From tranquil vacationers to lively island revelers, rum has long been the favored spirit in the Caribbean. Recently, craft rums have been singled out by the National Restaurant Association as one of the “next big trends” among spirit enthusiasts, bringing renewed attention to this sun-soaked liquor.
That recognition echoes a tradition already well known to U.S. Virgin Islanders, who have enjoyed locally distilled rum for more than two centuries. Founded in 1760, the Cruzan Rum distillery on St. Croix is closely tied to the islands’ cultural and culinary identity. As a family-run operation, Cruzan claims early innovations in the industry—among them the creation of a single-barrel rum—and has grown to become one of the fastest-growing rum brands in the United States.
Cruzan’s portfolio spans light and dark styles, as well as flavored and spiced expressions, giving drinkers a wide range of options. The distillery also produces a private distiller’s collection that includes single-barrel rums aged up to 12 years and bottled from individual casks; these aged expressions have earned notable recognition in competitions and among critics for their depth and complexity.
Visitors to St. Croix can tour the distillery to learn about the rum-making process and take part in tastings. The facility is open Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays when cruise ships are in port, offering travelers a firsthand look at a long-standing island tradition.