Share
What is made from sugar, can be consumed by itself, mixed in cocktails, and used as flavoring in desserts and other dishes? Rum! A local staple and spirit of choice in the Caribbean, rum has been a part of Puerto Rico’s history since the early sixteenth century. A Puerto Rican rum distillery tour is a great way to add flair to your island visit.
Rum has been a significant source of revenue and a vital part of the Puerto Rican economy since the 1800s. The spirit is a $300 million-per-year boon to the island’s economy, according to the americanrumreport.com, and over 700 Puerto Ricans are employed in the distilleries.” A whopping 80% of the rum sales in the world come from Puerto Rico, making this a surefire must-see on any island jaunt.
Proin massa lorem, eleifend non condimentum mattis, ultricies at odio. Vestibulum mauris ante, commodo et purus a, porta pharetra velit. Sed bibendum faucibus metus, at pretium nulla sagittis sit amet. Vestibulum sollicitudin elementum varius. Proin porta sapien justo, vel dapibus justo vulputate eu. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Mauris tellus ligula, dapibus eu sem quis, semper cursus dui. In eu facilisis augue. Proin dictum mi ut elit tempor vulputate. Mauris ut metus elit. Integer leo odio, auctor accumsan pharetra eget, aliquam et leo. Phasellus dapibus odio a viverra auctor. Vivamus euismod, nisi nec molestie consequat, ipsum mauris ultrices dolor, sit amet ornare nisl nisi non magna. Duis nunc neque, blandit ac tortor at, tristique pretium elit. Sed ornare porta nulla, vitae dapibus quam sagittis nec. Pellentesque erat purus, cursus sed consequat vel, vulputate at nibh.
Bacardí’s Cathedral of Rum
Bacardí is considered to be the most popular rum worldwide, and has been family owned for six generations. Of course you can drive, but why not take the scenic ferry from Old San Juan to the nearby suburb of Cataño to tour Bacardi’s Puerto Rico distillery? This popular destination is a mere 15 minutes from San Juan.
The rich history of Casa Bacardí originally began in Cuba in 1862. However, since 1909, Casa Bacardí, also known also as “The Cathedral of Rum”, has been located in Cataño, Puerto Rico. Casa Bacardí’s Cataño plant is currently the island’s largest rum distillery, and started producing rum in early 1937.
Before the pandemic began, you could show up at the distillery and purchase tickets on site. Now, to access Bacardí’s Cathedral of Rum, you must have a confirmed ticket and present proof of vaccination. In addition, since tours fill up quickly, it is advised to purchase your tickets well in advance. Even with COVID precautions, there are several options available for those visiting Casa Bacardí:
1. Not down for an intensive tour? You can spend $20 on a basic Casa Bacardí Bar Visit. You won’t get a tour, but you do get your choice of a cocktail and empanada, plus access to the Gift Shop.
2. Looking for a bit of fun mixed with learning? For $75, the Mixology Class teaches you bartending tricks and how to make the perfect cocktail. You also get a trolley ride, a visit to the Family Museum, and a movie at the Visitor Center. Approximately 75 minutes long.
3. Are you more of a history buff? Maybe you’re interested in how rum is made? Or you want to taste test your way through the flavors? Well then, the Rum Tasting Tour is going to be right up your alley! For $75, you will be welcomed with a cocktail and taken on a trolley ride. Along the way, you will learn how to correctly taste rum, learn about the rich history, taste through premium rums and a chocolate pairing. Plus, you can visit the Family Museum, watch a movie at the Visitor Center, and visit the gift shop. Approximately 75 minutes long.
Hacienda Santa Ana
If you are searching for history, look no further than Hacienda Santa Ana. Here you will learn about the oldest rum from Puerto Rico, Ron del Barrilito, still made traditionally since 1880. The big brag at this establishment is that not much has changed in the past 140 years. It’s still served straight from a small barrel and continues to be popular with guests.
Located 23 minutes from San Juan and roughly 30 minutes from Numero Uno Pinones, this distillery is conveniently situated and easy to get to. It’s an excursion that won’t take your entire day, unless you want it to.
To visit, mandatory COVID safety measures include mask wearing and social distancing. The three tour options at your disposal are:
1. Heritage Tour: is 30 minutes and costs $25 per person.This tour includes a complimentary rum cocktail, a tour of the grounds, and the aging process. At the end you can stay and enjoy more cocktails at the bar if you so desire.
2. Mixology Class: includes the Heritage Tour, lasts 1 hour, and is $80 per person. Everything from option 1, plus the mixology class where you will learn to craft quality cocktails.
3. Tasting Tour: includes the Heritage Tour, plenty of spirit tasting, lasts 1 hour, and is $80 per person.