Beer and rum question

[AKDeputyDog]

Hi again - Another question..about liquor for around the house our week on STJ. We won't need a lot since only 2 of us drinnking and not heavily either.

Is there a good local beer or good beer that is at a good price and not the typical US mass market brands?

Rum-wise - I saw some post that listed all sorts of rum folks bought. I know little about rum so need a suggestion - I'd like to buy 1 bottle of rum for when there to make pina coladas and rum n cokes - what will do and where is best place to buy price wise?

Regarding taking rum home - any special/good rums ya'll would suggest that may be different from what available at home (or hard to get or way more expensive at home). Thanks.

[Lulu76]

You can get a bottle of Cruzan dark or light pretty much anywhere on island, and that'll do for your purposes for the week. I don't remember where you said you were staying but Pine Peace tends to have the best prices, but not enough to warrant a special trip. We drove by it on the way home.

I brought back some bottles of Cruzan and they had pretty much the full gamut there (since it's made in the USVIs), so I did get some that are harder to get here on the mainland. I brought back a bottle of light and dark and two flavors, although I wish I'd brought back the Clipper spiced rum because that's harder to get here.

I bought mine at AH Riise in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, and that's where I'll probably go from now on. The prices were excellent and they wrap them up to get them through customs, airport security and home in one piece.

[Lulu76]

As for beer, VI Pale Ale all the way. It's made on St. John and pretty much available anywhere on island. Yum!

[jayseadee]

Ditto on the Cruzan - either the light or dark will work well for Pina Coladas and Rum&Coke.

If you just need 1 bottle, you could pick it up at the duty free shop at the airport; it is right by baggage claim. On island, we usually shop at Sparky's in Cruz Bay (next to JJ's cafe). May not be the lowest price, but we typically don't have a car the first few days and Cruz Bay is convenient.

You could also pick up a "variety" pack of the Cruzan Flavored rums - these come in a pack of 8-10 (small shot bottles) - we found these at Sparky's, as well. Once you try a few, you can decide which you may want to take home. My favorite is Coconut; I don't have a hard time finding it here, but I have noticed the price has gone up lately.

As for beer, we like Caribe.

Enjoy your trip,

[Margy Z]

Is there a good local beer or good beer that is at a good price and not the typical US mass market brands? - Virgin Islands Pale Ale is pretty good. Although it's Jamaican, I prefer Red Stripe. I tried Blackbeard's once and it was pretty good, too. Most well-known brands of beer are available.

Rum-wise - I saw some post that listed all sorts of rum folks bought. I know little about rum so need a suggestion - I'd like to buy 1 bottle of rum for when there to make pina coladas and rum n cokes - what will do and where is best place to buy price wise? - Cruzan Dark 2 yr; Cruzan Light for Mojitos; easy to find at almost every grocery store and Mixology on STJ has a great selection. On STT, K-Mart and Cost-u-Less always seem to have really good prices. Try the Cruzan Rum Cream, too, yummm - blender, ice cream, chocolate syrup!

Regarding taking rum home - any special/good rums ya'll would suggest that may be different from what available at home (or hard to get or way more expensive at home). Thanks. - We bring home Cruzan Estate Diamond 5 year (DH's favorite and a bit more difficult to get here). Cruzan Single Barrel (a 12 yr) is good for gifting - has a richer oak taste - both of these are good sipping rums).

We pretty much stick to Cruzan while in the VI but I do like Myers in a rum/cola blend and some prefer Pussers and I'm sure there are higher-end rums that others can recommend.

Have a great time!

- Margy

[Steve S]

VI Pale Ale is good but if you want a lighter lager, go with Carib. Can't miss, it's in the bright blue six packs. Since you are out at Chocolate Hole, stop at Pine Peace Market for the best prices on most of your provisions. It's on the left past the gas station just before you head up Jacob's Ladder.

[sailorgirl]

Not to be hyper technical, but I beleive Virgin Islands Pale Ale is made in Portland Me at Shipyard Brewery. It was "created" on St. John. I don't mean to take anything away from the Tap Room guys, the beer is great and you should give it a try. I think they are doing some micro brews at the the Tap Room and you should definitely put a visit ( or 2 or 3) there on your list.

[Wolfhound]

Everything folks said here is good advice, so ditto. We like having a case of Blackbeard's Ale in our Mixology order. It is a tasty amber ale made on St Croix.

[pipanale]

Ditto on the Cruzan - either the light or dark will work well for Pina Coladas and Rum&Coke.

It's also good for brushing your teeth, as a water substitute, as a food substitute.

It's good for life

[Captain John]

Cruzan for rum
Presedente for beer

I think I'll have one right now..

[traveler22]

AKDeputyDog
Beer-Carib
Rum -Cruzan Dark, Cruzan also came out with a Black Cherry rum which goes great with Coke

[nothintolose]

I loved Carib till I tried VI Pale Ale!!! I wish I could get either in New Orleans! VI Pale Ale has a slight mango flavor which I LOVE about it.

Definitely Cruzan Dark for the coladas - try mango coladas.

Can ya' tell I like mango???

nothintolose