When enjoying a piña colada or mojito, there’s a strong likelihood the rum is sourced from a globally recognized name: Bacardi. Founded in 1862, Bacardi operates the largest rum distillery worldwide, known as Casa BACARDÍ, located in Cataño, Puerto Rico—just a 20-minute journey from historic Old San Juan. This iconic site, often referred to as the Cathedral of Rum, welcomes visitors to explore its rich history and partake in interactive experiences such as rum tastings and mixology classes.

Established in Puerto Rico in 1930 during a period of rapid expansion for the company, this distillery accounts for 85% of Bacardi’s rum production, generating over 100,000 liters daily. Since opening to tourists more than 20 years ago, Casa BACARDÍ has become the premier activity in Cataño, garnering a 4.3-star rating on Tripadvisor.

Casa BACARDÍ offers several engaging experiences, including the popular Legacy Tour. This 50-minute guided tour explores the legacy of the Bacardi family and includes a tasting of the brand’s special reserve for $40 per person, aimed at guests aged 18 and older. Participants can also bottle their own rum or learn to craft cocktails in high-energy mixology classes, noted by visitors as one of the most enjoyable parts of their trip.

For those interested in more classic experiences, Casa BACARDÍ provides traditional rum tastings, featuring distinct rums and insights into their unique characteristics. The Founder’s Experience allows visitors to view one of the distillery’s aging rooms before indulging in a tasting in a private area dedicated to Bacardi’s founder, Don Facundo.

Conveniently accessed by land or ferry from San Juan, visitors can enjoy a culinary experience at the on-site food kiosk serving Caribbean-inspired dishes, with options like Tropical Grouper Ceviche and traditional beef yuca fritters. The distillery also boasts an exclusive shop filled with Bacardi merchandise for visitors to take home.

Taking a scenic ferry that synchronizes with the tour schedule from Old San Juan to Casa BACARDÍ offers a unique travel experience. For those wanting more of Puerto Rico’s rum culture, the island is also home to the oldest rum distillery, Ron del Barrilito, making it a must-visit destination for rum enthusiasts.