Belizean Rum: Where To Buy?

Belizean rum is a popular and iconic alcoholic drink in Belize, made from the country's abundant sugar cane crop. It is known for its high quality and smooth taste, and visitors to Belize are encouraged to try it. There are several distilleries in Belize that produce rum, and their products can be purchased online or in-store. For instance, Traveller's Liquors Ltd. is Belize's most iconic distillery, offering tours of its Heritage Center and samples of its aged blends. Their Traveller's 1 Barrel Rum is perhaps the most famous rum in Belize and can be purchased online. Another well-known distillery is Copal Tree Distillery, which produces organic and sustainable rum. Their products, including Copalli White Rum and Copalli Cocoa Rum, can be purchased online.

Traveller's Liquors Distillery

Traveller's is renowned for its commitment to quality, using only high-test molasses, carefully fermented according to traditional practices. It is also the only beverage producer in Belize to make liqueurs and wines from local fruits. The distillery sources its barrels from U.S. brands like Jack Daniels and Jim Bean, ageing its rums for 1, 3, 5, and 10 years.

Traveller's Distillery offers a variety of popular rum varieties, including the Don Omario Vintage Rum, Cristal Parrot Lite Rum, and Kuknat Rum, made with coconuts. Their rums are known for their smooth, silky texture and flavourful notes, making them perfect for any desired mix.

One Barrel Rum, produced by Traveller's, is perhaps Belize's most famous and beloved rum. It is a simple gold rum with a smooth finish and hints of passion fruit, hibiscus, and papaya. The labels on Traveller's rum varieties celebrate Belize's natural wonders and cultural heritage, featuring designs such as the Belize Carnival, the great Blue Hole, and the Jaguar.

For those interested in learning more about the rum-making process, Traveller's Liquors offers tours of their Heritage Centre, where visitors can witness rum production first-hand and sample a variety of aged blends.

Copal Tree Distillery

The Copal Tree Distillery is a sustainable, eco-friendly distillery in Southern Belize, surrounded by 22,000 acres of rainforest conservancy and set against the Mayan Mountains. The distillery is part of a trio of businesses that work together to promote the local ecosystem and support the community of Punta Gorda. The other two businesses are Copal Tree Farm, which grows and harvests the sugar cane, and Copal Tree Lodge, an eco-tourism lodge that promotes the region.

The Copal Tree Distillery was built in 2016 on 3,000 acres of land and is the first certified-organic farm in Belize. The distillery is committed to organic and sustainable agriculture, producing Copalli Rum from sugarcane grown without pesticides or chemical fertilisers. The sugarcane juice is fermented with indigenous yeasts and distilled in pot stills to preserve the flavours and aromas of the local terroir. The rum is then aged in oak barrels and blended before bottling.

Copalli Rum is crafted from just three ingredients: fresh-pressed sugar cane juice, rainwater, and non-GMO yeast. The distillery uses two types of heirloom Noble Cane: black and red. These varieties are chosen for their mouthwatering, flavourful juice. The cane is pressed within hours of harvesting, then fermented and distilled to create a unique, delicious rum.

Copalli Rum has received rave reviews from publications such as Forbes, Food & Wine, and Thrillist, and has won several awards, including NYISC Double Gold (2023) for its Barrel Rested Rum and SIP Best in Class Platinum (2023) for its Cacao Rum.

Cuello's Distillery

Cuello's signature rums include the Caribbean Rum (Dark) and the Caribbean Coconut Rum. The distillery's processes are quite labour-intensive, but the result is a unique and delicious spirit. Visitors to the distillery can witness the distillation, blending, and bottling process first-hand. The site is located on private land belonging to the Cuello family, and advance permission is required for visits.

The history of the distillery is intertwined with that of the adjacent Mayan site. Archaeologist Norman Hammond conducted significant recovery work at the site in the 1970s and 1980s, challenging the commonly held belief about the start date of Mayan civilisation. The ceremonial centre, consisting of two side-by-side plazas, dates back to 2600 B.C., with carbon-dating suggesting the area was inhabited over 4000 years ago.

Online retailers

If you're unable to visit Belize in person, you can still enjoy the flavours of Belizean rum by purchasing from online retailers. Here are some of the online platforms and retailers where you can buy Belizean rum:

• Drizly: Drizly offers a convenient way to shop for Belizean rum and have it delivered directly to your doorstep.
• Excellence Rhum: This online retailer offers a wide range of rums, including selections from Belize. They showcase various brands such as Carnival, RumClub, and The Duchess.
• Amazon: Amazon provides a vast selection of Belizean rums, including options like Copalli, Fair Belize, and Ruta Maya. With customer reviews and ratings, you can make an informed choice.
• Duty & Tax Free Ltd: Operating over 10 stores across Belize, Duty & Tax Free Ltd offers a great opportunity to purchase Belizean rum at tax-free prices. They often have online deals and discounts, so it's worth checking their website.

When buying Belizean rum online, ensure that you purchase from reputable retailers to guarantee the authenticity and quality of the rum. Additionally, remember to check the legal drinking age and any import restrictions or customs regulations in your country.

Local bars and resorts

Belize is known for its high-quality, locally made rum, and there are several local bars and resorts where you can sample and purchase this iconic spirit. Here are some places to consider:

Chabil Mar Resort in Placencia

The bar at the Chabil Mar resort offers a range of cocktails made from 100% Belizean rum. Visitors interested in trying Belizean rum or other locally made spirits can inquire at the bar about their selection. Chabil Mar is an excellent choice for those seeking a relaxing resort experience while enjoying the local rum culture.

Traveller's Liquors Ltd.

Belize's most iconic distillery, Traveller's Liquors, offers a unique opportunity to tour their Heritage Centre and learn about the rum-making process. Located on the Northern Highway in Belize City, they produce a wide range of rums, including the famous One Barrel Rum, a simple gold rum with a smooth finish. Their rums are aged in imported whiskey barrels, resulting in a silky and flavorful profile. You can sample their aged blends and purchase your favourites to enjoy at home.

Afrodite Bar

Located in Placencia Village, Afrodite Bar is the home base of Big Titty Rum, a brand known for its playful and provocative labelling. They offer a range of craft cocktails featuring different varieties of Big Titty Rum, including white, spiced, gold, aged, habanero, and demerara black. Big Titty Rum has a unique approach, filtering and refining bulk rum from larger distilleries to create their branded rums. Their characterful spirits and innovative marketing have quickly gained a dedicated fan base.

Barefoot Bar and Tipsy Tuna Bar

These famous beachside venues in Placencia are excellent choices for enjoying a variety of Belizean rums. You can ask for the rums by name and try the different options available. Whether you prefer your rum in a cocktail or neat, these bars provide a laid-back atmosphere to savour the local spirits.

Local Liquor Stores and Supermarkets

Throughout Belize, you can find a wide selection of Belizean rum brands in local liquor stores and supermarkets. Browsing the shelves and chatting with the staff can be a great way to discover new favourites and learn about the latest offerings from both established distilleries and new entrants to the market.

Frequently asked questions