If you’re a lover of local spirits, the options are endless here in St. Croix! Well known brands such as Cruzan Rum and Captain Morgan Rum are both made and distributed on island. Additionally, Sion Farms Distillery has rolled out a variety of Mutiny vodkas, and they’re so delicious, almost every bar on island features their product. I’ve curated a list of local distilleries in St. Croix, so you can get a true taste of the place!
Local Distilleries in St. Croix
Cruzan Rum
Opening in 1760, Cruzan Rum is the quintessential spirit of the island. Rich in heritage, Cruzan Rum is actually one of two rum distilleries (the other is Bacardi in Puerto Rico) included on the American Whiskey Trail! With over 20 flavors of core, flavored, and premium rums, the brand attracts palettes of all people.
Unfortunately, the tasting room is closed right now due to remodeling. They shut down during the pandemic and have not reopened to the public just yet. However, their product is readily available at every bar or restaurant I’ve gone to. No matter the rum cocktail, St. Croix takes pride in their local spirit and uses it as the base in all of their rum based drinks. Be on the lookout for all the flavors of Cruzan and make sure you sample more than a few while in St. Croix.
I don’t drink rum often, but when in Rome… Cruzan Blackstrap Rum is one of my favorites. It adds a slight licorice and molasses flavor, which helps balance the sweetness. My favorite flavored style is the Black Cherry Rum. Mixed with soda, it tastes like a boozy Cherry Coke!
Captain Morgan Distillery
One of the most renowned rum brands, Captain Morgan, has a home right here in St Croix. The high profile brand has an expansive facility, which seems impressive from the road. The space is very state-of-the-art, using technology to take you on a tour of the history of the brand, complete with plenty of pirate puns.
However, after speaking to locals, I opted out of doing the tour. The tour costs $15 and includes a short video presentation with a small tasting afterwards. I heard the experience is fairly limited. Please note the distillery or raw materials are not available on the tour. I know there are loyal Captain Morgan drinkers, so I don’t want to seem discouraging. However, if you’re looking for a fulfilling escapade, you probably won’t be blown away.
Due to Covid restrictions, tours are only available by reservation only. You’re welcome to call (340) 713-5654 or email wanda.Evangelista@diageo.com for 1pm tours, available Monday-Friday. However, they do have a gift shop open from 10am-4pm Monday-Friday for the public.
Sion Farm Distillery
If you’re looking for a rewarding distillery on island, look no further than Sion Farm Distillery. With two separate locations, Sion Farm is the home of “Mutiny Vodka.” With a tasting room available at The Mill on the Christiansted boardwalk, or the distillery itself, they are very welcoming to guests to explore their products and facilities. Free tours are provided every hour on the half hour Monday-Friday 11:30-7:30pm. They even have a happy hour from 4pm-5:55pm on those days! Their “555 Happy Hour” currently features smash burgers, baskets of island wings, and Mutiny Island Vodka specialty cocktails, all for $5!
The secret to their award winning vodka is two local ingredients: breadfruit and Caribbean rainwater. They are the first and only vodka brand to distill from breadfruit, which grows in abundance here. They pride themselves on sustainability and low waste, making it a product that is just as authentic as it is delicious.
I went on a Saturday not realizing tours weren’t available. However, they now offer Saturday brunch from 10am-2pm, giving you another day to enjoy their facilities. My entire group was so impressed with our fixin’s; it was truly incredible food.
And, any bottle purchased comes with a free tasting flight. Did we need a vodka flight with 6 samples at 11:30am? No. Were they all exceptional? Absolutely. While of the products were delicious, my favorite was the MIV Roots, a ginger and turmeric infusion.
They not only make vodka, but have a brand called Dr. Stoner that expands to whiskey and tequila. They even collaborated with Leatherback Brewing to create a ginger and lime vodka seltzer called “Soca” that I drink regularly!
Taking Spirits Home from Local Distilleries in St. Croix
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. residents over the age of 21 can return with five bottles of liquor duty-free, but if you bring home a bottle that is locally produced at one of St. Croix’s distilleries, they’ll allow 6! Customs and TSA know how to handle and screen your goods at the airport. Try to get a study cardboard box, and it won’t count as an additional piece of luggage, so you won’t have to pay extra to cart it home. Also, you won’t have to stash it in your bag and risk the bottle breaking, which would be incredibly disappointing given how delectable the spirits are here.
If you’re looking for a cure to that sunburn pain, don’t hesitate to take a break from the sun and try the local distilleries and spirits in St. Croix! By drinking local product, you honor the heritage and resources of the land. The cocktails taste a lot better drinking handcrafted St. Croix spirits!