Gran Canaria: Ron Arehucas Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting

Summary

Rum cellars, oak barrels and laughter in Arucas Gran Canaria

You’ll step inside one of Europe’s oldest rum cellars in Arucas, wander among thousands of oak casks with a local guide, and sample award-winning rums right where they’re made. Expect hands-on moments, stories from locals, and a chance to taste flavors you might not expect—all wrapped up in Gran Canaria warmth.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed at the Ron Arehucas Distillery was the faint, sweet smell—molasses and something woody—clinging to the air as we shuffled past the old gates in Arucas. Our guide, Marta, waved us over with a grin (she had this way of making you feel like you’d known her for ages), and started telling us about how rum became such a big deal here on Gran Canaria. I didn’t expect to care much about barrels, but there were rows and rows—over four thousand American oak casks—and she pointed out signatures scrawled by famous visitors. The light was soft and yellowish; it made everything look older than it probably was.

We wandered through the production rooms—lots of shiny pipes and clanking sounds—and Marta explained how sugarcane from the island gets turned into rum. I tried to repeat “fermentación” under my breath (not sure I nailed it). There was this moment where she let us touch some of the raw sugarcane before it gets milled—sticky, rough, kind of earthy on my fingers. People in our group kept asking questions about aging times and awards (the 12- and 18-year rums won gold medals last year), but honestly I just liked watching how everyone’s faces changed when they sipped their first sample. The tasting room felt sort of cozy, even with strangers around.

I still think about that first sip of the Arehucas 7-year—it burned just enough to wake me up but went down smooth after. Someone behind me joked that we should’ve eaten more before coming; laughter bounced off the stone walls. We tried a few liqueurs too, which surprised me (I always thought rum was just for mixing). At the end, people lined up to buy bottles—I hesitated but grabbed one anyway because it felt like bringing home a little piece of this place. Walking back into town after, everything smelled faintly sweet again. Funny how quickly you get used to that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided tour and tasting at distillery

• Introduction to Arehucas history
• Visit rum ageing cellar
• Explore production process rooms
• See bottling plant
• Taste various rums and liqueurs
• Opportunity to buy products
• Pass by Arucas Town

Top questions

How long does the Ron Arehucas distillery tour last?

The guided tour lasts about 45 minutes.

Is rum tasting included in the tour?

Yes, a tasting of various rums and liqueurs is included at the end.

Where is the Ron Arehucas Distillery located?

The distillery is located in Arucas on Gran Canaria.

Are children or infants allowed on the tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join with a pram or stroller.

Is the distillery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible including transportation options nearby.

Can I buy rum at the end of the visit?

Yes, products can be purchased after your tour and tasting session.

What types of rum are tasted during the visit?

You’ll taste award-winning rums including 7-, 12-, and 18-year-old varieties plus liqueurs.

Do I need to bring anything special for this tour?

No special items are needed; just your paper ticket for entry.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through Destilerías Arehucas’ historic cellars in Arucas with an expert local guide leading you through each step—from production rooms to bottling lines—and ends with a generous tasting of their award-winning rums and liqueurs before you head back into town with new flavors lingering on your tongue.