Puerto rican rum: Rums of Puerto Rico Rum Capital of the World
10 Best Rum Brands in Puerto Rico Listed (2023 Updated)
Last Updated on December 28, 2022 by Lydia Martin
Puerto Rico is known for their beautiful islands, but do you know that they are also one of the best rum producers in the world? In fact, the largest premium rum distillery in the world is located in Puerto Rico.
With all the rum brands in the market today, finding Puerto Rican rums that are good value for money can be challenging. We’ll save you from hassle because here are the best rums in Puerto Rico that you should not miss out on.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Rums In Puerto Rico (Most Voted)
10. Ron Llave
Average Price: Roughly $18.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It:
Ron Llave is a premium Puerto Rican rum with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Unlike other primary Puerto Rican rums, Ron Llave is produced on the Northern Coast of Puerto Rico.
Ron Llave delivers nice flavor and lightness to various mixed drinks. It has a mellow character and mixability, making every Puerto Rican rum more popular. In addition, the local rum is relatively cheaper than other premium rums.
9. PitoRico
Average Price: Roughly $20.15 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 53%
Why We Like It:
Puerto Rico calls itself the world’s rum capital [1], and PitoRico’s unmistakable flavor makes it the best Puerto Rican rum in the market today. PitoRico brings authentic Puerto Rican flavors in a bottle.
For years, the production of PitoRico has been classified illicit by the authorities for not paying taxes, but now, La Destileria Craft Spirits offers refined and handmade versions.
The Puerto Rican rum has a flavorful blend of tropical fruit, coconut, bittersweet tamarindo, and exotic Paracha.
8. Ron Coquí
Average Price: Roughly $10.95 (Destileria Coqui Official Website)
Alcohol Content: 39%
Why We Like It:
Coqui Rum is a small batch of artisanal Puerto Rican rum crafted with a true commitment to quality.
The new generation of rum makers in Western Puerto Rico is in-charge of its production.
Destileria Coqui, Inc is the largest artisan distillery on the island today. They take pride in producing handcrafted rums in Puerto Rico. Coqui is distilled from molasses, resulting in a nice flavor profile that mixes well in cocktails.
7. Trigo Reserva Gran Añejo
Average Price: Roughly $39.99 (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It:
Trigo Reserva Gran Añejo is an aged rum matured in barrels for ten years for its amber hue and smooth and mellow vanilla scent.
The Puerto Rican rum will greet you on the palate with maple, vanilla, and caramel notes. It has a lingering spicy finish accented by flavors like clove, cayenne, and black pepper.
Unlike rums aged from other brands, Trigo Reserva Gran Añejo is cheaper and well-loved for its mixability. You can consume it neat or as a rum cocktail that you can share with your friends and family members.
6. Club Caribe Rum
Average Price: Roughly $10.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It:
Club Caribe is the best Puerto Rican rum brand that delivers white and flavored rums with a tropical splash. The brand uses premium quality ingredients in every bottle of rum to ensure its quality and mixability.
Club Caribe Rum boasts its 80-proof (40% ABV) and remarkable flavors. Aside from the Club Caribe Silver, Dark, and Gold Rum, they produce rum with flavors like citrus, lemon, mango, coconut, and pineapple.
5. Don Q (Serrallés)
Average Price: Roughly $27.90 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40-45%
Why We Like It:
Don Q (Serralles Collection) is a perfect rum collection to drink, especially on special occasions, because they offer a bright and radiant rum selection.
The Serrallés Family owns the Serrallés distillery, and they’ve been perfecting their rum selection for over six generations.
The Don Q (Don Quixote) offers a flavorful blend of rums made from premium molasses and matured in American white oak barrels.
There are six rums in the Don Q Serralles Collection, but they also offer Don Q Añejo, Don Q Cristal, Don Q Gold, Don Q Limon, and many more.
Read: Popular Jamaican Rum Brands
4. Ron del Barrilito
Average Price: Roughly $44.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 43%
Why We Like It:
Ron Del Barrilito (3 Star) is an impeccable blend of rum aged six and ten years in Oloroso oak barrels. Ron del Barrilito can be consumed neat, on the rocks, or as a cocktail. The rum is medium-bodied with a natural dark reddish color.
We enjoyed the rum-tasting tour in Puerto Rico, and we found the tasting notes of Ron Del Barrilito interesting because of its fruity sweetness and lingering smoky finish.
The brand continuously uses the same formula Pedro Fernandez used to make the rum on his father’s sugarcane plantation.
3. Palo Viejo
Average Price: Roughly $14.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It:
If Don Q is known around the world, Palo Viejo Rum is a household name and well-known within its home.
The secret blend of this authentic rum makes the drink smooth, enjoyable, and mixable. It does a good job mixing almost everything, whether lime juice or simple orange juice.
