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Rum has played a crucial role in the economic and agricultural history of the Caribbean. It is the Caribbean that produced the first distilled rum. It started in the 1600's when sugar plantation workers learned that water mixed with molasses,a by-product of sugar production, fermented when left in the sun. By the 1650's a distillation process was developed, and rum quickly became a favorite in taverns throughout America and Europe.
St Croix, a large island ideal for sugar cane production, became an important rum distiller, and remains so to this day. The Cruzan Rum Distillery produces the most award winning rum in the world. The original sugar mill was built in 1760, and generations of rum makers have perfected its superior quality and taste. You can take a tour of the old Estate Diamond Plantation ruins, windmill and greathouse, near Frederiksted on weekdays for a small fee. 
Today's Cruzan Rum combines state-of-the-art equipment and time honored tradition. Made from fine Caribbean sugar cane molasses and pure rainwater, the rum is sealed in handcrafted oak barrels for up to 12 years. The distillery produces 1,100 cases of rum each day and more than 5.5 million gallons are exported to the U.S. every year. Cruzan Rum is considered one of the finest Rums in the World. 
In 2008, the Virgin Islands Government entered a 30 year commitment with Diageo, the distributors of the Captain Morgan brand of Spiced Rum, as well as premier liquors, such as Johnny Walker, Guiness, Smirnoff, Baileys, Crown Royal, and others. 
An environmentally sound, 165 million state-of-the-art facility will be constructed on 26 acres along St Croix's south shore. It is scheduled to begin bulk rum production in 2011. By 2012, it will produce all of the bulk rum for the Captain Morgan brand, an estimated 20 million gallons per year. And they're off! Horseracing is a popular sporting event in the Islands. St Croix's Randolph "Doc" James Race Track (340-713-7228 www.stcroixracetrack.com holds monthly Sunday afternoon matches. St Thomas recently renovated Clinton E. Phipps Race Track hosts popular racing events for local equestrians. You can also take the reins yourself and ride into the sunset. Stables can be found on St Croix for tours of the rainforest and the beach as well as St John's east end. Miniature Golf: Families can take to the greens as well. The Divi Carina Bay Resort & Casino (340-773-9700) on St Croix features both mini-golf and croquet with a view of their well manicured lawns. There is also a 9 hole mini golf course at Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort on St Thomas. All scenic pictures of the trip to St. Croix. Berrydog Bikinis, Swimsuits, Brazilian Swimwear & Thongs. 
Share your own beach photo's or stories with us!Now you can share photos and stories from your own vacations from beaches that you have traveled in the Virgin Islands, and around the world! St Croix Rum/ return to homepage |
