In the middle of Philipsburg on the island of St Maarten, there is a small shop that is filled with liquid gold! If you love rum this place is a must-visit and it's located right on Front Street, the most popular shopping street on the island. The St. Maarten Guavaberry Co. is the world headquarters of "Guavaberry", the national rum liqueur of St. Maarten. The liqueur is made from rare guavaberries that are native and unique to the island. There are more guavaberry trees on Sint Maarten/St. Martin than anywhere else in the world. First made centuries ago in people's homes, the legendary folk liquor is an essential aspect of the local culture and the island's heritage and tradition. You could say that the flavor of St Maarten is Guavaberry!
"Guavaberry" is made from fine oak aged rum, cane sugar & ripe Sint Maarten guavaberries. The unique flavor of the guavaberry makes this a great liqueur! The flavor is a mix of fruit, oak, spice, and bitter-sweet. There are several Guavaberry rums and liqueurs. The first rum was the original "Guavaberry" also known as the national liqueur of St Maarten/St Martin. Later more Guavaberry rum liqueurs were created, inspired by exotic fruit flavors: "Old Oranjestad" (orange), "Vaanilla" (vanilla beans), "Mango", "Passion Fruit", "Wild Lime", and "Island Almond" (the Amaretto of the Caribbean). St. Maarten Guavaberry Co. also sells a "Republic Rum" line that consists of high quality oak-aged Carribean rums that are aged for either 5 or 8 years. Comparable to a cognac. If you're into hot sauces, they sell those too! "Carib Ghost", "Habanero Lime", "Steak Sauce", GB BBQ, and many more flavors. Both the liqueurs and the hot sauces make for great gifts and souvenirs.
The emporium is small but they have lots of rum liqueurs to offer. They offer free samples of several of the liquors including a small sample of a frozen Guavaberry Colada. It will make you want to buy a lot more bottles than you were planning on! Haha. It is a fun tasting experience with flavors that you can only find on St Maarten. Speaking of great flavors.. Not far from the Guavaberry Rum emporium there is an amazing restaurant called The Ocean Lounge at the Holland House Hotel that is located right by Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg.
It's no surprise that the Guavaberry Rum emporium is one of the most popular tourist destinations on St Maarten. Who wouldn't love a free tasting house with delicious rum?! The island definitely is very proud of their amazing Guavaberry liqueur. It is sold at many stores in St Maarten including the airport. When on the island definitely don't miss out on trying this legendary liqueur!
** Experience the Guavaberry Rum Emporium at Home **
Have a taste of St Maarten by making the famous Guavaberry Colada at home! Guavaberry Rum is now sold at select stores in the USA, find the store locations here.
The Colada is super simple to make and only consists of four ingredients: St Maarten Guavaberry, coconut cream, pineapple juice or pieces, and ice. Find the Guavaberry Colada recipe here.
There are lots of other Guavaberry Rum Cocktail recipes if you're interested in more. Perfect for a Caribbean getaway feel at home!
Until the next departure!
Unique St Maarten Tasting Experience
Explore the flavors of St Maarten by tasting the delicious local Guavaberry rum.
