The rum capital of the world. That’s what Puerto Rico touts itself in its “Rums of Puerto Rico” campaign. We’ve had the pleasure of visiting Puerto Rico on several occasions, but we decided to return to the island recently to explore its world of rum.
We did a little research prior to our visit and found that the rum brands produced in PR include Bacardi (which actually started in Cuba), Don Q, Ron del Barrilito, Caliche, Club Caribe and Trigo Reserva Añeja. Two we had heard of prior to our visit (who hasn’t heard of Bacardi?), but the others were new to us. We also learned that there are several characteristics that Puerto Rican rums must have to be granted that approving seal of quality. Those signature distinctions are high quality molasses, a continuous distillation process, aged for a minimum of one year in a white-oak barrel, and it must be produced in Puerto Rico. We were ready to start our rum journey, and off we flew to San Juan to begin our week of rum, relaxation and research.
I must admit, this type of “research” is quite enjoyable. We fit as much as we could into our week on-island and from that time, we compiled this list of suggested Rum Experiences on the Island of Puerto Rico. We will no doubt add more to the list after subsequent PR visits!
- A visit to the Ron del Barrilito Visitor Center. They have just begun giving tours in their facility in Bayamón. A very good rum (we’re fans of the Three Star), and they recently started three tours; a Heritage Tour, a Mixology Tour and a Tasting Tour. Find out more about the tours here.
- Take the Rum Runners Craft Cocktail Tour. This 2 hour craft cocktail walking tour will take you through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan to some of the best watering holes in town to sample 3 different cocktails crafted by local mixologists. Learn fun facts about the origins and backstories of the spirit that shaped Puerto Rico while enjoying the evening with a small group of rum lovers, like you! Find out more about this tour here.
- Order a Piña Colada at Barrachina’s in Old San Juan. Barrachina’s is purported to be the birthplace of the Piña Colada where Don Ramon Portas Mingot created what became the world famous creamy rum drink in 1963. Although the drink is pre-mixed (perhaps as a time saver due to the large amount of them ordered), it’s fun to sit at the bar in the outside courtyard, enjoying the ambiance and chatting rum with the friendly bartenders.
- Head on over to Casa Melaza in Old San Juan and learn all about Puerto Rican Rums by participating in one of their daily rum tastings. It’s a great way to sample several Puerto Rican Rums to find out which is your favorite before buying a bottle. Find out more about Casa Melaza’s Rum Tastings here.
- Visit the Luquillo Kiosks to sample local food and drink at the series of local eateries. Although not the fanciest of establishments (it’s basically a series of kiosks!), you can find some delicious and authentic Puerto Rican cuisine and beverages. We enjoyed a Piña Colada from one of the kiosks as well as a tasty Mojito from the Mojiito Lab and some local dishes all enjoyed by the beach. It was an enjoyable afternoon after exploring the rainforest.
- And last, but certainly not least, The Bacardi Tour. The Bacardi brand of rums is probably one of the best known brands in the world and although some discount it due to its mass production, Bacardi does have a few delicious premium rums in addition to its very popular mixing rums. At its tour location, Casa Bacardi, across the bay from Old San Juan, there is a choice of three experiences: the historical tour, the rum tasting tour and a mixology class. We participated in the historical tour many years ago and found it to be informative about the brand and its history – and of course enjoyed the cocktail served at the outdoor Bat Bar Pavilion. Find out more about booking a tour here.
Do you want to try good sipping rums from Puerto Rico? We would recommend trying Ron Del Barrilito 3 Star, Don Q Gran Añejo,
Trigo Reserva Añeja and Bacardi Reserva Limitada.
Are you thirsty for a Piña Colada now? Here’s a delicious recipe to try: The Best Piña Colada.
Have you enjoyed a rum experience in Puerto Rico that you’d like to share? Let us know – we’re already making a list of what to see and do for our next PR visit! Cheers!
Other posts you might be interested in:
10 Things You Shouldn’t Miss on Puerto Rico
8 Things You Shouldn’t Miss on Culebra
8 Things You Shouldn’t Miss on Vieques
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