Rum Route of Puerto Rico
A Unique Experience for Rum Lovers
Puerto Rico, the Caribbean’s treasured gem, is celebrated for its rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and exceptional rum. Puerto Rican rum is internationally renowned for its distinctive quality and flavor, which is the result of the island’s tropical climate, high-quality sugarcane, and centuries-old tradition of rum production.
To promote the rum industry and attract visitors to the island, the Department of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico (DDEC) launched the Rum Route in 2023. The route features ten distilleries located across the island, from San Juan to Ponce, Mayagüez to Vieques.
The Rum Route of Puerto Rico offers a one-of-a-kind experience for rum enthusiasts. Visitors can delve into the history and production process of this iconic beverage, sample a variety of Puerto Rican rums, and appreciate the island’s breathtaking landscapes.
This journey along the Rum Route provides a unique opportunity for rum aficionados to explore the history and craftsmanship behind this special drink. Tour the distilleries, learn about different rum varieties, and enjoy delightful tastings.
In addition to the distilleries, the route also includes other attractions like beaches, mountains, and museums. It’s a well-rounded experience that beautifully combines the island’s culture, history, and gastronomy.
Distilleries on the Rum Route
The Rum Route, a unique experience for rum lovers, includes visits to the following distilleries:
Casa BACARDÍ
Casa BACARDÍ is the largest rum distillery in the world and the most visited on the Puerto Rico Rum Route. It is located in the town of Cataño, Puerto Rico, and is the headquarters of Bacardí Corporation, the largest producer of Bacardí rum in Puerto Rico.
The distillery tour is a unique experience that allows visitors to learn about the history and tradition of rum. The tour begins with a welcome cocktail, followed by a historical tour of the distillery. Visitors will learn about the origins of Bacardí in Cuba and its move to Puerto Rico in 1936. They will also have the opportunity to see the distillery's production and aging processes.
After the tour, visitors can participate in a Bacardí rum tasting or a mixology class. They can also visit the distillery's gift shop, where they can purchase Bacardí products.
Address: 200 PR-165, Cataño, 00962, Puerto Rico
Serrallés Distillery
Serrallés Distillery is one of the oldest family-owned businesses in Puerto Rico. Founded in 1852, the distillery is known for its Don Q brand, the most popular rum on the island. The distillery is located in the town of Ponce, a city rich in history and culture. Visitors can learn about the history of rum and the making of Don Q on a guided tour. The tour includes a visit to the distillery's facilities, where you can see the processes of fermentation, distillation, and aging of rum.
In addition to the tour, visitors can also create their own cocktail in a mixology workshop. The workshop is led by a professional mixologist who teaches participants how to combine different ingredients to create unique cocktails. The distillery also offers a virtual reality experience that takes visitors on a journey through the history of rum. The experience is interactive and allows participants to learn about the different types of rum and their importance in Puerto Rican culture.
A visit to Serrallés Distillery is a unique experience that allows visitors to learn about the history, making, and flavor of rum. The tour is informative and entertaining, and the tasting is an opportunity to enjoy this traditional liquor of Puerto Rico.
Address: 2C8P+42G, PR-5506, Mercedita, Ponce 00715, Puerto Rico
Hacienda Santa Ana
Hacienda Santa Ana is a craft distillery located in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. It is the smallest distillery on the Rum Route and is known for producing Ron del Barrilito, a high-quality craft rum.
The distillery was founded in 1880 by José Gerena and his son, Juan Gerena. Since then, it has been in continuous operation, making it one of the oldest distilleries in Puerto Rico.
Hacienda Santa Ana offers guided tours and rum tastings. The guided tours last approximately one hour and allow visitors to learn about the production process of Ron del Barrilito. The rum tastings last approximately 30 minutes and allow visitors to sample a variety of Ron del Barrilito rums.
If you are a rum lover, Hacienda Santa Ana is a must-visit. The distillery offers a unique experience to learn about the history and production of this delicious liquor.
