Puerto Rico produces over 30 million gallons of rum annually. Did you know its legacy and history go back over 400 years? Many Puerto Ricans are unaware of that fact, and even fewer know that Puerto Rico is recognized as the Rum Capital of the World.
The truth is that this small island has more to offer than beautiful beaches, rivers and restaurants. There is an entire Ruta del Ron dedicated to rum distilleries on the Island where you can hang out and, along the way, learn why our 100 x 35 continues to set the standard worldwide. Below are 5 distilleries that are part of the Ruta del Ron in Puerto Rico and that suit different tastes, so you can go with friends, as a couple, or with family.
Spending a day at the Castillo Serrallés museum has become one of the best things to do in Ponce. Even more so when this beautiful structure is home to the Don Q Rum Tour, an hour-and-a-half interactive experience.
The guided tour is part of the Ruta del Ron run by the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) and its Puerto Rico Rum Program (ROPR), which presents the Island as an ideal destination for learning about the history of rum. On it, you will learn about the history of Don Q and Destilería Serrallés, the oldest distillery in Puerto Rico still in operation.
What makes this tour special? It is the only rum tour in Puerto Rico where you will have the chance to experience virtual reality. You can also take a mixology class and explore over 150 years of Don Q history.
What is the difference between rum and pitorro? Test your knowledge of these Puerto Rican cocktail staples at Destilería Craft Spirits, a company small in size but big in quality and flavor.
What makes this tour special? This tour is more hands-on and less theoretical. At each stage, all five senses come into play, especially taste. And since it takes place in Jayuya, there is a great opportunity to get away from the city and connect with nature.
Walk alongside French cognac copper stills with a master distiller, all the way through to the production process for agricultural rum. At San Juan Artisan Distillers you can dive headfirst into the creation of Ron Pepón, the first agricultural rum made and distilled with sugarcane juice from the estate.
What makes this tour so special? The chance to see the only active sugarcane mill in Puerto Rico in operation.
Hacienda Santa Ana, home of Ron del Barrilito, offers three types of tours for rum lovers and the curious alike.
The first presents the history and unique craftsmanship behind Ron del Barrilito, the oldest Puerto Rican rum still made in the same place and in the same way.
In the second, you will sharpen your bartending skills with interactive classes led by star mixologists. If tasting is more your thing, the tasting experience is for you. It offers a unique opportunity to savor and enjoy all the rums produced on the estate.
What makes this tour special? Ron del Barrilito has been produced here since 1880. After the tour, you can stop by the Visitor's Center to fill your own bottle of Ron del Barrilito Cuatro Estrellas, aged for over 20 years.
Considered one of the pioneers in opening its stills and offering tours to the public, Casa BACARDÍ offers a refreshing welcome facing the sea, with a rum cocktail at the Pabellón Bat Bar. Discover the legacy of the Bacardí family and choose from a varied catalog of experiences ranging from a rum tasting tour and a mixology class to sampling the Reserva Especial Casa BACARDÍ, available exclusively in Cataño.
What makes this tour special? Named the Cathedral of Rum, BACARDÍ is the largest premium rum distillery in Puerto Rico and the world.
¡Ronéalo! con Rums of Puerto Rico
So the question is not which one to visit, but in what order. Remember to call ahead to make reservations; then all that's left is to enjoy yourself.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
