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Rum Guide to Arizona

Rum in the Grand Canyon State

In the Southwest, Arizona is America’s 6th-largest state and home to the world-famous natural wonder of the Grand Canyon. A land of contrasts, there are deserts in a hot and dry climate, vibrant cultures, and a growing reputation for quality rums. As one of the Four Corners states, there’s California and Nevada to the west, Utah to the north, New Mexico to the east, Colorado to the northeast, and the Mexican state of Sonora to the south. The Colorado River, Horseshoe Bend, and the Painted Desert are just a few of the iconic landmarks that draw visitors from around the world.

Arizona’s location bordering Mexico has influenced its spirits scene, with the popularity of agave spirits like tequila and mezcal. Additionally, the state’s wine industry has experienced significant growth in recent years. Despite a historical backdrop of temperance and Prohibition-era regulations, Arizona’s craft spirits industry has flourished. Local distilleries are producing local agave spirits like Bacanora, but also rum that has gained international recognition. Arizona is an off-the-beaten-path rum destination but a must-visit. Travel with us north to south on this Arizona road trip.

north Arizona

Northern Arizona

Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Sedona’s iconic red rocks (pictured) near Flagstaff, and the historic Route 66 at Kingman, Northern Arizona offers more than just stunning vistas. Beyond the Navajo Nation’s vast deserts and forests, this region is home to some local rum distilleries, crafting unique spirits inspired by the region’s natural beauty and rich history.

desert diamond distillery

Desert Diamond Distillery

Located just 4 miles from the I-40 interstate highway in the Kingman AZ Airport, this 2-acre family-run micro-distillery was established in 2010 by John and Deborah Patt. Arizona’s oldest craft distillery started with the Patt family’s history in alcohol production dating back to the 1990s when they began making wine.

The D3 rums are 100% fermented molasses distilled in a German Arnold Holstein pot still with column reflux. The local dry air climate promotes rapid evaporation, concentrating the spirit, while cooler nights slow the maturation process for a nuanced development of flavours.

The Gold Miner brand has been making spirits since 2010 and achieved top awards at the IWSC. New releases in Fall 2024 were the Gold Miner Single Barrel 6-year rum, Single Barrel 10-year rum, and Single Barrel 13-year rum – a milestone age statement for the distillery and state.

On your visit, you can expect a warm, welcoming retail room with a spirit-tasting bar, a protein shake & espresso bar (coming soon). The ‘diamond in the desert’ is a destination with amenities to make your trip last longer. There’s Castrenellos Italian family restaurant in a historic train car #30 just 10 feet away.

This historic Caboose railroad car from the 1950s is now bookable on Airbnb where you can stay and enjoy a rum tasting or craft cocktails. Olive oil & vinegar tastings are available. Stonewall kitchen products and food are available to order while you’re doing a tasting. Gold Miner Rum can be found at good stores, bars, and restaurants and locally online within the state.

Find out more on Desert Diamond Distillery

 

Grand Canyon Rum

Grand Canyon Rum

Starting as a brewery in 2007, Grand Canyon Brewing moved and expanded into spirits by adding a distillery in 2017. Grand Canyon distills craft vodka, rum, gin, and whiskey in the historic town of Williams near the Route 66 museum and gateway to the famous national park. Grand Canyon Distillery in Williams produces a silver rum available all year. Grand Canyon Rum is an 80-proof colonial-style rum. This is an open fermentation rum using Grade A molasses, which is a pot distilled with the use of a doubler or “thumper”. It’s sometimes referred to as colonial-style rum as it uses Grade A molasses instead of Blackstrap Molasses – flavour-wise, it falls just below the funky, estery flavours of Jamaican-style rums, for a slightly lighter taste.

In December 2024, Grand Canyon released a new signature rum a barrel-aged Dark Rum barrel aged in New American Oak barrels for 4 years and a limited release of 375 bottles. The rum can be tasted at any of the 4 brewpub locations across Northern Arizona in Williams, Flagstaff, Page, and Kingman, featuring tasting flights and signature cocktails for each spirit. The distillery in Williams also has a tasting room where you can sip their spirits overlooking the copper and steel that produces them. You’ll find Grand Canyon Rum in select retailers across the state.

Find out more on Grand Canyon Rum

 

metro phoenix

Metro Phoenix

The Southwest’s largest metropolis is surrounded by natural beauty with nearly 300 days of sunshine and stunning sunrises and sunsets. As a major gateway to the American Southwest, it’s a popular arrival point for visitors. The region is home to world-class resorts, a thriving university scene, and a renowned desert botanical garden. Beyond the sprawling suburbs, outdoor enthusiasts can explore the surrounding desert wilderness, while rum lovers can discover local producers and sip cocktails.

ohso distillery

O.H.S.O. Brewery + Distillery

This locally owned restaurant, brewery, and distillery with 6 locations was founded by 3 friends in 2011. In Phoenix or Scottsdale’s first craft distillery, the OHSO (Outrageous Home Brewer’s Social Outpost) has lots of beer on tap, wine, and house cocktails. With dog-friendly patios, these are neighbourhood hotspots for drinks, food, and community. And, guess what, they make rum.