Address: Edmundo B Fernández Inc, PR-5, 00960, Puerto Rico
Club Caribe
Club Caribe is a small, artisanal distillery located in Cidra, Puerto Rico. It is one of the smallest distilleries on the Rum Route and is known for producing white rum, aged rum, and spiced rum. The distillery was founded in 1949 by the García family. Since then, it has been in continuous operation, making it one of the oldest distilleries in Puerto Rico.
Club Caribe offers guided tours and rum tastings. Guided tours last approximately one hour and allow visitors to learn about the production process of Club Caribe rum. Rum tastings last approximately 30 minutes and allow visitors to sample a variety of Club Caribe rums.
Address: 5VWF+9H5, PR-172, Cidra, 00739, Puerto Rico
Trigo
Trigo is a craft distillery located in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. It is known for producing high quality rums made from sugar cane and wheat.
The distillery was founded in 2004 by José Luis Rodríguez, who has been making rum for more than 20 years. Trigo is one of the smallest distilleries on the Rum Route, but its production is limited to guarantee the quality of its products.
Trigo offers rum tours and tastings so visitors can learn about the production process and taste their products. Tours last approximately one hour and allow visitors to learn about Trigo's rum production process. Tours include a visit to the production facility, an explanation of the distillation process, and a rum tasting.
Rum tastings last approximately 30 minutes and allow visitors to sample a variety of Wheat rums, including white rums, aged rums and spiced rums. Tastings take place in the distillery's tasting room.
Address: CPXV+26G, Toa Baja, 00951, Puerto Rico
San Juan Artisan Distillers
San Juan Artisan Distillers is a craft distillery located in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico. It is the only distillery on the Rum Route that produces agricultural rum, a type of rum made from freshly squeezed sugarcane juice. The distillery was founded in 2011 by Luis and Miguel Angel Rivera. Since then, it has been in continuous operation, making it one of the youngest distilleries in Puerto Rico.
San Juan Artisan Distillers produces a variety of rums, including white rum, aged rum, and spiced rum. San Juan Artisan Distillers rums are popular in Puerto Rico and around the world.
San Juan Artisan Distillers offers tours and rum tastings. Tours last approximately one hour and allow visitors to learn about the process of producing agricultural rum. Tours include a visit to the production facilities, an explanation of the distillation process, and a rum tasting.
Rum tastings last approximately 30 minutes and allow visitors to sample a variety of rums from San Juan Artisan Distillers, including white rums, aged rums, and spiced rums. Tastings are held in the distillery's tasting room.
Address: PR-690, KM 3.2, 00692, Puerto Rico
Distillery Coquí
Distillery Coquí is a small, artisan distillery located in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. It is one of the youngest distilleries on the Rum Route, but it is known for producing high-quality rums made with sugarcane and tropical fruits. The distillery was founded in 2006 by Héctor Augusto and María Cristina González and has been in continuous operation since then, making it one of the youngest distilleries in Puerto Rico.
Distillery Coquí produces a variety of artisan rums, including Carjaker's Handcrafted Rum, Ron Coquí, and Pitorro. The rums are made with high-quality ingredients and are aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years.
Distillery Coquí offers tours and rum tastings. The tours last approximately one hour and allow visitors to learn about the rum-making process at Distillery Coquí. The tours include a visit to the production facilities, an explanation of the distillation process, and a rum tasting.
The rum tastings last approximately 30 minutes and allow visitors to sample a variety of rums from Distillery Coquí, including white rums, aged rums, and spiced rums. The tastings are held in the distillery's tasting room.
Address: C. José Gualberto Padilla, Mayagüez, 00682, Puerto Rico
Craft Spirits Distillery
Craft Spirits Distillery is a craft distillery located in the municipality of Jayuya, Puerto Rico. It is one of the smallest distilleries on the Rum Route, but it is known for producing a variety of high-quality rums, including white rum, aged rum, spiced rum, and flavored rum.
The distillery was founded in 2016 by a group of friends who share a love of rum and craftsmanship. The distillery uses traditional methods to make its rum, and all products are made by hand in small batches.
