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OUr history

The first handcrafted, artisan rum distillery on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico.

WHO WE ARE

The Crab Island Rum History

The project to develop Crab Island Rum began in 2010 with research and studies on the rum-making process. In June 2013, a group of 5 people, including Iván Torres, the owner, decided to shape the project by creating a business plan and founding the corporation Laboratorio Clandestino Viequense.

With a passion for traditional elaboration and local ingredients, Iván strove to create a unique and authentic rum that captured the history and essence of the island, of which rum has been an important part since its origins. In 2019 he opens to the public the first artisan rum distillery in Vieques, Puerto Rico: Crab Island, located in the old pump park used by the Vieques navy.

With a social commitment as a company, we contribute to sustainable agriculture and constantly work to reduce environmental impact through energy and water efficient practices. In addition, it contributes to the economic development of the community through job creation and support for local producers and farmers.

Currently, we offer 4 products that reflect dedication, quality and authenticity. The Orange Infusion Rum is infused with island citrus for a fresh, fruity flavor, while the Coffee Infusion combines the sweetness of sugarcane with the acidity and aroma of coffee. In addition, we offer our Classic Rum and our 3 Year Old Rum, which has been matured in bourbon barrels for an even richer, more complex flavor.

HOW WE ARE

How is Crab Island Rum produced?

At the distillery, 100% of the rum is produced from the fermentation process to bottling. Managing to bring each in each bottle a rum that contains the best ingredients and without using imported alcohols or fruit concentrates.

Crab Island’s base is sugar cane molasses, which is diluted with water and fermented with the addition of yeast. After a week, the liquid with an alcohol content of 8% is boiled in a still. The alembic is a tool that boils the must and allows the separation of vapors in a closed environment. The alcohol content of the fermenter is separated from the rest of the must when heated, it is directed to an area where the temperature is low and the alcohol vapor condenses and becomes liquid again, that is where the rum is obtained, then it will be aged in barrels or used to create liqueurs.

the beginning

Made with passion. Using the best ingredients.

set of mind

Our Mission

Create unique and authentic artisanal rums that fully reflect the Puerto Rican essence, using sustainably grown local ingredients and traditional manufacturing techniques. Offering a unique experience through tastings and visits to The Distillery.

going forward

Our Vision

Become a reference distillery in Puerto Rico and in the world, connecting with our history and culture through our brand and products, spreading the tradition of rum in the world.

Our Values

INNOVATION

Constantly looking for new ways to improve our products and processes

AUTHENTICITY

We use traditional ingredients and techniques to create a unique and authentic rum.

RESPECT

We respect the environment and provide sustainable development.

COMMUNITY

We are proud to be part of the Vieques community and we work to contribute to its development.

QUALITY

We are committed to delivering high-quality, consistent products.

INTEGRITY

We remain faithful to our principles and values in all the decisions we make.

TASTE

Our goal is to create rums that taste delicious and are enjoyed at any time.

EXPERIENCE

We seek to provide a unique and memorable experience for all of our clients.

  • Tips on ordering and contacting the venue. First, what a beautiful experience with friendly bartenders and delicious rum. I thought it would be interesting to take a tour and was wondering why tours were not offered, until I arrived and saw that it is a boutique operation. Quite small, and a tour would take about five minutes. Instead, we were treated to local live music; we purchased two rum tastings, and then we ordered some exquisite cocktails. Keep in mind it was a Saturday, and their hours are later on a Saturday, as they stay open until 8 PM. The vibe is local and friendly and again, boutique. We did not try the food truck, though I am reading reviews here that it is excellent. The food truck seems to have a porch and patio, so it looks like more of a permanent installation. I had been trying to email the venue with no success and ask for a tour, because it was really hard to tell from the website if tours were offered. Though it appeared as if they were not. I finally called them and somebody answered the phone right away. Tips on cocktail ordering: try some of the drinks you cannot find anywhere else. My husband ordered a Mojito, and it was OK, but you can get a Mojito anywhere else. Not a great order. My daughter ordered the chupi, and it was excellent. So creative with the rosemary syrup. Really well balanced, and a beautiful drink. If you’re looking at the photos, it’s the one with the pink swirl. I ordered the ginger parcha, and it was one of the most refreshing and interesting cocktails I have ever tasted. And we live in a town known for their craft cocktails. The ginger and the lime balanced beautifully with the passionfruit. I ordered a second one, because it was just too delicious not too! If you are looking at the photos, it is the one that is orange. As far as the rums, we took home a bottle of crab orange and a bottle of crab coffee. Both of these rums were delicious on their own, and would be excellent over ice. We bought a big bottle of each and are excited to share them with our friends on the mainland (or maybe not. Maybe we will keep them all to ourselves! It will clearly depend on how well our friends are behaving!)

    Lockie Hunter Avatar Lockie Hunter
    August 11, 2024

    Live music on Saturday night with the rum tasting and legit food. Piña coladas were great, both virgin and with rum.

    Liz and John Mark Avatar Liz and
    August 11, 2024

    Hector Lorenzo Avatar Hector Lorenzo
    August 1, 2024

    Ricardo Velazquez Avatar Ricardo Velazquez
    July 12, 2024
  • The food and rum are amazing! So glad we stopped. Carlos our bartender did a fantastic job with the drinks!

    Eric Grimsley Avatar Eric Grimsley
    July 4, 2024

    Timothy Kelley Avatar Timothy Kelley
    June 16, 2024

    Great place where the locals hang out. Check for live island music on Saturdays, super fun. They make excellent cocktails and have cool merchandise for sale.

    Manny Kardaras Avatar Manny Kardaras
    June 11, 2024

    We went to the distillery after the beach and had a few drinks. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

    Edmund Beaulieu Avatar Edmund Beaulieu
    June 7, 2024
  • Josh Spier Avatar Josh Spier
    June 2, 2024

    Maverick Garcia Avatar Maverick Garcia
    May 22, 2024

    One of the best runes on the island

    Juan C Gonzalez Avatar Juan C
    May 20, 2024

    My family and I was just there and took a trip to the distillery. The people at the bar were amazing and definitely brought a great vibe to the experience!! I purchased a couple bottles of rum and got home and tried it and now I was wondering how can I get some more?? I was gonna buy online but didn’t see a way to do that. If you could help me out I would greatly appreciate it and again we had a wonderful experience. Staff was top notch

    Boyd Clark Avatar Boyd Clark
    May 18, 2024
  • Yummy passion fruit mojitos! HH $7 each Open air bar concept with a kiosk next door to order food. Owner was very nice and fun to talk to! A woman sells beautiful homemade jewelry and dried flowers/herbs( for teas/cooking). A must do!

    Anje Vogt Avatar Anje Vogt
    May 12, 2024

    Friendly and has good food, drinks, and area

    Duncan Gates Avatar Duncan Gates
    May 3, 2024

    Awesome little place. Great drinks. Definitely a must of you are in Vieques

    Anissa Casey Avatar Anissa Casey
    May 2, 2024

    J Guadalupe Flores Avalos Avatar J Guadalupe
    April 28, 2024
  • Dodge Mohamed Avatar Dodge Mohamed
    April 25, 2024

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¡Vive la Experiencia!