On the nose, Palo Viejo offers a sweet and salty blend that is noticeable but not overwhelming. It can be a nice sipping rum, but we bet you will appreciate more of its flavor when you consume it with mixers.
2. Caliche Rum
Average Price: Roughly $21.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It:
Caliche Rum is another rum brand from Serralles Family Distillery, and their family’s sixth generation currently operates it.
The distillery is home to a large percentage of rum consumed by Puerto Rico’s population, and their expertise, experience, and knowledge result in world-class rums.
Caliche Rum is their new expression, and white rum is composed of rums aged for five years. It is then carbon filtered to remove the coloring in an attempt to make a hybrid of rum with young and old characteristics.
It has a nice aroma of citrus, leather, tea, molasses, and black figs. In addition, it has a smooth and slightly sweet taste, perfect for sipping neat. However, if you love to drink cocktails, it is versatile enough to be mixed with various juices.
1. Bacardi
Average Price: Roughly $19.99 (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 37.5%
Why We Like It:
Bacardi began its rum business in Cuba, and Facundo Bacardi Masso started rum production in 1862. Their facility in Cataño, Puerto Rico, is the largest premium rum distillery in the world [2].
Aside from Bacardi rums, they offer products such as Bombay Sapphire gin, Grey Goose vodka, Dewar’s whiskey, and Cazadores tequila. Bacardi is an aromatic rum with light-tasting and subtle citrus, vanilla, and floral notes.
Read: Bacardi vs Captain Morgan Rum
Where To Buy The Best Puerto Rican Rums
You can buy the best Puerto Rican rums in San Juan Airport Duty-Free. On our visit to Puerto Rico, we managed to score Don Q, Bacardi Limited, and Bacardi 8 at a lower price than any store on the island.
You can also score bottles in stores in the towns of Luquillo and Fajardo, but there are unique perks with San Juan duty-free.
You can take your rum to your final destination (anywhere in the USA) without checking it in your luggage. Also, they offer discounts which make the rum cheaper.
FAQs
What rum can you only get in Puerto Rico?
Casa Bacardi Special Reserve is the rum you can only get in Puerto Rico and is not available anywhere. It is a combination of rum aged eight to twelve years and finished in an Oloroso sherry cask.
Is rum cheap in Puerto Rico?
Yes, rum is cheap in Puerto Rico, especially if you can score one in San Juan Duty-Free.
While it is said that rum is cheap, they offer additional discounts making the rum cheaper than any stores on the island.
How many bottles of rum can you bring back from Puerto Rico?
Based on San Juan Food Tours, you can bring back 5 quarts of rum from Puerto Rico. It would be better to purchase the rum in San Juan Duty-Free because you don’t have to go through customs. If it’s two bottles, you can have it on your carry-on luggage.
Is Captain Morgan rum from Puerto Rico?
No, Captain Morgan’s rum is not from Puerto Rico but the US Virgin Islands. However, it was previously produced in Puerto Rico before Diageo moved it to the US Virgin Islands.
What is the oldest rum in Puerto Rico?
The Oldest Rum in Puerto Rico is the Ron Del Barrilito. The brand has been in the business since 1880 [3] and continuously delivers consistent and world-class rum today.
Final Say
Whether you are going on a trip to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico or want to taste local rums from this tiny island, you can rely on the brands we mentioned above.
Rum production in Puerto Rico is on an international scale, and the industry employs many people across the area.
While high-quality rums in Puerto Rico tend to be pricey, great rums are affordable and bang for your buck. They are rich in flavors and feature complexity best for sipping and cocktails.
References:
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2011/11/16/puerto-rican-rum-makes-comeback/
- https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200319005811/en/Bacardi-Helps-Produce-Hand-Sanitizers-With-Change-in-Production
- https://www.eater.com/drinks/2016/2/26/11116600/puerto-rico-best-rm-ron-del-barrilito
Lisa Dimarco
Lisa is a freelance lifestyle writer specializing in nightlife, leisure, and celebration. She has been in the field for eight years and has written articles featured in various local blogs and lifestyle magazines.
For Lisa, there’s nothing better than an ice-cold drink after a rough day (she’s not fussy). But she also likes to get a bit fancy every now and then.
She believes you can never go wrong with a Moscow Mule or a classic Daiquiri anywhere you go. Contact at [email protected] or learn more about us here.
The Best Puerto Rican Rums to Try During Your Island Vacation
Last Updated on July 11, 2022 by Jeremy
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Puerto Rican rums have a bit of a cult following behind them, and there is a good reason for it- the stuff is delicious!
When we visited this tiny American island territory, we had one goal in mind and that was to try as much local rum as possible (and not just Bacardi rums, which are arguably the island’s most popular for non-Puerto Ricans.)
