth it just for the chance to explore the hacienda.
But the main event here is, of course, the rum. The Fernandez family have been making rum since 1880 and the process still has a serious family, artisan flavor. Don’t miss the chance to sample a glass of Barrilito, served over ice, in this wonderful setting.
Ron Bacardi at Casa Bacardi
Everyone in the world has heard of Bacardi. Step into the fascinating, historic, atmospheric Casa Bacardi and enter into a little slice of Cuba. Ron Bacardi was founded in Cuba over 150 years ago, but fled the country when its distilleries were taken over by the government following Fidel Castro’s communist revolution.
Although they are now based in Bermuda, the Bacardi distillery in Puerto Rico is its most important facility, and the largest premium rum distillery in the world. You can take a tour of the distillery, discover the history of the brand, and most importantly, taste the incredibly delicious rum!
Pitorro at PitoRico
Pitorro is not, strictly speaking, a rum but it would be inconceivable to visit Puerto Rico without tasting this fiery, powerful first cousin to the more famous and well-known spirit. Traditionally made by moonshiners up in the mountains in the island’s interior, the 95-proof pitorro spirit was buried underground and cured until it was smooth enough to drink.
PitoRico has popularized and modernized this traditional alcohol, and the Destilería Cruz is the perfect place to try a true taste of old Puerto Rico.
Ron Don Q
Although Ron Don Q is the most popular rum in Puerto Rico, you can’t actually visit the distillery itself! So satisfy yourself with a glass or two at a local bar, then head to the Serralles Castle Museum, a Spanish Revival mansion which was the home of the Serralles family, the creators and makers of Don Q.
There’s plenty of information and history about the rum there, as well as some stunning architecture and beautiful gardens to explore.
