The Caribbean is known as a popular travel destination for its vibrant culture and heritage. Some things that can make living and vacationing in the Caribbean fun are our people, music, cuisine, and beverages. Our cuisine has always taken centre stage, but our drinks are equally memorable. Some of our beers and rums are popular globally; others are enjoyed and sold in the islands where they are brewed or made.  We’re looking at some of our most popular beers and rums that you must try! 

Trinidad and Tobago 

There may be a tie between the Stag Lager Beer and Carib Premium Lager among locals. Stag is a full-bodied lager that has a slightly hoppy and bitter taste. It contains 5.5% alcohol and is known for its consistent taste. 

Carib Premium Lager is also full-bodied with 5% alcohol. It’s known for its refreshing taste. 

For some rum lovers, Angostura White Oak is the top-selling rum in Trinidad and Tobago. Many enjoy this rum’s mixability and smoothness. It contains 40% alcohol. 

Jamaica 

Red Stripe beer is a massive favourite among locals and visitors. This refreshing, full-bodied lager contains 4.7% alcohol and comes with a low butterscotch flavour. 

Although many people love Appleton Estate rums, Wray and Nephew White Rum is king in Jamaica. It is also the bestselling high-proof rum in the world. It is flavourful and has a natural fruity aroma with hints of molasses. It has 63% alcohol. 

The Cayman Islands 

In the Cayman Islands, you must try one of the local favourites – White Tip Lager. White Tip is a moderate and smooth pilsner with a slightly sweet yet bitter aftertaste. It is also the world’s first conservation beer, as a percentage goes towards the Cayman Marine Conservation. It contains 5.2% alcohol. 

If you enjoy dark rum, try Governor’s Reserve Dark Rum. This rich mahogany-hued rum has a light caramel flavour that gives you rich notes of molasses and barrel aging.

Barbados 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to mix beer and rum? The 10 Saints Beer from Barbados does just that. Matured in oak casts that were once used by Mount Gay to age its old Special Reserve rum, 10 Saints is a premium microbrew. 10 Saints Beer has a lightly roasted malt aroma with a hint of citrus, with vanilla and tropical spice notes. It has 4.7% alcohol. Another beer worth mentioning is Banks Beer, which is hugely popular among Barbadians. 

Barbados is the first Caribbean island to produce rum; as such, it is not surprising that they have an impressive collection of rums. It is a little challenging to select one rum. However, Mount Gay XO Extra Old has gotten our vote. Full-bodied, smooth, and naturally sweet with a hint of toffee and oak, this rum is a hit among rum lovers. This delightful rum has 43% alcohol. 

Guyana 

The award-winning Banks Beer is beloved by Guyanese at home and abroad. It is also quite popular in Barbados, which has its beer version. Banks Beer is a light to medium-bodied beer made from pure artesian well water, rice, malted barley, hops, and yeast under strictly controlled processes. Banks Beer contains 4.7% alcohol. 

The award-winning El Dorado 21-Year-Old Special Reserve is a treat you will enjoy if you are a rum lover. This full-bodied rum is mellow and boasts hints of honey, fruit, spices, and dark sugar. Some people prefer to drink it on its own. It has 43% alcohol. 

Belize 

A great beer to have while relaxing in Belize is the popular Belikin beer. Widely enjoyed by Belizeans and visitors, this classic full-bodied beer is a unique blend of Canadian Pilsner malt and German hops. Expect a smooth, refreshing beer with a mild aroma that goes down quickly. This beer contains 4.8% alcohol. 

Travellers One Barrel Rum is an award-winning Belizean rum with a tropical aroma and hints of papaya, hibiscus, and passion fruit. It contains 40% alcohol. 

Antigua and Barbuda 

Wadadli Antigua Lager Beer is the official beer of Antigua and Barbuda. This pale lager has a thin body and is slightly carbonated. It comes with a malty aroma and has 4.8% alcohol. 

English Harbour 1981 Rum is viewed by many as the best rum in the Caribbean. Dubbed the crème de la crème of the Antigua Distillery Limited portfolio, this rum is aged for 25 years in whiskey and bourbon barrels. The taste combines fruits and roasted nuts with hints of cinnamon-like flavours. It contains 40% alcohol. 

St. Kitts and Nevis 

Although Carib beer is popular, Skol Lager is the official beer of St. Kitts and Nevis. Carib Brewery produces Skol through a licensing agreement with Skol International. This pale, light-bodied beer has a slightly sweet taste and contains 5% alcohol. 

Soothing, delicious, and memorable are a few of the words that describe Belmont Estate Golden Coconut Rum. This full-bodied golden rum has a fruity coconut flavour and a taste that captures the essence of St. Kitts and Nevis. This rum contains 40% alcohol. 

If you’re into beers or rums, give a few of these a try. Remember to drink responsibly! Also, use Find Yello to search for bars, restaurant and related businesses near you.

Sources: Trip Savvy, Caribbean & Co, Large Up, Ultimate Rum Guide, Craft Beer Joe and Caribbean Travel.