Arcadia Spirits is a vodka range, but the Hashtag Collection includes rum which is distilled and bottled by O.H.S.O. Distillery in Scottsdale. Each spirit is distilled from sugarcane and uses all-natural ingredients, the rum is an unaged white rum ideal for a refreshing cocktail at the bar. The Hashtag Collection is all gluten-free and GMO-free. They have locations are in Arcadia, Gilbert, North Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Sunnyslope, and Surprise. At these spots you can try their locally made rum and try the recently opened new Test Kitchen where menus are seasonal.

Find out more on O.H.S.O. Brewery + Distillery

 

adventurous stills

Adventurous Stills

Established in 2015, Adventurous Stills is a small batch distillery based in Tempe that makes award-winning whiskey & spirits using locally grown grains and traditional methods. The distillery re-opened in August 2024 after a fire. The 3 founders met as outdoor enthusiasts and bring their adventurous spirit to distilling. Each spirit they make has a unique element which embodies that ethos. They make Papago Rum with 100% ‘Select’ Caribbean molasses which is fermented, distilled & aged in Arizona. It’s now available in cask strength and 80 Proof. Papago Dark Rum is aged 27 months in new charred white American oak barrels and bottled at cask strength at 112.1 proof.

The tasting room and distillery host special events, a private barrel program, craft cocktails, and spirit tastings with Happy Hour Fridays. The tour takes about an hour and you’ll learn about their art of craft distilling and sample 6 spirits – reservations are suggested. The rum is a limited winter release and only available in select stores and bars across Phoenix Metro Northern Arizona & Southern Arizona.

Find out more on Adventurous Stills

 

Rum Guide to Arizona

South Central Arizona

From the vibrant city of Tucson, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, to the serene Sonora desert(pictured), the region has a unique blend of urban culture and natural beauty. Explore iconic Saguaro cacti, hike the Santa Rita Mountains in the Coronado National Forest, or relax by Patagonia Lake. Wine buffs can visit Arizona’s finest wineries in Sonoita, while rum lovers can savour some of the best rum in the West.

brick box brewery

Brick Box Brewery

In downtown Tucson, after 27 years the founder of Thunder Canyon Brewery retired in 2024. They made a range of spirits including rum called Thunder Canyon Rum. The former general manager of Thunder Canyon Brewery, James Owens, and former head brewer Michael Nixon now lead the business and changed the name to Brick Box Brewery.

The rum continues to be made with Brick Box White Rum, coconut rum, pineapple rum, and a spiced rum with hints of vanilla nutmeg and orange. You can hang out and taste the rum, have some food, craft beer, and sip a rum punch made with their silver rum. The brewery is also a venue for art, live music, and various events.

Find out more on Brick Box Rum

Rum Guide to Arizona

Elgin Distillery

50 miles south of metro Tucson in the town of Elgin is where Arizona Craft Beverage’s Elgin Distillery was founded in 2014 by Master Distiller Dr Garrison Ellam and his family. After decades of making rum outside Arizona, they decided to bring handcrafted artisanal rum to the Grand Canyon State. The rum made at the Elgin Winery and Distillery is under two distinct brands; Four Monkey and Regalo de Vida (meaning gift of life).

Four Monkey is made from cane and molasses and includes Four Monkey Silver Rum, Four Monkey Double Black Rum, and Four Monkey Spiced Cataline Rum – and their most recent accolade at the IWSC competition.

Regalo de Vida (meaning gift of life) is the company’s flagship line and is primarily cane but also makes a couple of molasses-based rums. Made in Arizona from fresh cane juice; the cane is trucked in from Sonora, crushed, and distilled at the distillery. Double retort pot still, aged in ex-bourbon.

All the rums are pot distilled with the Regalo rums using double retort still and wood fermentation tanks. Four Monkey rums are aged in several different barrels and the Regalo rums are aged in their own ex-bourbon barrels, some for 5 years. The moderate climate with slightly higher humidity and warmer temperatures than northern Arizona develops subtle and complex aromas.

Regalo rums are unadulterated and garnered multiple international awards, including Best Rum in the World. With daily tastings, you can visit the distillery from 10am-4pm or discover the brand at upscale cocktail bars throughout the Southwest. The distillery has a laid-back atmosphere, and with limited out-of-state presence, it is a rum destination worth seeking out.

Find out more on Elgin Distillery

 

Arizona rum bar

Aside from the aforementioned bars at the breweries and distillery locations, here is a list of places to sip rum cocktails and quench your thirst for cane spirit in the Grand Canyon State.

Where To Enjoy Rum in Arizona

Kingman: The Sundowner Saloon

Phoenix: The Duce, Rum Runners Bar, Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour, UnderTow, The Captain’s Cabin, Coabana, Hanny’s, HULA’S Modern Tiki High Street, HULA’S Modern Tiki Uptown

Scottsdale: Toro Scottsdale, HULA’S Modern Tiki Scottsdale, Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar

Tucson: Mojo Cuban Kitchen and Rum Bar

Arizona for imbibers is best known for the Tequila Sunrise and Arizona Statehood cocktail (rye whiskey Dubonnet, bitters, simple syrup, ginger ale), however, rum lovers can switch these up by using a local Arizona rum.

Whether you’re in town for the Arizona State Fair, Phoenix Open, or Prescott Rodeo – rum lovers have plenty of options in Arizona to try local rum. And, don’t forget to soak up one of those stunning Arizona sunrise or sunsets!

For more general travel advice on Arizona Tourism

For travel planning use our Arizona Rum Map

Thanks to the brands for contributing to this article and for permission to use their images. Other image credits go to Canva Pro and user contributions.

Arizona desert sunset

 

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