Rum is not just an easy base for a cocktail – it’s a window into Caribbean culture, writes Vivienne Dovi. Explore our pick of the best rum distilleries…
Rum heritage in the Caribbean runs deep. For centuries, these islands have perfected the art of turning sugarcane and molasses into liquid gold, creating a spirit that embodies the region’s culture and history.
While many might view rum as just another spirit – and a good base for a mojito – in the Caribbean, it’s the cornerstone of island life and a gateway to experiencing local culture in action.
For clients seeking to explore the history of rum, visiting a distillery to learn about the intricate processes and diverse flavour profiles should be at the top of their to-do list.
Whether they are rum connoisseurs looking for their next favourite bottle or enthusiasts eager to learn about the region’s history, here’s our pick of the best rum distilleries in the Caribbean.
1. Barbados: Mount Gay Rum Distillery
As the birthplace of rum, Barbados certainly tops the list. No rum tour is complete without visiting Mount Gay Distillery in Saint Lucy parish, in the north of the island, which is recognised as the world’s oldest commercial rum distillery, having been in operation since 1703.
The Signature Distillery Tour will guide clients through more than 300 years of rum-making history, including the molasses house, fermentation hall and bottling area. Guests end up in the tasting room to test three samples of their signature blends.
For true enthusiasts, the Premium Rum Flight Experience provides an in-depth tasting of eight rums in a more intimate group.
2. Martinique: Distillerie JM
Founded in 1845, JM Distillery in Macouba is in a remote spot in the north of this lesser-visited island, and considered to be less touristy than other distilleries in the region.
Based at the foot of the volcanic Mount Pelée, it gives clients a great introduction to rhum agricole. This unique French Caribbean-style drink, made from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses, has a more complex and grassy flavour profile. After visiting sugarcane fields and witnessing the entire production process, visitors can sample four aged rums from the Rhum JM range.
The distillery’s proximity to Mount Pelée allows clients to pair this experience with a hike for a full day of adventure – though make sure they hit the walking trails first and the rum second.
3. Jamaica: Appleton Estate
One of the world’s most popular rum brands, Appleton Estate offers a particularly well-rounded tour. With heritage dating back to 1749, clients can learn how traditional methods have been combined with modern production techniques. The distillery tour in Siloah, in St Elizabeth parish, starts with an introduction from Joy Spence, the world’s first female master blender in the spirits industry.
Visitors get to sample sugarcane juice as they go, then end with a tasting of Appleton’s finest rums.
4. Puerto Rico: Casa Bacardi
Located in Cataño, just 20 minutes from the capital, San Juan, Casa Bacardí is ideal for casual rum drinkers interested in exploring this world-famous brand. In just under an hour, The Legacy Tour teaches visitors about the history of rum, the production process for Bacardi and its iconic branding, in a concise yet informative way.
For visitors wanting to deepen their knowledge of rum, the 75-minute Rum Tasting Tour allows clients to sample various Bacardi rums while learning to appreciate the spirit like an expert.
5. Grenada: River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery
Located on the island’s northeastern coast, River Antoine offers a glimpse into rum production methods that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Operating since 1785, it’s the oldest functioning water-propelled distillery in the Caribbean – possibly even in the world. The distillery tour take visitors through how sugarcane is crushed with a water wheel to the bottling of the potent final product, Rivers rum.
With an overproof rum of 75% ABV, the sampling is not for the faint of heart. However, River Antoine also produces a 69% ABV version for export. Grenada’s compact size means that the distillery is perfect for islandhopping cruise holidays.
Book it:
Kuoni offers a seven-night stay at The Rockley by Ocean Hotels in Barbados, staying in a Junior Suite on a bed-and-breakfast basis, with BA flights from Heathrow and a Mount Gay Rum Half-Day Experience, from £1,499 departing in June 2025.
kuoni.co.uk
A week at Sandals South Coast in Jamaica, staying in a Silver Sun Beachfront room, costs from £1,635 based on a November 10 departure, with Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow and transfers. Add an Appleton Estate Historical Rum Tour from £75.
sellingsandals.co.uk
Attraction World has a four-hour tour of Grenada’s River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery from £71, including pick-up and tasting.
login.attractionworldportal.com
PICTURES: Shutterstock/Rostasedlacek; Shutterstock/Nicola Pulham
