Cruzan Rum is a rum producer located in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. It is owned by Beam Suntory. Their distillery was founded in 1760 and claims the distinction of "the most honored rum distillery in the world." For eight generations and through various changes in corporate ownership, the distillery has been managed by the Nelthropp family.
Background
The distillery is also the largest supplier of American private and distributor label rum. Cruzan Rum also makes a pure cane distillate alcohol, which can be found for sale in the medicine sections of many grocery stores in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Cruzan is one of two rum distilleries which, due to their place in American history, are part of the American Whiskey Trail. Cruzan rum is made similar to a traditional Cuban style that produces an exceptionally clean, and lighter bodied rum. Although Cruzan rums generally have had mixed success at international spirit ratings competitions, the single-barrel has performed extremely well. Cruzan's most notable showing was from 2009 raters at the Beverage Testing Institute who gave it a 96. Proof66 rates the single-barrel amongst the Top 20 rums in the world.
Distillery
The Cruzan Rum Distillery has been in operation for more than 250 years. Tours of the distillery and its historic grounds including original sugar mill run 6 days a week in Frederiksted.
Cruzan Velvet Cinn: a traditional horchata blend of Cruzan light rum, rich dairy cream, and cinnamon.
Estate
Cruzan Estate Light: aged two years.
Cruzan Estate Dark: aged two years, available in both 80- and 151-proof.
Cruzan Estate Diamond: aged five years. Back in production - now available as both a dark and a light.
Single barrel
Cruzan Single Barrel: a blend of rums aged 5-12 years then rebarreled in new oak barrels for additional aging. The winner of double gold medals and the title "World's Best Rum" at the 2000, and 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, as well as numerous other gold medals at various spirits competitions.
Black strap
Cruzan Black Strap: a heavier bodied version of Cruzan light rum with the addition of blackstrap molasses from tropical sugar cane.
Light rum
Cruzan Light Aged Rum is aged in oak for at least one year and then carbon filtered for clarity.
