Virgin Islands US

The United States Virgin Islands (USVI), a tapestry of lush tropical landscapes and vibrant Caribbean heritage, boasts a rich and evolving rum tradition rooted in the era of colonial sugar plantations.

On St. Croix, the Cruzan Rum Distillery stands among the world’s oldest rum producers, founded in 1760 at the historic Estate Diamond plantation. This eighth-generation, family-run distillery—now part of Suntory Global Spirits—remains integral to the island’s identity, offering a portfolio that spans Cruzan Aged Light and Single Barrel rums, as well as creative expressions like Fruit Fusion and Island Reserve.

St. Croix is also home to Nelthropp’s Distillery, a modern operation specializing in elegant, light column-still rums and refined single-barrel releases—offering a contemporary perspective on the USVI’s rum identity.

The island also hosts the Captain Morgan distillery, established by Diageo through a major government-supported initiative. This investment further solidifies the USVI’s position as a leader in industrial rum production.

The USVI’s rum legacy is deeply intertwined with the broader Caribbean story—beginning in the 17th-century sugarcane plantation era, shaped by colonial inheritance, and now evolving into a blend of storied tradition and contemporary craft innovation.