Rum is the beverage of choice in the islands – mellow, smooth, and easy-going like the Caribbean itself.

St. Croix was discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus and he named it "Santa Cruz" (Holy Cross). The natives were called "Cruzans." Years later, under the French flag, Santa Cruz was named St. Croix - and so it is today.

This is the birthplace of rum, since the early 1650s, linked in our colonial past with the raising of sugar cane. On St. Croix, cane fields covered almost two-thirds of the island "when sugar was king." Most plantations also had still-houses for the making of rum. The rums became so well known for their quality that they were soon traded as a valuable commodity in all parts of the world. Ruins of plantations and sugar mills still dot our island.

A young Alexander Hamilton spent his early years on St. Croix and served as a clerk in trading rum, sugar, and molasses for American products before eventually moving to the mainland, attending University and becoming aide de camp to George Washington during the Revolutionary War.

Today, rum production is still thriving at Cruzan Rum where the Nelthropp family continues the traditions of the original rum distilleries thereby upholding the centuries old tradition of quality Virgin Islands rum.

Using only the purest, natural ingredients and process, the Cruzan Rum Distillery has vastly improved on the rums of yesteryear. Still holding to the tradition of aging their rum in oak casks, Cruzan Rum consistently achieves the light, distinctive taste which has made it one of the fastest growing premium rums in the world. USA TODAY, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Forbes, The Commercial Appeal and Food & Wine have consistently featured or recommended Cruzan Rums. St. Croix Map #24

REMEMBER -
You’re allowed to bring 5 bottles of liquor back to the US or 6 bottles duty-free if the sixth is locally produced. All the liquor retailers will pack your purchase in protective, easy-to-carry boxes for transport home. Most airlines will allow you to check in your liquor boxes at no charge.

Cruzan Rum. The Legendary Rum of St. Croix
“Come see how we make the World’s Finest Rum.”
Distillery Tour Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 - 4:00 pm
Phone 692-2280
www.cruzanrum.com