What did we find? Well, after a distillery tour, several rum tastings, six bottles of rum consumed in a week, and another six packed to come home with us, we have the following favorites you absolutely must try and bring back home with you!
Don Q 2007
While everyone may know Bacardi, another Puerto Rican distillery that is almost even more popular with locals is Don Q.
While we think that most of their base level rums are in-line with what you would expect from a similar Bacardi, one of the premium aged ones stands out as being leaps and bounds better than the rest- Don Q 2007.
This single-barrel rum has what is the perfect blend of flavor and a very small bite which makes it the best sipping rum you could enjoy all day. Sipping on this one is key, as there are only a few bottles available at any given time and we only found it in the duty free store to bring home with us!
Caliche
Caliche is an unusual rum in that it is a blend of three to five year rums but has had the color removed through charcoal filtration. We got a lot of citrus and floral notes off this rum, and the tasting was so unique that it could almost be compared to a tequila if you did not know better.
As such, we like to think of this one as an acquired taste as a few members of our group had changing opinions of it during our trip.
Bacardi Limitado or Bacardi 8 Year
If you are looking for a good mid-level rum that would be perfect for sipping on its own and also making incredible cocktails, Bacardi 8 Year is it.
This dark rum has many of the aged flavors of other premium rums, but still retains a relatively good kick like some of the younger rums such that there is no mistake on what you are drinking. The flavors on this one are quite complex, and overall is now our go-to dark rum in our bar for all uses.
Bacardi Limitado, on the other hand, is what Bacardi 8 would be like if you aged it just a bit longer to get rid of that familiar rum kick when you drink it. This rum is exceptionally smooth with more mellow flavors that you get from more time spent in the barrels. You wouldn’t want to make a cocktail with this one, but if you fancy a nice glass of rum for a special occasion this one certainly is a viable option.
Go tasting: If you are looking to try some of the more expensive Bacardi spirits but do not want to buy a bottle, your next best bet is to either head to the Bacardi Distillery for a rum tasting tour (~$65 per person) or head to Casa Melaza in Old San Juan for a tasting flight ($30-$45 depending on age) of some you may not buy a personal bottle of for your stay.
In doing one of these, you’ll be able to judge which one is your preferred spirit with ease!
Ron del Barrilito Tres Estrellas (Three Star)
If you’ve done any search online about Puerto Rican rum other than this article, odds are good you’ve read a bit about Ron del Barrilito Puerto Rican rum. Said to be a local favorite (if not the local favorite), this rum hardly ever makes it off the island as it is all consumed locally.
The distillery offers rum in two styles, dos estrellas (two star) and tres estrellas (three star) as is noted on the bottles. The local convention is that two stars is for mixing and three stars is for sipping, and we can definitely get behind that mindset. The tres estrellas is a smooth rum that can be enjoyed on its own, but is also light enough of an aged rum compared to others on this list that it still has some potency for using in craft cocktails and mixers.
Just don’t tell any locals I said that.
Where Is the Best Place to Buy Rum in Puerto Rico?
Now, tasting all of these rums is great, but you may be asking yourself: how can I buy these to take home with me?
This is one of the most common questions that comes up when it comes to Puerto Rican rums, and the answer is simple. For most rums, you can buy them in the San Juan airport duty free!
During our visit in early 2017 we were able to find Don Q Grand Anejo, Don Q 2007 (which no liquor store we visited carried), Caliche, Bacardi Limitado (a few dollars cheaper than at the distillery with an incredible buy two price), and Bacardi 8 all for cheaper than any store on the island.
The only two rums worth noting here as the exceptions were the $150+ bottle of Bacardi you can only buy at the distillery (a novelty for rich tourists, in our opinion), and Ron del Barrilito Three Star, which while being available at the duty free store was marked up by about from some of the cheaper stores found in towns like Fajardo and Luquillo.
But it gets better with two unique perks to the San Juan duty free store:
- If you are connecting anywhere in the USA, you can take your liquor through to your final destination without checking into your bag. Just purchase at the duty free past security and as long as you do not leave the airport on your layover you can carry it with you as a personal item (hooray US territory status!).
- The duty free store has frequent specials, and during our last visit if we spent over $90 we received 10% off all subsequent purchases. The attendant rang the items up to maximize this for us and got us a little bit extra off the already low prices. Win!
Overall, if you are looking to shop for Puerto Rican rums odds are good you’re going to find the product you want for a great price in the duty free. But if you’re like us and want the absolute best price, be sure to head out to the liquor stores in towns outside of Old San Juan for great prices- especially on the Ron del Barrilito Three Star.
Looking for more things to do in Puerto Rico? Why not check out La Ruta del Lechon outside of San Juan, head over to the famous Vieques Bioluminescent Bay or Vieques Beaches, or try some Pina Coladas at Barrachina and the Caribe Hilton! Or, if you need a place to stay, check out our reviews of the Sheraton in San Juan (there are two!) or book an apartment rental.
