Puerto Rico launches artisanal rum brands in US market
Puerto Rico has introduced several new artisanal rum brands to the U.S. market, marking a significant expansion of the Rums of Puerto Rico portfolio and reinforcing the island’s global reputation as the “Rum Capital of the World.”
Supported by the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC, in Spanish), the launch reflects both the island’s centuries-old tradition of rum craftsmanship and a new wave of innovation. The brands — Artesano Rum, Boricua Rum, Caray Rum, Ron Pepón, Tres Clavos Rum and Trigo Reserva Añeja Rum — bring the total to 11 distilleries producing more than 80 expressions of Puerto Rican rum.
The new labels debuted at major trade events, including Seatrade Cruise Global and F&B@Sea Expo in Miami, drawing interest from distributors and spirits professionals. They were also featured at the “Rums, Cars & Cigars” event hosted by the Ferrari Miami Chapter during F1 Miami, where Puerto Rican rums were paired with luxury vehicles and cigars.
Puerto Rico’s artisanal rums also stood out at Vinexpo America 2025 in Miami Beach. U.S. distributors including Mexcor Florida and Dozortsev & Son (New Jersey) committed to carrying select brands. Distribution is expected to expand to California and Illinois by the third quarter of 2025, helping these craft rums reach new markets in the U.S. and Latin America.
DDEC Secretary Sebastián Negrón-Reichard underscored the government’s broad support for the industry — from global producers such as Bacardí and Don Q to emerging artisan ventures.
“Puerto Rico’s rum industry is a pillar of our economy and culture,” Negrón-Reichard said. “We are proud to promote everything from household names to emerging labels. Our goal is to make Puerto Rican rum the global gold standard.”
US rum market and Puerto Rico’s share
The U.S. rum market reached $2.9 billion in 2024, representing more than 72% of the North American rum market. Projections indicate it could grow to $5.3 billion by 2030. Puerto Rico remains a key player, with U.S. consumers accounting for more than 70% of the island’s rum exports. In 2020, Puerto Rico produced approximately 160 million liters of rum.
Top US rum markets
Florida leads the nation, accounting for 15% of U.S. rum consumption in 2024 (up from 12% in 2019), particularly in the Miami–Fort Lauderdale region. Other high-consumption states include New York (8%), California (7%), Texas (6%) and a group of Midwestern states — Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — each contributing about 4%.
Economic impact for Puerto Rico
The success of Puerto Rican rum directly benefits the island’s economy through the federal cover-over program, which returns U.S. federal excise taxes on rum to Puerto Rico’s general fund. These funds help support job creation, local producers, public services and cultural initiatives.