Craft Spirits Distillery offers tours and rum tastings so that visitors can learn about the production process and taste its products. Tours last approximately one hour and allow visitors to learn about the history of the distillery, the rum-making process, and the different types of rums that are produced. Tours include a visit to the production facilities, an explanation of the distillation process, and a rum tasting.
Rum tastings last approximately 30 minutes and allow visitors to try a variety of Craft Spirits rums. Tastings are held in the distillery's tasting room.
Address: PR-5141, Jayuya, 00664, Puerto Rico
Crab Island
Crab Island is a small, artisanal distillery located on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico. It was founded in 2017 by Michael and Laura Behler, who produce high-quality rums made with local sugarcane.
Crab Island is one of the youngest distilleries on the Rum Route, but it is known for its sustainable approach and commitment to quality. The distillery uses solar energy and recycles its waste to reduce its environmental impact. The distillery is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can take tours and rum tastings to learn about the rum-making process and sample a variety of Crab Island rums.
Tours last approximately one hour and allow visitors to learn about the Crab Island rum-making process. Tours include a visit to the production facilities, an explanation of the distillation process, and a rum tasting.
Rum tastings last approximately 30 minutes and allow visitors to sample a variety of Crab Island rums, including white rums, aged rums, and spiced rums. Tastings are held in the distillery's tasting room.
Address: 4FCF+PV, Vieques, 00765, Puerto Rico
Ron Boricua
Ron Boricua is a small, artisanal distillery located in the city of Caguas, Puerto Rico. It was founded in 2015 by José Luis Rodríguez, who produces high-quality rums made with locally grown sugarcane.
Ron Boricua is one of the youngest distilleries on the Rum Route, but it is known for its unique flavor and commitment to quality. Ron Boricua rum has a smooth and complex flavor, which is the result of a traditional production process and the use of high-quality ingredients.
Tours last approximately one hour and allow visitors to learn about the production process of Ron Boricua rum. Tours include a visit to the production facilities, an explanation of the distillation process, and a rum tasting.
Rum tastings last approximately 30 minutes and allow visitors to sample a variety of Ron Boricua rums, including white rums, aged rums, and spiced rums. Tastings are held in the distillery's tasting room.
The Rum Production Process in Puerto Rico
- Harvesting sugarcane: Sugarcane is grown and harvested on the island. This raw material is essential for rum production, as it is used to obtain the juice that will become sugar and, ultimately, alcohol.
- Fermentation: Sugarcane juice is fermented to convert sugars into alcohol. This process can take several days and results in a liquid known as "must"..
- Distillation: The must is distilled to separate the alcohol from other compounds. In Puerto Rico, the vacuum distillation process is mainly used, which allows obtaining high-quality alcohol with a smooth flavor.
- Aging: Rum is aged in oak barrels for several years. During this process, the rum acquires its characteristic flavors and is softened.
- Blending and bottling: Master roneros mix different batches of rum to achieve the desired flavor profile.
If you are a rum lover or simply someone looking for an authentic tourist experience, the Puerto Rico Rum Route is waiting for you. Discover the magic behind every sip and learn about the legacy of rum on this Caribbean island. You will not only be tasting a drink; you will be savoring the history and passion of Puerto Rico.
The Rum Route is a great way to explore Puerto Rico and learn about its culture. If you are planning a trip to the island, here are some tips for planning your route:
- Choose the itinerary that best suits your interests. The Rum Route includes distilleries of all sizes and styles, so you can choose an itinerary that focuses on the distilleries that interest you the most.
- Book in advance. Distilleries on the Rum Route are often very busy, so it is important to book in advance, especially if you are traveling during the high season.
- Rent a car. The best way to travel the Rum Route is to rent a car. This will allow you to explore the island at your own pace and visit the distilleries that interest you the most.
The Rum Route is a unique experience that will allow you to learn about the history and culture of rum, and enjoy some of the best drinks in the world.