The Bacardi Rum Plant Tour – San Juan, Puerto RIco

One of the more unique and interesting places we visited  while traveling was Puerto Rico.  We have been a lot of places, but this seems to be the place that most people ask about when they find out we were there. I have to say Puerto Rico is truly amazing and really enjoyed our few days there in May oc 2004. One thing we both enjoyed quite a bit was our tour of the Casa Bacardi Rum facility. I am not a huge drinker, but when I do, I usually like something with rum in it. Thus I was very interested to see the facility and learn more about their company.

We arrived early and checked in for our tour and they gave each of us a drink ticket, woohoo. A great way to start out the day, lol. Anyway, it was still early so we decided to hold onto our tickets and wait until after the tour. However, it was nice sitting out front and relaxing while we waited for the little tram to take us on the tour. Once we all boarded, they took us to the actual center where they tell us a little about the history of sugar cane in the Caribbean and the origins of rum making.

While in this room, we also got to enjoy a short movie about the Bacardi family history, and the Bacardi rum-making process. It is actually quite interesting and informative as I didn’t know much about their family or the rum-making process. Having taken a lot of brewery tours, I couldn’t help but compare as we went along the tour. 🙂 However, the most interesting thing was finding out that it all began on February 4, 1862, in Santiago de Cuba.

The next stop is a reproduction of the original factory and we are shown how the rum is stored in huge barrels (kind of like beer and wine). They also have a lot of Bacardi family memorabilia, such as pictures, original bottles, documents and there’s even a section to smell the types of rums. That was fun!

The next part was very disappointing, lol. It was a bar where a bartender showed us how to make Mojitos and a Cuba Libre. I was so disappointed as Mojitos are one of my favorites, but we couldn’t try any in here :(. So sad.  Anyway, he did explain which Bacardi rums are available and how to use them. We even found out there is one type of run you can’t take on a plane. Crazy.

The last part is quite fun and entertaining. It’s a huge room where they have computers available so you can send out a video e-card to your family and friends. It’s kind of silly, but fun. The only thing is I remember is echoed a lot and was hard to hear what we were saying, oh well, we still had a blast.

After we got drooped off in the Gift Shop, of course, we headed back out front and headed straight to the bar where we could actually get a drink lol. I had been dying for a Mojito after that wonderful demonstration but decided to get something a little more fruity. It was delicious. I can’t remember what Gene ordered, but he enjoyed his quite a bit too.

I had wanted to take some pictures outside but didn’t before the tour, so we walked around and took quite a few. Even got a couple of us. Not great, but it was nice to have to remember our trip.  Don’t you love my crazy hair?  Humidity is not its friend, lol.  It was in May 2004 and I just remember it being so hot all the time in Puerto Rico. This day wasn’t an exception, so that drink tasted pretty darn good. Here is a link to their site for Tour Information and Pricing. Hope you get to visit one day.

P.s. If you like distilleries, make sure to check out my post on Jack Daniels in Tennessee, and Backwards Distillery in Casper, WY.

Casa Bacardi Rum Visitor Information

Address:

Phone:

787-788-8400

Hours:

Wednesday to Sunday: from 12 pm to 2 pm & from 4 pm to 8 pm

Tours:

Historical Tour $15

From the East

• Take connecting roads to Expressway 22 West toward Bayamon.
• Take Exit 7A, Road 165 toward Cataño
• At the bottom of the exit, continue straight through the light onto Road 165.
• Take the third exit to the right.
• At the end of the exit ramp, turn right.
• Casa BACARDÍ main gate will be on the left.

From the West

• Take connecting roads to Expressway 22 East toward Bayamon & San Juan.
• Take Exit 7A, Road 165 toward Cataño
• At the bottom of the exit, continue right and straight through the light onto Road 165.
• Exit at the third exit to the right.
• At the end of the exit ramp, turn right.
• Casa BACARDÍ main gate will be on the left.

Taki/Ride Share

Taxis are available in the tourist zones and at hotels. Uber is available in Puerto Rico.

Ferry

The ferry is available from Pier 2 in Old San Juan. It departs every thirty minutes and is fifty cents each way. When you arrive at the Cataño pier, you will find taxis on the right at the bus station. Casa BACARDÍ is a short two miles taxi ride away.

Parking:

Free