San Juan: Ron del Barrilito Rum Tasting Tour & All-Star Flight

Summary

Full Ron del Barrilito tasting in Bayamón with rare blends and stories

You’ll join a small group at Hacienda Santa Ana in Bayamón for a full Ron del Barrilito rum tasting—Dos Estrellas to Cinco Estrellas—guided by locals who know every barrel’s story. Includes a welcome cocktail, skip-the-line access, and time to linger over rare blends you can’t find anywhere else. Expect laughter, good stories, and flavors that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

First thing that happened was the guy at the bar grinned and slid over this icy glass—something citrusy, not too sweet. He asked if we’d ever tried Ron del Barrilito before. I shook my head, and he just smiled like he knew what was coming. There was music somewhere behind us, a fan spinning lazily overhead, and the whole place smelled like old wood and sugar. Our guide, Javier (who’s apparently been here forever), started telling us about the “angel’s share”—the bit of rum that disappears as it ages. Never thought I’d care about evaporating booze but, honestly, his way of saying it made it sound almost poetic.

We wandered through the old barrels at Hacienda Santa Ana—Bayamón is only twenty minutes from San Juan but feels slower somehow. Javier let us peek into one of the rooms where they keep the rare stuff. The air was thick with molasses and something spicy I couldn’t place. When we finally sat down for the actual rum tasting, he poured out these tiny glasses: Dos Estrellas first (tasted kind of fruity?), then Tres Estrellas—the “cult-classic” everyone talks about. I tried to say Cuatro Estrellas in Spanish and pretty much butchered it; Javier laughed and said I had to earn my fifth star.

The last pour was Cinco Estrellas—only available here at the hacienda—and I swear there was a hush around our little group when we tasted it. It’s rich but not heavy, if that makes sense? Someone asked if you could buy a bottle to take home; Javier just winked and said “if you’re lucky.” The whole thing felt less like a tour and more like hanging out with people who really love what they do. I still think about that first sip every time I hear salsa music now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ron del Barrilito rum tasting experience

• Arrive at Hacienda Santa Ana
• Learn about the angel’s share
• Taste Dos Estrellas rum
• Taste Tres Estrellas rum
• Taste Cuatro Estrellas rum
• Taste Cinco Estrellas rum

Top questions

How far is Hacienda Santa Ana from San Juan?

It’s located in Bayamón, about 20 minutes from San Juan by car or taxi.

Is the Ron del Barrilito rum tasting tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible throughout the facility.

Are minors allowed on this rum tasting tour?

No, participants must be 18 or older to join this tour.

Do I need to bring proof of COVID-19 vaccination or test?

Yes, all guests must show either a COVID-19 vaccination card or a recent negative test result taken within 72 hours before visiting.

What rums are included in the tasting?

You’ll taste Dos Estrellas, Tres Estrellas, Cuatro Estrellas (exclusive), and Cinco Estrellas.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to Hacienda Santa Ana.

Does this tour include a welcome drink?

Yes, each guest receives a welcome cocktail at the main bar before starting the tour.

How early should I arrive before my scheduled tour?

Please arrive 30 minutes early for registration and your welcome drink.

What’s included

Your day includes skip-the-line entry at Hacienda Santa Ana in Bayamón, a welcome cocktail served at their main bar when you arrive early for registration, guided tastings of all four signature Ron del Barrilito rums—including limited-edition blends—and plenty of stories from locals who know every barrel by heart.