Love Antonio is my goat. Please go so special and the rum is absolutely delicioso!!! Cute ambiance and great service. read more

Casa Melaza - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Great experience. Knowledgeable hosts, professionals in the craft, fun and entertaining in the right environment a 10 in my book.

Undoubtedly one of the best experiences I've had at a bar anywhere in the world. Antonio is a great bartender. And not only that, he is personable, knowledgeable and makes a kickass mojito. Located right in front of the second oldest cathedral in The Americas, Casa Melaza is close to everything in Old San Juan. It is a little hole in the wall that while easy to miss because of its size, is going to make you feel closer to god the moment you start drinking. Whether you're hanging out with friends or not, you're going to find an atmosphere that's relaxed, accepting, and an atmosphere makes you feel at home. People from all over the world stop here. Be ready to practice your French, Spanish, and/or whatever other language you've learned or dabbled on. Additionally it's the perfect stop when sightseeing. If you're going to El Morro, it's two corners away. If you're going to El Castillo San Cristobal, it's a step away. If you're going to the Plaza de Armas, or are staying there like I am, It's a step away. All and all, if you're in Old San Juan, La Casa Melaza is a step away, so come over with friends and be merry, or come over alone, trust me, no matter the size of your party you'll leave with many more friends than you walked in with! read more

Casa Melaza - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Casa Melaza is the true house of rum lovers where you will find unique local rums. This is a place to go relax and have taste of the most authentic taste of the Caribbean rums. It is located in the heart of beautiful Old San Juan. read more

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This place was super neat. I arrived here (a couple months ago) after a moderately disappointing Bacardi tour, excited to try some *real* rum. This place is devoted to rum and nothing else - you won't find cocktails, just rum from all over and of all price ranges, served in shotglasses (but meant to be sipped, not shot, or *you* deserve to be shot ;)). I tried pours of 3 of the mid-range rums for, I believe, $20 - Don Q, because I couldn't come to PR and not try Don Q (it was just alright), a small-batch rum that was very light and pretty tasty, and the best rum I have ever tasted in my life, Ron del Barrilito Three Star (sorry, Old New Orleans, you were great too, but this one wins). Seriously, I've had hundred dollar scotches that weren't as smooth, and with less flavor. I'd be forever in this shop's debt just for introducing me to Ron del Barrilito, but it was also just a great place to chill for a bit, talking about rum with the very knowledgeable staff person (weird to call him a bartender, and I can't remember if he said if he was the owner or not.) I would totally pop in if I were ever back in PR, to try some others - they had plenty of local and other small-batch rums I *didn't* get a chance to try. read more

Great location right by Catedral Metropolitana Basílica de San Juan Bautista, the resting place of Juan Ponce de Leon. Very cool vibe. Best mojito on the island, even better than the ones made at the Bacardi Distillery. So refreshing. You can't visit San Juan without stopping here. read more

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Walking around San Juan with my wife. I was beat and need to take a second to sit down. Passed this small quiet spot and tried some rum for a change of pace other then just an Jack & beer. The choice suggested was dead on!! Very Nice. We stayed fo while talking with Miguel the bar tender and had wonderful time. Thank you Miguel. read more

Wanted to do some rum tasting while in Puerto Rico, but too lazy to make the trip to Bacardi. I also wanted to try a range of brands so Casa Melaza was recommended by some local tour companies as the place to do just that. First and foremost, I loved the location right across from El Convento and Catedral de San Juan Bautista on Calle de Cristo. It's a small front door and a small place overall so look carefully for it. Once I arrived, Antonio was very helpful and friendly. I'm not a big drinker and I hadn't eaten yet so I opted for a small flight of 4 rums for $15. I ordered some empanada type snacks and then tried the following: -Coconut Moonshine: yum, but I'm cuckoo for coconuts -Don Q Limon: I like limoncello so I much enjoyed this lemon flavor (even though limoncello is made with vodka, not rum) -Club Caribe Pineapple: didn't enjoy as much as the others, but still good taste -Ron de Barrilito: I'm not a big drinker so that was really strong for me, but smooth They also have a Facebook offer so if you like their page, you can try a shot of Chichaito which has an Anis or licorice flavor. I was tasting with 3 Jesuits - I think 1 was a priest and 2 were in training (insert clapping and laughter) and they seemed to enjoy the rums they tasted. They paid extra for the top shelf rums. I learned a lot about the rum trade and the atmosphere was lighthearted and fun. It would be nice if they had other small snacks for purchase, or something to clean your palate while you're tasting read more

