US Virgin Islands - St Croix, Cruzan Rum Distillery
SV Meshugga
Nicholas & Deidre Mace
Tue 7 Jan 2020 18:23
This is an original windmill dating from the 1700’s when St Croix was the major sugar cane grower and Rum producer in the Caribbean.
Nowadays, sugar cane is grown the Dominican Republic. The molasses is shipped to St Croix in tankers. Here at Cruzan Rum Distillery the molasses is fermented in huge vats, and then distilled in these stainless steel tanks. Fun Fact: These tanks are the second tallest structures on St Croix, the only structure taller is the Airport Tower.
After being distilled, the rum is poured into casks, and left to mature for varying years, 1, 5, 12 15 etc.
Once at the matured state required, the bungs on the casks are knocked out and the rum poured into this trough between our guides legs, the rum runs through a channel and is pumped into the tankers in the next photo.
The Rum is then shipped to Kentucky in USA, where it is bottled, with a 1/4 of the bottles returning to St Croix, the remainder is sold in the States.
I loved our guides T-shirt
We then all walked to the Cruzan gift shop and bar
Much to our delight, our Rumologist gave us Cocktail menus to choose from, and we enjoyed a great half hour having a few cocktails, and all in the Tour price of $9 each.
Our stash for Meshugga purchased at the gift shop.
Take Care
Deidre Mace
SV Meshugga
E: Deidre {CHANGE TO AT} Mace {DOT} co {DOT} za
C: +1 754 213 7663
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