San Juan: Casa BACARDÍ Rum Tour & Special Reserve Tasting

Summary

Puerto Rico’s legendary rum, family stories and a secret pour

You’ll sip your first cocktail with views of San Juan before hopping on a trolley for stories about rum-making and Bacardi’s family legacy. Taste an exclusive Special Reserve only found here, laugh with your guide, and leave with new flavors lingering in your memory.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell — sweet, almost like caramel, drifting out from the Bat Bar at Casa BACARDÍ. I’d barely finished my welcome cocktail (pineapple, sharp and cold — maybe too much ice, but who cares) when our guide, Carla, waved us over with this big smile. She called us her “rum explorers,” which made me laugh because honestly I can’t tell light from dark rum most days.

We hopped on this bright yellow trolley that rattled its way past palm trees and these old copper stills. Carla started telling us about the Bacardi family — apparently they escaped Cuba with just a recipe and some stubbornness. I didn’t expect to feel anything about rum history, but hearing her talk about her own uncle working here kind of got to me. The movie at the visitor center was a little dramatic (lots of slow-motion sugarcane), but it set the mood for what came next.

The tasting room was cool and dim after the heat outside. We tried the Special Reserve — only available here, which Carla kept reminding us like a proud secret. It tasted rich, almost smoky? I’m not great at describing drinks, but it lingered in my mouth in this warm way that surprised me. Someone asked if we could buy a bottle to take home; Carla winked and said “only if you promise to share.”

I caught myself looking back at the view from the Pavilion as we left — San Juan shimmering across the water, kids running around while someone mixed another round behind the bar. Funny how a day trip to Casa BACARDÍ from San Juan can stick with you for reasons you didn’t expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Casa BACARDÍ tour and cocktail experience

• Enjoy cocktail at Bat Bar Pavilion
• Join guided Casa BACARDÍ Legacy Tour
• Discover Bacardi family heritage
• Learn rum making process
• Taste exclusive Casa BACARDÍ Special Reserve

Top questions

How do I get to Casa BACARDÍ from Old San Juan?

A ferry plus shuttle service connects Old San Juan ferry terminal directly to Casa BACARDÍ.

Is there a welcome drink included on this tour?

Yes, your day starts with one complimentary cocktail at the Bat Bar Pavilion.

Are minors allowed on the Casa BACARDÍ Legacy Tour?

No, minors under 18 are not permitted in these experiences.

Can I buy exclusive rum during my visit?

You can taste and purchase Casa BACARDÍ Special Reserve only onsite at their store.

Is transportation by Uber possible?

Yes, search for "Casa Bacardi" when using Uber for directions.

Does the tour include WiFi access?

Yes, complimentary WiFi is available throughout the property.

Are service animals allowed on site?

Yes, service animals are permitted during your visit.

What payment methods are accepted at Casa BACARDÍ?

The bar and store accept Apple/Google Pay and credit cards; cash is only for optional tips.

What’s included

Your experience includes one welcome cocktail at arrival, a guided tour of Casa BACARDÍ’s distillery spaces by local staff, a trolley ride through the grounds, entry to a short film at the visitor center, complimentary WiFi throughout your visit, tasting of an exclusive premium rum not sold elsewhere—and convenient ferry plus shuttle service from Old San Juan if you need it.