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Rum Tasting Tour Jamaica
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Jamaica is well known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, reggae music, great athletes and so much more. There’s another aspect of Jamaican heritage that captures the spirit (get it? 😁) and essence of the island which is of course its rum culture. From sugar fields to distilleries, there is a long history of the island producing some of the world’s finest rums. So let’s get into a bit more as well as go through a few places you can go to see the process and do some rum tasting in Jamaica.
Rum production on the island dates as far back as the 17th century when sugarcane plantations were the norm and they covered the island. Due to the abundance of sugar cane then distilleries just became a very important part of the local economy and rum the culture.
I could get into the details of the full rum-making process but then you probably wouldn’t go to the tour. So in a nutshell the process has quite a number of steps it is a meticulous art in my mind from harvesting the sugarcane and crushing it to extracting all the juice from it then it undergoes some level of fermentation and converts to alcohol and then a lot more but here I listed a few tours you can check out to get that experience.
Most of the distilleries in Jamaica offer guided tours and rum tastings where visitors can sample a range of rums while at the same time learning more about their distinct characteristics and what makes them stand out. From smooth and mellow sipping rums to punchy overproof varieties, there’s something to suit every palate.
Rum Tasting Jamaica is a unique and fun experience, more so that they have an event that allows you to try all these different rums. However today I want to bring awareness to some rum experiences here on the island of Jamaica.
Tips for Taking a Rum Tasting Tour in Jamaica
If you’re planning a trip to Jamaica, one of the must-try experiences is a rum tasting tour. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know what to expect. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your rum tasting tour:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Most rum tasting tours include walking around the distillery or plantation, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes. You don’t want to be distracted by sore feet when you could be enjoying the taste of Jamaica’s finest rums. I mean, who wants that?? Plus, some tours may take you through uneven terrain or up and down stairs, so you’ll want to be prepared.
Stay Hydrated
While rum is the star of the show, it’s important to stay hydrated during your tour. Be sure to bring a water bottle with you and drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help keep you feeling refreshed and energized, and ensure that you’re able to fully appreciate the flavors of the different rums you’ll be tasting.
Bring a Camera
This of course goes without saying. Don’t forget to bring a camera with you on your rum tasting tour. You’ll want to capture all of the beautiful scenery and interesting sights along the way. Plus, you can snap photos of the different rums you’ve tasted and use them to help you remember which ones were your favorites.
IS RUM EXPENSIVE IN JAMAICA?
This is a question I hear all the time when I speak to people from other countries. Now I am not that versed in the world of alcohol however I do know that it is affordable here. It is both great and affordable and again it also does depend on what you are looking for.
RUM DISTILLERIES IN JAMAICA
These are the rum distilleries that are currently in Jamaica:
Appleton Estate
Worthy Park Estate
Hampden Estate
Rum Distilleries of Jamaica (Inswood, Longpond and Clarendon)
RUM TASTING IN JAMAICA
WORTHY PARK ESTATE RUM TOUR
WORTHY PARK ESTATE RUM TASTING TOUR
Worthy Park Estate can be found in Lluidas Vale, St. Catherine. The 10, 000-acre property is located in a nice cool area. Now Worthy Park Rum tour experience was very good. I had done the tour amidst covid so it was small and intimate at the time. I must say the environment and the staff there are very welcoming and friendly.
Rum tasting at Worthy Park is really good, you get a drink when you get there, just before the walking part of the tour begins then in the end you get to sit and really taste and test the different flavors.
HOW LONG IS THE TOUR
The tour takes roughly 90 minutes. To see more details about the Worthy Park Estate experience you can read this post which covers tour details or watch the Worth Park Estate Youtube Video.
WHERE TO FIND WORTHY PARK ESTATE
I must say that getting to Worthy Park Estate is a nice drive where you pass through lush greenery and you can just enjoy the moments. Of course, some of the roads to get there are a bit narrow with winds and turns but fairly decent and it is not hard to find once you use google maps as well as the closer you get you will see little signs that show you that you are on the right path. It is located in Lluidas Vale, St. Catherine
HAMPDEN ESTATE RUM TOUR
Hampden Estate is one of the oldest and most renowned rum distilleries in Jamaica. The Hampden Estate Rum Tour takes visitors through the process of rum-making, from the harvesting of sugarcane to the distillation and aging of the rum. The tour includes a visit to the estate’s aging house, where you can sample some of their finest rums. One of their most popular rums is the Hampden Estate Overproof Rum, which is a strong and flavorful rum with a 60% alcohol content.
APPLETON ESTATE RUM TOUR & APPLETON RUM EXPERIENCE AT CHUKKA
The Joy Spence Appleton Rum Experience, is located in Siloah, St. EIizabeth. This is one on my bucket list as I have not been able to do it just yet, and you guys know St. Elizabeth is my second home (lol). Feel free to check out a fellow blogger’s detailed post about her time doing the Appleton Rum Tour Experience. I did however recently get the opportunity of experiencing the Appleton Rum Experience at Chukka Island Village Outpost in St. Ann. The experience was very good. It was a mix of virtual experience with videos used and then the reality of trying the different rums.
NATIONAL RUMS OF JAMAICA LIMITED/ MONEY MUSK
Now Money Musk has about 3 different distilleries across the island, however I don’t know of any open tours however if you are a small group or maybe need it for something you can contact them and then one may be arranged.
BELLFIELD GUEST HOUSE
Bellefield Guest House is not an official Rum Tour site however because of its history as one of the biggest sugar plantations now this may not be the standard procedure but they actually do have Bellefield Estate Rum that was made there and they allowed us to sample it and it was great. I had to ask if I would see them in stores. I believe this little sample only happens if you take the tour.
I hope you enjoyed my rum-tasting Jamaica experience, I am sure I may have left out some stuff, but this post will be updated as the adventures continue!
Overall, taking a rum tasting tour in Jamaica is a fun, educational, and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a rum enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about Jamaican culture, these tours are definitely worth adding to your itinerary! Not only will these tours tantalize your taste buds, but they also provide the opportunity to immerse yourself in Jamaica’s vibrant culture. From live reggae music to mouthwatering local cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So, go ahead and embark on a Jamaican rum tasting tour that promises a blend of excitement, education, and pure indulgence. Cheers to a spirited journey filled with unforgettable memories!
