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Introduction to Ron del Barrilito
A Distillery with a Puerto Rican Legacy
Ron del Barrilito is Puerto Rico’s oldest rum producer, crafting exceptional spirits since 1880. This historic distillery combines time-honored traditions with meticulous attention to detail, creating rums that are deeply rooted in Puerto Rican culture and craftsmanship.
Located in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Ron del Barrilito has maintained its commitment to quality for over 140 years, producing rums that showcase the rich heritage and terroir of the island.
Why We Have a Soft Spot for Ron del Barrilito
At Vault of Spirits, we cherish distilleries that remain true to their roots while delivering exceptional quality. Ron del Barrilito stands out by adhering to its original formula and aging process, refusing to cut corners despite changing market demands.
The distillery’s steadfast commitment to traditional methods and their limited production approach ensures that each bottle represents an authentic piece of Puerto Rican rum history.
The History of Ron del Barrilito
Origins and Development
Ron del Barrilito was founded in 1880 by Pedro Fernández, a Spaniard who had studied chemical engineering in France. Upon returning to his sugar plantation in Bayamón, Fernández began experimenting with rum production techniques he had learned in Europe.
The name “Ron del Barrilito” translates to “rum from the little barrel,” referencing the small casks Pedro used when sharing his personal rum with friends and family. What began as a private family recipe soon gained a reputation for exceptional quality, eventually leading to commercial production.
The People Behind It
For generations, the Fernández family maintained control of the distillery, preserving the original recipes and production methods. In recent years, the distillery has passed to new ownership, but the commitment to the traditional Fernández family methods remains unwavering.
The current production team continues to honor the legacy of Ron del Barrilito, ensuring that every bottle reflects the same care and attention to detail that Pedro Fernández established nearly a century and a half ago.
Craftsmanship and Production
From Raw Material to Finished Product
Unlike many modern distilleries, Ron del Barrilito doesn’t actually distill its own base spirit. Instead, they source high-quality Puerto Rican rum distillate, focusing their expertise on the blending and aging processes that give their rum its distinctive character.
The distillery’s master blenders carefully select rum spirits, which are then aged and blended according to the traditional Fernández family methods. This approach allows them to maintain consistent quality while focusing on the aspects of production that most distinguish their rum.
Maturation and Aging
Ron del Barrilito’s aging process takes place in used Spanish sherry casks, primarily oloroso sherry barrels. These casks impart rich, complex flavors to the rum during Puerto Rico’s warm tropical aging conditions.
The distillery’s flagship rums are aged for a minimum of 3 to 7 years, developing significant depth and character. Perhaps most remarkably, Ron del Barrilito has maintained some barrels for over 80 years, containing rum reserved for a special occasion—Puerto Rico’s independence—in what has become known as “The Freedom Barrel.”
Selected Products from Ron del Barrilito
Ron del Barrilito Three Star – The Classic Expression
This flagship rum is a blend of spirits aged between 6 and 10 years, offering a perfect introduction to the distillery’s style. With notes of dried fruit, caramel, vanilla, and warm spices, Three Star delivers a smooth, dry character that makes it excellent for sipping neat or in premium cocktails.
The balanced complexity and elegant finish have made Three Star a favorite among rum aficionados for generations.
Ron del Barrilito Five Star – A Premium Experience
A more exclusive expression, Five Star blends rums aged up to 35 years. This sophisticated spirit offers a remarkably smooth character with layers of dark chocolate, tobacco, leather, and dried tropical fruits. The finish is long and complex, with subtle oak and spice notes lingering elegantly.
Limited in production and sought after by collectors, Five Star represents the pinnacle of Puerto Rican rum craftsmanship.
Visit the Distillery
Tours and Tastings
The Ron del Barrilito Experience Center in Bayamón offers visitors an immersive journey through Puerto Rican rum history. Tours include access to the historic property, barrel warehouses, and the famous “Freedom Barrel” that has been waiting for Puerto Rico’s independence since 1942.
Tastings typically include different expressions from the range, allowing visitors to appreciate the distinctive character of these historic rums. The experience provides a deeper understanding of why Ron del Barrilito has maintained its prestigious reputation for nearly a century and a half.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ron del Barrilito?
Ron del Barrilito is Puerto Rico’s oldest rum producer, creating premium aged rums since 1880. The distillery focuses on traditional aging and blending techniques to produce spirits with distinctive character and complexity that honor Puerto Rican rum traditions.
Where is Ron del Barrilito Located?
The distillery is located in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, about 10 miles southwest of San Juan. The tropical climate of Puerto Rico plays a significant role in the aging process, accelerating the interaction between the rum and the barrel to create rich, complex flavors.
What Distinguishes Ron del Barrilito?
Ron del Barrilito is especially known for its commitment to traditional methods, use of Spanish sherry casks for aging, and its dry, sophisticated flavor profile that contrasts with sweeter Caribbean rums. Their limited production approach ensures quality control, while their historical significance as Puerto Rico’s oldest rum adds to their mystique.
Where Can I Buy Rum from Ron del Barrilito?
You can find selected bottles from Ron del Barrilito at Vault of Spirits. We handpick the finest expressions from this historic distillery, allowing you to experience an authentic piece of Puerto Rican rum heritage that has been perfected over more than 140 years of production.