Perhaps one of the most popular and iconic locally-made drinks in Belize is rum. Made from the abundant sugar cane crop that still plays an important role in the domestic economy, rum is a distilled spirit that pairs excellently with fresh, locally-grown fruits to create unforgettable cocktails or can be consumed neat. Famed throughout the region for its high quality and smooth taste, Belizean rum is something that every visitor is encouraged to try.
Currently, two different domestic manufacturers offer an excellent selection of fine rum in Belize.
Cuello’s Distillery
Founded more than 70 years ago, Cuello is a family-owned and operated business. Based in the town of Orange Walk in the heart of Belize’s sugar cane farming region, Cuello was founded by Ignacio Cuello, a master blender and distiller who later trained his sons in the secrets of how to produce high-quality rum and other spirits. Cuello has their own festive theme song that was composed by celebrated local artist Lord Rhaburn, and the labels on all of their rum varieties celebrate Belizean culture.
Cuello’s signature rum products include:
- Caribbean White Rum
- Caribbean Rum (Dark)
- Caribbean Gold Rum
- Extra Strong Rum
- Caribbean Coconut Rum
Travellers Liquor
Founded in 1953 by master blender Omario Perdomo, Travellers is the manufacturer of what is perhaps the most famous rum in Belize: One Barrel. A simple gold rum with a smooth finish, One Barrel is a popular choice with both visitors and locals alike. With a fresh, tropical scent, One Barrel rum has natural hints of passion fruit, hibiscus, and papaya.
Travellers Liquor is named for its early success in supplying travelers to and from Belize City with a fine assortment of distilled spirits. Travellers is renowned in Belize for using only high-test molasses, carefully fermented according to traditional practices. Travellers is also the only beverage producer in the country to make liqueurs and wines made from local fruits.
Located in Belmopan, the capital of Belize, Travellers use only local molasses to ferment and then distill their rum using a triple column still. The rum is then carefully aged and bottled in Belize City.
A few of Travellers’ most popular rum varieties include:
- Don Omario Vintage Rum
- Aged Dark Rum
- Classic Gold Rum
- Cristal Parrot Lite Rum
- Classic White Rum
- Kuknat Rum (made with coconuts)
Copalli
Copalli is among the best rum brand available not only in Belize but also in the world. Their organic single estate rum is sustainably crafted with only three ingredients in the heart of the rainforest in Southern Belize. A few of Copalli’s most popular rums include:
The Copalli White Rum
After fermenting the fresh-pressed sugar cane juice, the Copalli white rum distills in both a pot and column stills before blending the two distillates. This is followed by the resting of the finished product in stainless steel. This creates a smooth white rum that’s as good served straight on the rocks or in a cocktail such as a daiquiri.
The Copalli Barrel Rested Rum
First, Copalli ferment the fresh-pressed sugar cane juice then they double distill it in their full-bodied pot still before resting it in American Oak used bourbon barrels. The result is a rich, sweet high-quality rum that tastes delicious, and neat and is a powerful and flavorful base for your favorite rum cocktail.
The Copalli Cocoa Rum
Copalli takes their delicious Copalli white rum, place it into a tank to rest with roasted, 100% organic cacao nibs grown on the neighboring Copal Tree Farm. Over several weeks, the cacao nibs infuse a rich chocolate flavor and aroma into the rum, which is then redistilled to create a smooth finished premium product that is delicious on the rocks or for your favorite rum cocktail recipes.
Big Titty Rum
Rum and pirates color the history of the entire Caribbean and Belize is no exception. Pirates gave pet names to the rums of various ports of call. Legend has it that pirates amused by the local practice of mothers dribbling rum on their breasts to calm teething babies named Belize rum “titty rum”. Big Titty Rum honors this fine tradition.
Big Titty Rum is more than just a cute name. They take this craft seriously. But, in matters of taste, there can be no dispute.
Savor a Rum Cocktail at Chabil Mar
If you’re interested in sampling one of Belize’s classic rum formulations, the bar at the Chabil Mar resort in Placencia offers a full complement of delicious cocktails made from 100% Belizean rum. Travelers and guests interested in trying Belizean rum or other locally-made spirits should inquire at the bar in Chabil Mar.
Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.
A ways back I visited Belieze and found and absolutely delicious rum in the local market – Travelers Belieze Coconut Rum.It was excellent. I still don’t understand why we can’t get it in the US ?
Is Kuknat the same thing with a new name?
Hi Tim, yes that would be the same rum with new branding. There is also an amazing new distillery called Copalli Rum that has opened in southern Belize that is not mentioned in this article, you can read about them here: https://tastebelize.com/2020/01/belizean-rums-of-the-south/
Thank you, Lyra.
Hello.Would we be able to tour and of these businesses during our stay in July?
Hello, Robin. Please contact our Concierge, Miss Nikita, about any tours available from Chabil Mar. She can be reached via email at concierge@chabilmarvillas.com.