The Cruzan Rum factory was listed as one of the 'must see' places on the island. Fortunately, spending time there was included in our Sweeny's Safari Tour.
The tour costs $4 per adult and includes a guided 20 minute walking tour through the area, starting with the simmering of the molasses to the shipping and distribution. After the last stop on the tour, the guide turns into the bartender and supplies ample samples of the various rum to the visitors.
When we first pulled into the parking lot, I was surprised at the size of the factory. It was very small and we only saw a handful of employees. For as much rum that is produced here, I truly expected there to be more buildings, taking up more real estate. They have things managed in a tighter, but efficient work space.
Outside the parking lot are the remains of a sugar plantation windmill, surrounded by seven flags from the seven different countries that claimed St. Croix. From there we walked up a steep set of stairs to the molasses boilers. The smell is pretty intense.
We walked by long troughs and our guide explained that all the waste is pure and put back into the water. One of my daughters asked if it hurt the fish any, and the guide guaranteed her that it's all natural and does not harm the ecosystem. From there we moved into the barrel room where the rum is stored and aged. The guide explained the different aging systems used for the various rums. The rain water is captured and stored in cisterns underneath these buildings. The rain water is then used to dilute the alcohol to rum.
After viewing this section, we returned to the visitor’s center for our complimentary testing session. We were all given shots of Single Barrel and it was good. Several of us tried other shots of different rums and learned that the Cruzan flavored rums are more meant to be straight. My daughters, both of legal drinking age, were not too keen on the shots (good for them!) so the guide offered to fix them some mixed drinks. One daughter had Rum Punch and the other had Cruzan Sunset. They were both mild drinks, with minimal alcohol. He fixed my wife a drink named Hawaiian Sunset that was a sweet and easy drink; however, it had a mixture of 3 different flavored rums. I had a Pain Killer which I think must have been at least 50% rum.
Don't buy your rum here. It's cheaper at KMart (just up the street on Highway 70) and you get a carrying box for the six bottles.
I was very glad that we were on the Safari Tour when stopping here. I wanted to taste some of the rums and rum drinks, but did not want to drink and drive – especially drive on the left! Happily, I left the driving to Sweeny.