The Liquid Spirit of the Colombian Caribbean
In Cartagena, rum is not just a drink; it's liquid memory flowing through the veins of the walled city. Every sip tells stories of sugarcane grown under the Caribbean sun, of stills distilling centuries of tradition, of ships that arrived laden with molasses and departed with the liquid gold that today defines this region's identity. Cartagena rum is the inseparable companion of afternoons in the squares, celebrations in colonial courtyards, conversations that stretch until the sky turns orange and then starry.
History of Rum in Cartagena: More Than a Drink, a Heritage
The history of rum in Cartagena begins with the sugar mills that ground cane on colonial haciendas, but it was in the 20th century when the brands that are now emblematic of the city emerged. Ron Medellín, Ron Viejo de Caldas, Ron Cartavio - names that evoke not only Colombian regions but ancestral distillation techniques. In the 1950s, Cartagena became the port of departure for Colombian rum to the world, and today that tradition lives on in every bottle opened in the historic center's bars.
Distilleries and Museums: Where Rum Tells Its Story
Although many traditional distilleries are not open to the general public, there are experiences that allow you to get close to the process. Destilería La Hechicera offers limited tours by prior reservation where you can see the aging process in American oak barrels.
The Rum Museum in the historic center, though small, exhibits historical distillation tools and bottles dating from the early 20th century. For a more complete experience, organized tours include visits to private cellars where the aroma of aged rum permeates the air like an earthy, sweet perfume.
Where to Find Rum Experiences in Cartagena
- Destilería La Hechicera: Tours by prior reservation. Address: Carrera 7 #36-125, Industrial. Website: www.lahechicera.com. Reservations: tours@lahechicera.com
- Rum Museum: Calle de la Factoría #36-57, Historic Center. Hours: 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday. Admission: 15,000 Colombian pesos (approx. 4 USD).
- Organized Rum Tours: Several local companies offer guided experiences including transportation, tastings, and visits to private cellars.
Bars and Mixologists: The Modern Alchemists of Rum
In Cartagena, bars don't just serve rum; they celebrate it. At Alquímico, three floors of mixological magic where local rum transforms into liquid art. "The secret is to respect the rum," Juan Pablo, a mixologist with 15 years of experience, tells me. "Don't hide it behind artificial juices. Let it speak, let it tell its story. A good Cartagena rum already has notes of vanilla, caramel, spices. You just need to accompany it, not dominate it."
At Café del Mar, on the edge of the walls, rum is enjoyed while contemplating the sunset over the Caribbean Sea. At La Vitrola, among old photographs and live music, classic cocktails like the Cuba Libre take on a historical dimension. And in the more hidden bars of Getsemaní, young mixologists experiment with infusions of tropical fruits and local herbs, creating what could be the next generation of Cartagena mixology.
The Best Rum Bars in Cartagena
- Alquímico: Calle del Colegio #34-24, Getsemaní. Hours: 6pm-2am. Specialty: creative cocktails with local rum. Website: www.alquimico.com
- Café del Mar: Baluarte de Santo Domingo, Historic Center. Hours: 4pm-1am. Spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea. Perfect for sunsets.
- La Vitrola: Calle Baloco #2-01, Historic Center. Hours: 12pm-2am. Historic ambiance with live music.
- La Cevichería: Calle Stuart #7-14, Historic Center. Hours: 12pm-11pm. Excellent rum selection in addition to their famous ceviche.
Workshops and Tastings: Learn the Secrets of Rum
For those who want to go beyond drinking, there are cocktail workshops. At the Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa, they offer two-hour classes where you learn to prepare three typical Cartagena cocktails. Price: approximately 120,000 Colombian pesos per person (about 30 USD). Includes materials, ingredients, and of course, tasting your creations.
Guided tastings are another gem. At La Cevichería (yes, besides ceviche they have an impressive rum selection), the rum sommelier takes you on a journey through five varieties, explaining differences between aged, extra-aged, and special reserve rums. Average price: between 80,000 and 150,000 pesos depending on the rums selected.
Exclusive Recipe: The Perfect Cartagenero
Juan Pablo shares his recipe for a cocktail that captures the essence of Cartagena:
- 60 ml of aged Colombian rum (recommends Ron Medellín Añejo)
- 30 ml of fresh lemon juice
- 20 ml of panela syrup (Colombian whole cane sugar)
- 2-3 mint leaves
- Ice
"In a tall glass, gently muddle the mint leaves with the panela syrup. Add the lemon juice and rum. Fill with ice and stir with a long spoon. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a thin slice of lemon. Don't use a blender - rum deserves to be treated with care, not mechanical violence."
Where to Buy Local Rum and Souvenirs
To take home a piece of Cartagena in a bottle:
- Licorera La Nacional on Calle de la Mantilla: the most complete selection of Colombian rums, from the most affordable to limited editions. Address: Calle de la Mantilla #8-45, Historic Center. Hours: 9am-8pm.
- Rafael Núñez Airport Shops: convenient for last-minute shopping, with duty-free prices. Location: Main terminal, international departures area.
- Bazurto Market: for the adventurous, here you'll find artisanal rums you won't see anywhere else. Bring a local to guide you. Address: Carrera 29 #17-45, Bazurto Neighborhood. Hours: 6am-4pm.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rum Route in Cartagena
What is the best time to visit the distilleries?
Most distillery tours require prior reservation with at least 48 hours notice. December to March are high season months, so book further in advance.
Are there organized rum tours in Cartagena?
Yes, several companies offer specialized tours including transportation, distillery visits, tastings, and cocktail classes. Prices range between 150,000 and 300,000 pesos per person.
Which Colombian rum do you recommend as a souvenir?
Ron Medellín Añejo is an excellent option for its quality-price ratio. For something more special, look for limited editions of Ron La Hechicera or Ron Cartavio XO.
Are cocktail workshops for beginners?
Absolutely. Most workshops are designed for all levels, from beginners to rum enthusiasts. Instructors guide you step by step.
Book a rum tasting experience with our partners and discover why in Cartagena, rum isn't drunk - it's lived.
Next time you're in the walled city, remember: every bottle of Cartagena rum contains not just alcohol, but Caribbean sun, sea breeze, stories of pirates and conquerors, and the indomitable spirit of a city that refuses to forget its flavors. Rum here is more than a drink - it's a gustatory map that guides you through the real Cartagena, the one that lives behind the colorful facades and illuminated squares.