Looking for more information about Puerto Rican rum? Check out the following frequently asked questions!
How is rum made?
Rum is made by fermenting and distilling sugarcane molasses and juice.
Who are the biggest rum producers in Puerto Rico?
Bacardi, Don Q, and Ron del Barrilito are three of the largest producers in Puerto Rico and the territory produces more than 70% of the rum enjoyed in the USA.
What distillery in Puerto Rico is best to visit?
Bacardi is a great distillery to visit in Puerto Rico due to its proximity to Old San Juan. You can reach the distillery via a ferry and short taxi ride.
What is the best rum in Puerto Rico?
For an affordable bottle, you can’t go wrong with Ron del Barrilito Three Star. For higher-end bottles, Bacardi 8 Year and Don Q 2007 are stellar choices.
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About Jeremy
About the Author: Jeremy is a full-time travel writer based in Pittsburgh and primary author of this site. He has been to 70+ countries on five continents and seeks out new food, adventure activities, and off-the-beaten-path experiences wherever he travels.
Categories North America Tags PR, Puerto Rico, USA
What is PUERTO RICA RUM, definition of the term in the Dictionary of Alcoholic Beverages
– dry rum with a light consistency; distilled to high strength in distillation columns, aged from 1 to 3 years and is usually a mixture of various distillates.
There are two varieties, white label and gold label, the latter being slightly sweeter and darker, with a more pronounced rum aroma. But no rum even comes close; however, in terms of darkness and aromatic richness, rums with a heavy consistency, such as Jamaican, are close to the golden Puerto Rican. It is drunk neat, as part of many mixed drinks, and is also used as a flavoring for various dishes and confectionery.
There are two varieties, white label and gold label, the latter being slightly sweeter and darker, with a more pronounced rum aroma. But no rum even comes close; however, in terms of darkness and aromatic richness, rums with a heavy consistency, such as Jamaican, are close to the golden Puerto Rican. It is drunk neat, as part of many mixed drinks, and is also used as a flavoring for various dishes and confectionery.Ivanov Alex
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RON DEL BARRILITO: THE MYSTERIOUS PUERTORICAN RUM
In rum circles, Ron del Barrilito 5 Star Rum has long been something of a legend.
Members of the Ed Hamilton Ministry of Roma bulletin board have been looking for answers about the existence of the mysterious Puerto Rican rum, which has been rumored to exist since 2007.
“In the US, all I can get are the 2 and 3 star versions,” wrote one participant. When I was in Puerto Rico a few years ago, the bartender told me that there is a five-star restaurant, but they don’t sell it in the US. Hamilton replied: The Fernandez family tells me they have never made a 5 star rum, although they have heard rumors of the elusive 5 star.
Rumors may finally be dispelled in August this year, when a five-star rum aged for 35 years hits the market. But given the elusive nature of Barrilito, only 2,500 bottles will be available.
For those unfamiliar, Ron del Barrilito has been one of Puerto Rico’s best-kept secrets since the 1880s.
The brand, founded by Pedro F. Fernandez, has been releasing bottles with two and three stars for many years, although they are rarely seen on them. shelves of bars and liquor stores off the island.
This may change now as the family business has been sold to three Puerto Rican investors who are giving the brand an injection of capital, which has already resulted in a stronger social media presence and a 5 star announcement that will cost $750. The first 200 bottles sold will be numbered in a wooden chest created by local artist Gil Hernandez.
The Fernandez family has never created 5 stars, says José Colón, one of Ron del Barrilito’s investors. They had it in their plans, but they never went any further. This is the company’s first launch in probably a hundred years. Despite the change of ownership, family members still work at the business.
In the meantime, Ron del Barrilito rolled out a new website and Facebook video, don’t expect a completely new approach to selling rum aged at Hacienda Santa Ana in Bayamon.
“Barrilito is not a very popular advertising brand,” says Colón. This is a small-scale, artisanal brand. But it will become easier to find in big cities like New York and Miami.
While there is of course a huge price difference – you can find 3 stars for less than $40 – 5 stars follows the same aging process as the other two favorite expressions.
Blender Luis Planas says Ron del Barrilito has a very unique blending process. Before aging, we use a very neutral rum, to which we add natural macerated fruits in very small quantities. The rum is then aged for at least three years in Oloroso sherry casks brought from Spain.
Develop notes of vanilla, apricot, prunes, almonds and other fruity aromas that have a woody base with a lingering sweetness. These flavors have given Ron Del Barrilito a reputation as a whiskey and rum lover.
“5 stars”, according to Planas, has a completely different complexity. According to him, the taste is a subtle toffee with a soft aftertaste that lingers on the palate.