Welcome to this travel guide to Puerto Rican Rum. When it comes to rum, Puerto Rico stands as a global powerhouse. Known as the “Rum Capital of the World,” the island produces a significant part of the rum consumed in the United States (over 70%) and is home to some of the most renowned distilleries in the industry. Yet, beyond the household names, Puerto Rico’s rum scene has been evolving with a wave of innovation, boutique distilleries, and craft cocktail bars redefining the island’s liquid legacy.
In this deep dive, we’ll explore Puerto Rico’s rich rum heritage, highlight the trailblazing distilleries pushing the boundaries of production, and guide you to the best rum bars offering immersive experiences and inventive cocktails.
Rum and Puerto Rico have been intertwined for centuries, with production dating back to the early 16th century. The island’s tropical climate, fertile soil, and abundant sugarcane made it a prime location for rum distillation. Over time, Puerto Rican rum became synonymous with high quality and consistency.
The iconic Ron del Barrilito, founded in 1880, is the oldest Puerto Rican rum brand, still crafted using its original formula. Meanwhile, Bacardí, which relocated from Cuba to Puerto Rico in the 1930s, has become a global giant, producing millions of cases annually. However, while these legacy brands define much of the island’s rum history, a new generation of distillers is creating bold, small-batch expressions that celebrate the island’s terroir and creativity.
In recent years, Puerto Rico’s rum scene has welcomed a wave of innovative distilleries challenging conventions and focusing on craftsmanship, sustainability, and experimental aging techniques. Here are some of the most exciting distilleries making waves:
Located in the town of Vega Alta, San Juan Artisan Distillers is at the forefront of Puerto Rico’s craft rum movement. What makes this distillery stand out is its use of fresh-pressed sugarcane juice, setting it apart from the island’s traditional molasses-based rums. Their flagship product, Ron Pepon, is a white agricole-style rum that captures the grassy, vegetal essence of sugarcane.
San Juan Artisan Distillers is also known for its sustainable practices. It incorporates locally grown fruits, including passionfruit, mango, ginger, and coconut infusions, into its flavored rum: TRESCLAVOS Ron Caña Agrícola. Their production allows meticulous attention to detail, resulting in vibrant, terroir-driven rums reflecting Puerto Rico’s lush landscape.
Founded in 2006 by Héctor Augusto and María Cristina, Destilería Coquí revived Puerto Rico’s oldest rum, Ron Caña, which was illegal for over 500 years. Now the largest artisan distillery on the island, it produces over 50,000 cases of handcrafted rum annually with a team of 25 passionate colleagues.
Signature spirits include:
At Coquí Plaza, visitors can enjoy tastings, explore the distillery, and celebrate the island’s vibrant rum heritage.
Established in 1880 at Hacienda Santa Ana in Bayamón, Ron del Barrilito is Puerto Rico’s oldest rum, still made using the same artisanal methods. For over 140 years, this family-owned distillery has crafted world-class aged rums in Oloroso sherry casks, preserving its rich tradition.
Signature rums include:
Visitors can tour the historic Hacienda, enjoy tastings, and even take a mixology class led by expert bartenders, making Ron del Barrilito a must-visit for rum enthusiasts.
No visit to Puerto Rico’s rum scene is complete without a stop at La Casa Bacardí, the island’s most famous distillery. Located in Cataño, just a short ferry ride from San Juan, this sprawling facility offers an immersive experience into the world of Bacardí.
Visitors can enjoy guided tours that showcase the distillation process, rum-blending sessions, and tastings of exclusive, distillery-only releases. The mixology classes are a highlight, allowing guests to craft signature Bacardí cocktails, such as the Mojito and the Daiquiri, under the guidance of expert bartenders.
Puerto Rico’s cocktail culture has flourished in recent years, with bartenders embracing rum as the centerpiece of creative and refined cocktails. From speakeasy-style dens to beachside escapes, these rum bars are a must-visit for any aficionado.
No exploration of Puerto Rico’s rum scene is complete without a stop at La Factoría, the island’s most famous cocktail bar and a staple on the list of the World’s 50 Best Bars. Tucked behind an unassuming façade in Old San Juan, this multi-room bar offers a speakeasy vibe and masterfully crafted rum cocktails.
Scryer Rum Barrelhouse is a hidden gem in Old San Juan, offering a premium rum experience. This elegant, rustic bar is also a micro-distillery, producing its line of artisanal rums. The rum flights and barrel-aged cocktails provide a unique opportunity to sample Scryer’s distinct flavor profiles.
The bar’s sophisticated ambiance and knowledgeable staff make it a prime destination for rum connoisseurs seeking rare and complex pours.
For a laid-back, beachside rum experience, Ola Lola’s Tiki Bar in Isabela is a must-visit. Known for its tropical cocktails and relaxed vibe, this tiki bar showcases a variety of Puerto Rican rums in creative concoctions. Their Parcha Mojito, Pina Dreamsicle, and Refreshing Rum Punch are perfect for sipping while enjoying the ocean breeze.
For a tiki-inspired rum experience, head to JungleBird, located in San Juan’s Santurce neighborhood. Known for its playful, tropical atmosphere and innovative cocktail menu, JungleBird showcases a broad selection of Puerto Rican and Caribbean rums.
Signature drinks like the Rum Runner, Piña Colada, and the Pain Killer highlight the depth and versatility of Puerto Rican rums. With a laid-back yet sophisticated vibe, JungleBird is a favorite among both locals and tourists seeking expertly mixed drinks.
From boutique distilleries crafting bold, small-batch expressions to world-class cocktail bars serving inventive drinks, Puerto Rico is a true paradise for rum enthusiasts. Whether you’re sipping an aged añejo or enjoying a creative cocktail, the island’s rum culture offers an unforgettable experience.
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The creation of this article is supported by the information from the Guide to Rum Tasting in Puerto Rico and Rum Guide to Puerto Rico, as well as the data produced for the mentioned brands.
The image of the article is courtesy of ©THEPALMER via Canva.com
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