Drink Local: USVI Distilleries & Breweries
There’s something extra-special about drinking USVI spirits and beers right where they’re crafted. Check out some of our islands’ best distilleries and breweries, offering everything from a unique vodka made with local breadfruit to a charming nanobrewery producing flavorful ales and an iconic rum known for its pirate mascot. Cheers!
St. Croix
When it comes to local history, Cruzan Rum Distillery has provenance to spare, with roots on the island dating back to 1760. And lucky for visitors, they’re happy to share the story behind their iconic rum. The book-in-advance, 30-minute distillery tour offers an insider’s look into the Cruzan rum-making and aging process — it starts with fresh water from tropical island aquifers and high-quality sugar cane molasses. The tour finishes at the Cruzan Rum Sampling Bar, where visitors can sample two mixed drinks and up to four rum samples.
Recognized around the world for its Caribbean spiced rum and eye-catching pirate mascot, Captain Morgan is a beloved brand. At the Captain Morgan Experience Center, visitors can learn how the signature rum is made and get insight into the Captain’s story and personality. Offered Monday through Friday (reservations suggested), the 40-minute experience finishes with a rum tasting. While not an actual distillery tour, visitors do leave with fun anecdotes about the legendary rum. Visit the gift shop and bring home a bottle.
Based on the philosophy of what grows together goes together, Sion Farm Distillery created the world’s first and only island vodka made from breadfruit. Dubbed Mutiny Island Vodka, the spirit is a true St. Croix legend. Experience a tour every hour on the half-hour and watch as the master distiller and team handcraft this unique spirit at the recently renovated zero-waste space. Finish by sampling signature cocktails. Then, taste how their vodka beautifully pairs with food — including coconut shrimp and guava pork roast — at the on-site restaurant that serves brunch, lunch, dinner and, yes, cocktails.
Leatherback Brewing Co. is St. Croix’s first craft brewery, creating some amazing beers in the process — think refreshing ales, flavorful IPAs and specialty brews. But at the heart of the company is a desire to respect and honor the island it calls home. Starting with rainwater as its main ingredient, solar power then takes over the work. See how it’s all done and enjoy a few beers at their indoor/outdoor tasting room. Happy hour, crab races and movie nights are some of the regular special events. Heading to St. Thomas? Check out that location here.
Located on the breezy Christiansted Boardwalk, Brew STX offers plenty of pleasures under one roof. A combination restaurant, bar and microbrewery, Brew STX boasts stunning ocean and harbor views from its two levels. House-crafted beer from the on-site brewery is featured (by the flight, pint, pitcher or tower), along with impeccably made tropical cocktails. Whatever beverage you choose, pair it with upscale pub fare that includes coconut-curry mussels, a crispy fish sandwich and build-your-own bowls.
St. John
Set inside Mongoose Junction, a beautiful shopping and dining destination, St. John Brewers Tap Room offers a wide selection of locally brewed beers and sodas, as well as cocktails, in a laid-back island venue. Available on draft and in bottles and cans, the beverages offer a true taste of St. John. A short stroll from the ferry dock, the Tap Room features plenty of delicious dishes for lunch and dinner, ranging from hearty burgers to tasty pizzas.
St. Thomas
Situated inside a lovely stone-walled building, St. John Brewers on the Waterfront is Charlotte Amalie’s one-stop shop for St. John Brewers’ excellent craft beer, Love City seltzers and unique brewery-related gifts (including colorful T-shirts and hats). Conveniently located within walking distance to other must-visit shops, this tasting room and store is the sister to St. John Brewers Tap Room, located on St. John.
Since 2015, Frenchtown Brewing Company — the island’s first craft brewery — has been making tasty small-batch brews from its nanobrewery in the quaint fishing village of Frenchtown. To ensure that their beer is always fresh, it’s only offered on tap. Visitors are welcome to tour the 3-barrel brewery, as well as taste their island-hopped beers. Bring some of the suds along with you to the beach by purchasing a refillable stainless-steel growler.
A desire to create his own beer led the owner of The Tap & Still to partner with three other locals to create Rock City Brewing Company. The Tap & Still is a casual sports bar known for its hefty burgers, Korean-spiced wings, creative cocktails and, of course, freshly brewed Rock City beer. You’ll find locations in St. Thomas’ Red Hook and Havensight, along with a Cruz Bay outpost on St. John.
