Belize's Best Rums: A Tropical Treat

Belize is a Central American country with a Caribbean spirit, and its rum scene reflects this unique blend of cultures. The distillation of rum in Belize dates back to the early days of British colonisation in the 17th century, but it was in the 1950s that the industry really took off, with the establishment of several industrial distilleries. Today, Belizean rum is known for its fusion of British and Spanish influences, combining the richness and complexity of English-style rums with the lighter, fruitier notes of their Spanish counterparts.

Traveller's Liquors: The Iconic Belizean Distillery

Travellers Liquors: The Iconic Belizean Distillery

Belize is a country with a rich history of rum production, and at the heart of this history is Travellers Liquors. Founded in the 1950s by rum enthusiast Omario Perdomo, Travellers Liquors has become the country's leading distillery, producing a wide range of rums that are recognised on the international stage.

The distillery's name originates from the fact that, initially, its rums were sold to travellers passing through Belize City. Over time, Travellers Liquors developed its expertise and diversified its offerings, producing a range of quality rums that have gained popularity among enthusiasts.

Travellers Liquors' single-handed production of 24 different products, including liqueurs and wines made from local fruits, is a testament to its legacy. Their rums are aged in the finest barrels sourced from U.S. brands like Jack Daniels and Jim Bean, resulting in silky and flavourful spirits that pair perfectly with any mix.

The distillery offers a tour of its Heritage Centre, where visitors can experience the rum-making process and sample a variety of aged blends. Some of their notable rums include:

• One Barrel Rum: Perhaps Belize's favourite, this simple gold rum has a smooth finish and is the best-selling liquor in the country.
• Fiesta Rum: A spiced rum that pairs well with mixers like Coke or Ginger Beer.
• Belizean Rum: The latest addition to the gold rum family, inspired by the beauty of Belize and perfect for mixing with Coke, Sprite, or Rum Punch.
• Kuknat Rum: A sweet rum made with natural Belizean coconut, perfect for making the famous Panti-Rippa, a signature Belizean cocktail.
• Classic Gold Rum: A light golden rum with a smooth, mild vanilla taste that complements Pina Coladas, Mojitos, or a Cuba Libre.
• Don Omario Vintage Rum: An aged rum with a rich and complex flavour profile, crafted with exceptional care, and a favourite among connoisseurs.
• Classic White Rum: An unaged rum that captures the fresh and vibrant flavours of sugarcane, with a subtle sweetness and a crisp finish.

With its diverse range of offerings, Travellers Liquors embodies the spirit of Belize and its rich rum-making traditions, making it an iconic destination for rum enthusiasts visiting the country.

Copal Tree Distillery: The Newcomer

In 2008, the Copal Tree Distillery was founded in southern Belize, marking a significant addition to the country's rum landscape. What sets Copal Tree Distillery apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainability and organic practices. The distillery is nestled within a nature reserve, reflecting its dedication to environmental preservation.

The Copal Tree Distillery is part of an ecosystem that includes the Copal Tree Farm, which cultivates sugarcane sustainably and organically, and the Copal Tree Lodge, an eco-tourism venture that showcases the region's beauty. This integrated approach ensures that not an inch of the rainforest is harmed, protecting the habitat of numerous endangered species.

Copalli Rum, the distillery's flagship product, is crafted with only three carefully selected ingredients: fresh-pressed sugar cane juice, rainwater, and non-GMO yeast. This sets it apart from traditional rum-making, which often uses molasses and added sugars. The Copal Tree Distillery utilises both pot and column stills, blending the two distillates to create a smooth, versatile spirit.

The Copalli White Rum is a delicate, smooth variety that serves as an excellent base for cocktails or a refreshing drink on its own. It is meticulously crafted, with the sugarcane juice pressed within hours of harvesting. The rum is then aged in stainless steel to achieve its distinctive character.

For a richer, sweeter experience, the Copalli Barrel Rested Rum is aged in American Oak bourbon barrels, imparting a full-bodied flavour that can be savoured neat or used as a base for robust cocktails. The distillery also produces the Copalli Cacao Rum, infusing its white rum with roasted, organic cacao nibs grown on the Copal Tree Farm. This indulgent spirit offers a rich chocolate flavour and aroma, perfect for enjoying straight or adding a twist to cocktail recipes.

Copalli Rum has garnered acclaim from renowned publications such as Forbes, Food & Wine, and Thrillist. It has also received prestigious awards, including the NYISC Double Gold (2023) for its Barrel Rested Rum and SIP Platinum (2023) for its Premium White Rum.

The Copal Tree Distillery stands as a testament to the harmony between exquisite rum production and environmental sustainability, offering a unique taste of Belize's natural paradise.

Cuello's Distillery

The history of Cuello's Distillery is closely tied to the development of rum production in Belize. The distillation of rum in Belize dates back to the early days of British colonisation in the 17th century. However, it wasn't until the 1950s that rum production truly flourished with the establishment of larger distilleries like Cuello's and the Traveller's Distillery.

Belize's unique geographical position, bordered by the Caribbean Sea and tropical jungle, makes it ideal for sugarcane cultivation, a key ingredient in rum production. The country's rum-making techniques have been influenced by both British and Spanish cultures due to its colonial past. This dual influence results in a blend of English-style and Spanish-style rum-making methods.

The Cuello family has played a significant role in the rum industry in Belize, and their distillery is a testament to the country's rum-making traditions. Visitors to the distillery can expect to learn about the rum-making process, taste the unique blends, and immerse themselves in the cultural significance of rum in Belize.

L&R Liquors

Belize is an ideal place for sugarcane cultivation due to its geographical position bordering the Caribbean Sea and its tropical jungle landscape. This abundance of sugarcane naturally led to the development of rum production in the country.

One of the standout features of L&R Liquors is their commitment to quality and the use of locally sourced ingredients. Their rums capture the essence of the Caribbean, incorporating the vibrant flavours and cultural influences of the region. The brand's dedication to traditional production methods and artisanal craftsmanship sets them apart in the world of rum.

The aged rum from L&R Liquors is a true showcase of their artistry and craftsmanship. With a deep amber hue and a velvety smooth texture, this rum offers a symphony of flavours, including notes of caramel, spices, and tropical fruits. It is a versatile choice that can be sipped neat or incorporated into your favourite cocktails.

In addition to their exceptional rum varieties, L&R Liquors also embodies the spirit of sustainability and social responsibility. The brand is committed to providing local communities with rewarding work opportunities and supporting the preservation of the region's rich biodiversity.

Whether you're a rum connoisseur or a novice, L&R Liquors is definitely a brand to watch in the world of Belizean rum. Their dedication to quality, tradition, and sustainability sets them apart, and their diverse range of rum varieties caters to different palates and preferences. So, if you're looking to explore the unique flavours of Belize, be sure to add L&R Liquors to your list of must-try spirits.

Copalli Rum

Copalli offers a range of rum varieties, including White Rum, Barrel Rested Rum, and Cacao Rum. The White Rum is a blend of 25% still rum and 75% column rum, which is then left to rest for 3 weeks in stainless steel tanks before bottling. The rum has fruit and citrus notes on the nose and palate, along with pleasant grassy overtones that culminate in a smooth finish. The Barrel Rested Rum has a richer, sweeter profile that is delicious neat or as a base for cocktails. It is crafted using the same three ingredients as the White Rum and is distilled in a bespoke pot still before resting in American Oak bourbon barrels. The Cacao Rum is flavoured with roasted, 100% organic cacao nibs grown on the Copal Tree Farm. The cacao nibs infuse a rich chocolate flavour and aroma into the rum, which is then redistilled to create a smooth finish.

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