Discover the Best Rum Distilleries in the Caribbean
The Caribbean is inextricably linked to rum, whether it’s the island of Nevis (considered the birthplace of the modern drink) or the world’s oldest commercial rum distillery (found in Barbados). There’s no shortage of islands to sip on the sugarcane spirit. You can plan your own rum tour while island-hopping or seek out a cruise that showcases top rum distilleries. Here are seven must-visit places to taste and tour the Caribbean’s favorite spirit.
1. St. Maarten
Topper’s Rhum Distillery offers visitors insight into rum production while strolling through the spacious 6,000-square-foot distillery and lab. Following the tour, enjoy unlimited tastings of their diverse portfolio, including white, spiced, coconut, and mocha rums, alongside samples of delicious rum cake. You can even bottle your own rum to take home. The distillery operates daily from 9 am to 4 pm, with tours running hourly from 10 am to 3 pm for a fee of USD $20 per adult.
At the Sint Maarten Distillery, not only can you tour and sample their signature Soualiga Handcrafted Rum, but you can also partake in a comparative tasting of other Caribbean rums. Contact the distillery for current pricing and scheduling information.
2. Nevis
At Clifton Estate Rum, a two-year-old dark rum is crafted in small batches, infused with natural ingredients such as orange, honey, and a secret blend of local spices. You can fill and engrave your own bottle at L&L Rumshop, which boasts over 200 rum brands on its shelves.
To immerse yourself further, attend Mark’s Rum Tasting, where you’ll explore various styles and flavors of rum over a 1.5-hour session. These tastings can be booked via his website.
3. Saint Lucia
St Lucia Distillers, established in 1971, is the only rum producer on this lavish island, founded by the French. During their 3.5-hour tour, you’ll learn about the sugarcane-to-rum process and sample some of their 25 offerings, including the cult-favorite Chairman’s Reserve.
4. Dominica
Bush rum, an overproof style infused with local herbs and fruits, reigns on this island, initially intended for medicinal purposes but now enjoyed recreationally. Sample unique iterations ranging from papaya to coffee at the new Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski, or enjoy potent cocktails featuring bush rum at RumFire Bar.
Additionally, spend an afternoon at a cooking class nestled in a tropical rainforest, where you can make and taste traditional dishes along with rum liqueur and coconut rum cake. Classes last 3.5 hours, and prices vary by menu.
5. Guadeloupe
On this French Caribbean island, rhum agricole is the primary rum produced, made from freshly-pressed sugarcane juice and known for its funky and vegetal characteristics. This style of rum is essential for crafting the addictive Ti Punch, which combines lime and cane syrup.
Visit Distillerie Bologne, located on a historic 300-year-old plantation offering a variety of rums, including their unique Black Cane Rhum, made from a rare black sugarcane variety. Tours are available Monday to Friday at 10 am, 11 am, and noon, and Saturdays at 10 and 11 am, with a fee of €5.50 per adult, including a rhum cocktail.
6. Saint Barthélemy
Known for luxurious hotels and stunning harbors, St. Barth’s is also home to the Caribbean’s largest rum collection at the Rhum Room. This intimate bar features 770 varieties of rum dating back to 1850. While there, enjoy a Caribbean Boticcelli, made with Diplomatico Rum and fresh ingredients.
7. St. Kitts
The island of Nevis is officially known as Saint Christopher Island, home to Brinley Gold Shipwreck Rum from the St. Kitts Rum Company, which offers spiced and flavored varieties such as mango and vanilla. Experience this unique rum at various beach bars, including SALT Plage on White House Bay, where you can unwind in a hammock and sip a Jumbie, a refreshing blend of spiced rum and fruit.
