A Taste of Puerto Rico: Celebrating Summer, Piña Colada and Artisanal Rums

The glass catches the light as you lift it, the amber liquid swirling gently whilst the conversation flows around you. At the ‘Rums, Cars & Cigars’ event during F1 Miami festivities, luxury cars gleam in the background, but your attention is captivated by something far more intimate: the small-batch rum in your hand, crafted by a family distillery in Puerto Rico. This is how artisanal rum should be discovered – amongst friends, in moments of celebration, with stories that connect you to the people and places behind each bottle.

Puerto Rico has long held the title of the Rum Capital of the World, and a new generation of artisanal makers is adding their own chapters to this centuries-old story. These spirits become conversation starters, each one carrying the personality of its maker and the traditions of the island.

The Heart of Rum Culture

Puerto Rico’s rum heritage runs deep, but what makes it special isn’t just the climate or the sugarcane – it’s the people. The island’s distilleries, from global names to family-run operations, share a commitment to quality that has made Puerto Rican rum the choice for over 70% of rum consumed in the United States.

The appeal extends far beyond neat sipping. Puerto Rican rum shines in cocktails, from the creamy, spiced Coquito that brings families together during celebrations to elevated versions of classics like the Piña Colada. Much like how wine creates connections between people, these rums offer complexity and versatility that make every gathering special.

Six artisanal brands are leading this renaissance, each bringing distinctive character to the American market. San Juan Artisan Distillers, founded by José Ramón ‘Pepe’ Álvarez Reyes, operates Puerto Rico’s only sugarcane estate distillery. Their Ron Pepón and Tres Clavos expressions come from fresh sugarcane juice, using French Cognac pot stills to revive heirloom Puerto Rican varieties.

Boricua Rum, crafted in Caguas, represents the meticulous attention to detail that defines artisanal production. Each bottle is hand-labelled, and their smooth, complex flavour profile reflects traditional methods passed down through generations.

Caray Rum carries history in every sip – established in 1915 by Don Lope Hormazabal Tejera, the brand has recently relaunched, bringing its Puerto Rican cultural heritage to a new generation of rum enthusiasts. Artesano Rum and Trigo Reserva Aneja Rum round out this collection, each offering unique expressions that showcase the diversity possible within Puerto Rican rum production.

The Social Side of Rum

The best rum experiences happen in good company. At events like the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival in Coral Gables, hundreds of rums from around the world create an atmosphere of discovery and education. The grand tasting events welcome both newcomers and connoisseurs, with seminars and workshops that deepen appreciation for the craft.

In New York, the Brooklyn Rum Festival has become a gathering place for rum lovers, featuring over 85 premium brands and educational sessions. The festival actively promotes women’s leadership in rum through its Women Leading Rum & Spirits community, which organises events supporting women in the industry.

These gatherings offer something special: the chance to taste flights of rum, compare notes with fellow enthusiasts and learn directly from the makers. Whether you’re sampling aged expressions with notes of vanilla and caramel, or discovering the bright, grassy character of fresh sugarcane rums, each tasting builds your understanding of this complex spirit.

A Drop of Culture in Every Glass

When you sip Puerto Rican rum, you’re tasting more than fermented sugarcane. You’re experiencing the island’s story – from the families who’ve maintained traditional methods for generations to the young entrepreneurs bringing fresh perspectives to ancient crafts. Similar to how Spanish and Argentinian wines carry their cultural heritage, every bottle supports jobs on the island, from sugarcane cultivation to distillation, bottling and beyond.

Sebastián Negrón-Reichard, Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico, captures this perfectly: ‘Puerto Rico’s rum industry is a pillar of our economy and culture. Our support extends across the board – from the largest producers like Bacardí, Don Q and Caribbean Distillers, to the new wave of artisanal makers.’

The pride in being the Rum Capital of the World isn’t just about production volume – it’s about maintaining standards that have made Puerto Rican rum synonymous with quality worldwide. Each artisanal bottle carries this heritage whilst adding new layers of flavour and story.

Bringing Puerto Rico Home

Ready to explore Puerto Rican rum yourself? Start with a visit to a cocktail bar or restaurant with a strong rum programme. Many establishments in Florida, New York, California and Illinois now feature these artisanal brands, often with knowledgeable bartenders who can guide you through tastings and suggest cocktails that highlight each rum’s unique character.

For home entertaining, consider creating your own rum flight. Puerto Rican cocktail recipes like the traditional Coquito or a refreshing Puerto Rican Breeze provide perfect starting points. Pair them with tropical snacks, perhaps some tostones or fresh mango, and you’ve created an authentic island experience.

The upcoming Bar Convent Brooklyn in June will feature education sessions on ‘Building Better Rum Communities’, whilst the Whiskies & Fire Tour in Austin, Texas, will showcase Puerto Rico’s only rum entry alongside live masterclasses. Like community celebrations that bring people together, these events offer chances to deepen your knowledge whilst connecting with other rum enthusiasts.

Consider hosting your own rum tasting evening. Gather a selection of expressions – perhaps one aged, one white, one with unique finishing – and encourage guests to share tasting notes. The social aspect of rum appreciation mirrors the convivial culture of Puerto Rico itself, where sharing a drink strengthens bonds and creates memories.

The Joy of Discovery

Whether you’re new to rum or have been enjoying it for years, Puerto Rican artisanal expressions offer something genuinely exciting. Each bottle tells a story of place, tradition and the people who’ve dedicated their lives to perfecting this ancient craft. From the smooth complexity of aged expressions to the vibrant character of fresh sugarcane rums, these spirits capture the essence of an island that has made rum-making an art form.

The next time you raise a glass of Puerto Rican rum, you’re not just enjoying a drink but experiencing a culture that values craftsmanship, community and the simple pleasure of sharing exceptional spirits with good company. Artisanal rum brings people together, creates conversations and offers a taste of Puerto Rico’s soul, one sip at a time.