This blog post was updated on July 30, 2021.
Can a single sip of rum send you sailing to a tropical island in your mind? Then you’ll love dreaming a little while with us as we explore some of the best Caribbean rum distilleries to visit. Yes, a number of distilleries – big and small, famous and not-so-much – across the Caribbean are open to the public with guided tours and tastings.
So whether you plan to cruise over to Barbados or hop flights to Bahamas, go ahead and pour yourself a shot of your preferred poison or mix your favorite cocktail and let’s go island hopping!
Bahamas
The John Watling’s Distillery tour encompasses the bold history of the Bahamas, with tales of the distillery’s namesake buccaneer, a taste of its spirit that’s been made here since 1789, and an opportunity to take in the grandeur of the Buena Vista Estate in downtown Nassau.
Looking for cheap flights to Bahamas? These amazing deals can help you get there for less!
Jamaica
Jamaica is home to producers of some of the world’s most popular, award-winning, and best-tasting rums. Two of the very best – Appleton Estate and Hampden – offer tours of their facilities. The Appleton tour, deep in the heart of the island’s Cockpit Country, gives visitors a true taste of Jamaica and a hands-on opportunity to discover what goes into making premium quality rum. The Hampden tour, near the cruise hub of Falmouth, similarly provides a chance for some up close learning about rum-making and how it ties in with the history and fortunes of Jamaica. Did you suddenly feel like setting aside your drink to start surfing through flights to the Caribbean for a cheap one to Jamaica? Totally understand; the lure of Jamaican rum is irresistible. But not so fast. Take another sip of whatever you’re having and look at what Martinique has to offer.
Martinique
If distillery tours are your thing, then the friendly French-speaking island of Martinique is your ideal destination. There are a number of tours of distilleries here. The island even has its own “Route des Rhums” crossing the island north to south hitting its 10 distilleries along the way. Among the most highly rated distillery tours are the ones at Rhum JM, Saint James, and Habitation Clement.
Puerto Rico
Perhaps you’ve heard of Bacardi? Puerto Rico is Bacardi’s base. The brand has its own Casa Bacardi, which just so happens to be the world’s largest premium rum distillery. Tours take you behind the scenes from barrel to bottle and conclude with a tasting.
Trinidad
Trinidad’s Angostura is one of the biggest rum producers in the Caribbean and maker of the world’s best-selling aromatic bitters. There’s no bitter end to an Angostura distillery tour, but visitors do get to see the Bitters Room, where a sneak peek of distillery facilities can be enjoyed. The tour also includes a look at the Barcant Butterfly Collection — a nearly 100-year-old collection of more than 700 species of butterflies.
RELATED: If you need a few tips on what to bring when you get away to one of these islands, check out 10 Essentials to Bring on Your Caribbean Getaway!
Barbados
Beautiful Barbados has been a haven for rum distilleries for more than 350 years, including one of the world’s leading brands and oldest rums: Mount Gay. The Mount Gay Rum Visitor Centre invites guests to its distillery, which dates back to 1703. The stories shared on a Mount Gay tour are as potent as the rum distilled there! Other distilleries to visit on Barbados include St Nicholas Abbey (with its own working sugar plantation) and the Foursquare Rum Factory.
Grenada
Similar to the island itself, Grenada’s River Antoine Estate Rum Distillery tour is a hidden gem that’s traditional, respectful of nature, high quality, and inexpensive. The privately owned distillery is the oldest running water-propelled distillery in the Caribbean. Last we checked, a tour cost just $2.
Cuba
Not the easiest island to get to for many Americans, but rum lovers know Cuba is one of the world’s key producers of the amber spirit and originator to some of the most famous rum-based drinks. Tours of old Bacardi Rum Factory museum in Santiago de Cuba (operations have long since relocated to Puerto Rico) and the Museo del Ron Havana Club in Havana offer deep insight into the island’s drink of choice. Couple your tours with visits to pre-revolution bars, such as El Floridita, La Bodeguita del Medio, the former Trader Vic’s (now Restaurante Polinesio) etc. etc. etc. … and cheers!
Haiti
Okay, so Haiti is a bit of an advanced option for experienced travelers and only the most ardent rum aficionados. But if that’s you, then the Rhum Barbancourt distillery near Port-au-Prince is the place to be. Producing premium rum since the 1860s, the Barbancourt distillery is located in an oasis of calm on the edge of the frenetic capital of Port-au-Prince.
Ready to head out on a heady, rum-soaked adventure in the Caribbean? Whether you plan to hop on flights to Jamaica or flights to Bahamas, we hope this list helps you quench your thirst for great rum – Cheers!
There are so many more islands and distilleries across the Caribbean. Where’s your favorite port of call and what’s your favorite rum?
