On St. Croix, cane fields covered almost two thirds of the island "when sugar was king." Huge fortunes were amassed from sale and export of sugar, a prized delicacy in Europe and elsewhere in the 17th and 18th century. Most plantations also had still-houses for the making of rum. By the mid-19th century, cultivation of sugar beets elsewhere reduced the viability of sugar cane plantations here, as did the abolishment of cheap labor from slavery. Ruins of plantation houses and windmills (we call them "sugar mills") still dot our island everywhere.

Today rum production is still thriving at the modern Cruzan Rum factory in Estate Diamond (Island Map) not far from the airport, one of only four rum distilleries under the U.S. flag.

In addition to the traditional Light and Dark varieties, Cruzan Rum is also made with tropical flavor accents -- banana, pineapple, coconut, orange, vanilla, mango, citrus and the newest addition, raspberry. Cruzan Black Strap, delicious Cruzan Rum Cream, fine aged brandy-like Estate Diamond, and the top-of-the-line Single Barrel Estate Rum, rated number one in the world, all are available at many of our island stores at bargain prices. Remember, when you have visited the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. residents over the age of 21 have the privilege of returning to the mainland with five bottles of liquor duty free, or six if one of the bottles is locally produced in the Virgin Islands.

In addition to our famous rum, a fabulous selection of wines and after-dinner liqueurs is shipped from all over the world to St. Croix. Visit Schooner Bay Market Place in the Gallows Bay area east of Christiansted or either of the two Plaza Extra locations for a perfect complement to your festive tropical meals - and for extra bottles to take home.