The Caribbean is known for its crystal blue waters, sandy beaches, and the best rum in the world. If you’re planning a trip to the islands in the near future, make sure you try these four signature rums.
Barbados: Mount Gay Rum
Founded in 1703, Mount Gay Rum is the oldest existing brand of rum in the world. You can purchase Mount Gay in over 110 countries, but it is distilled in Barbados. The brand is named after Sir John Gay Alleyne, who inherited the company in 1747. He was so respected as a business manager and community leader that the company was renamed after his death in 1801. Mount Gay is also one of the primary sponsors of the U.S. Sailing Association. Mount Gay rum is a key ingredient in the “Stirling Punch” cocktail.
Jamaica: Appleton Estate Rum
Appleton Estate Rum has been Jamaica’s premier brand of rum for over 260 years. Jamaica’s Nassau Valley has the ideal conditions for growing sugar cane, making Jamaica one of the best places to drink rum. The Appleton Estate grows the sugar cane and produces the rum on this single property. Appleton Estate Rum is best known for its fruity flavors, making it a great ingredient for daiquiris.
Cayman Islands: Tortuga Rum
The Tortuga Rum Company was founded in the Cayman Islands in 1984. Tortuga produces over a dozen different premium and flavored rums. In addition, Tortuga also produces its own line of rum cakes and rum based sauces. Not only are Tortuga’s rum cakes delicious, they also make excellent gifts for your friends and family back home.
Puerto Rico: Don Q Rum
When thinking of Puerto Rican rum, many people think of Bacardi. However, a little known fact is that the Bacardi brand actually originated in Cuba. If you seek true Puerto Rican rum, you must try Don Q. Named after the main character in Cervantes’s Don Quixote, this is the brand that local Puerto Ricans prefer.
No matter which island you plan to visit, your Caribbean cruise or vacation isn’t complete without sampling some of the local rum! Here are some easy drink to make with the rum you purchased on your last cruise.