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Forget the expensive tour at Bacardi, and stop here to support a locally owned shop in the heart of Old San Juan. The shop owner is extremely passionate and knowledgeable about Puerto Rican culture and rum. Not only did we enjoy an affordable tasting, we had wonderful conversation in a very historic building, and felt proud to support a local family in the process. Make sure to carve out an hour on your itinerary to visit this charming tasting-it's a must do in PR! read more

Hands down the most memorable experience we have had in San Juan. We sat here for a few hours and worked our way through some rum flights. You can buy many of the bottles in the attached store. It's a nice option to 'try it before you buy it.' They also have some rare options that you can't buy anywhere, so at least you can give them a try here. The owner will make mojitos and rum and coke, but I honestly think a small part of his soul dies when you order something like that. Even if you don't like rum, this place is awesome, and he can pick the perfect pour for you. Get your rum and coke elsewhere -- come here and learn about rum, try a flight, and talk to some really cool people. Or, if rum really isn't your thing, they have pours of Puerto Rican moonshine. He also makes a tasty coffee. Whatever your poison, come here and hang out with this shop owner. It's a good time and a cultural lesson all rolled up into one unforgettable experience. read more

Awesome place. Stopped in after a day of wondering old San Juan and had a great experience. Will absolutely be back the next time we are in San Juan. Stop by and support these folks, they know their rum! read more

This place is amazing! The owners are so nice, they know the history and how to educate you about rum! My husband isn't one much for rum but Antonio picked just the one for him that wasn't sweet and was very well balanced. My husband said their rum he tried was "like nothing I've ever tried!" read more

Casa Melaza - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

I went to Casa Melaza, as it was recommended in reddit, and had a great time. I figured I would mention a few of the surprises I found on this place, and maybe see if there are other future surprises for when I visit my family again (God knows I need a lot of alcohol when I visit my family) I went to Casa Melaza by myself because my friends were busy, and my family does not drink, nor condone it. I was looking for rums and other concoctions that I could bring to the US that were not easily found over here (sorry Bacardi and Don Q), and maybe a few surprising new products. I had already bought Pittorro con Coco for my coconut obsessed friend, but really everything else seemed just too normal, and expected. In Casa Melaza the have a few specialty rums that you can taste for $7.00 each, or five for $25. They also have different liquors (pitorro, and anise kind of things) that you can taste for $5.00 each. I tasted a chichaito (rum and anise liquor), coquito, and 5 rums. I liked the chichaito (bought two canecas), it was Palo Viejo. The coquito was tasty too, but I make coquito at home every Christmas so it felt like a waste to carry it over from PR. The rums I tasted, the two at each end were the best. The rum Caray had a lot of fruit and molasses flavors, and very smooth. El Barrilito was a bit more straighforward in flavors, but again very smooth. After tasting all those rums, I had to eat, and drink lots of coffee before I left. The staff was knowledgable and friendly, and I left with a few bottles of rum and other products that I did not expect to find. read more

Casa Melaza - The rum flight i tried, my favorites were the ones on each end - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Great little Rum bar with friendly owners and great selection of Rum to sample or buy.

Loved this place! Great place for rum tasting. I loved the sangria! Super refreshing. The gentleman at the bar, Antonio, was very nice and informative. read more

I went for a Piña Colada and left with a little cup of Heaven. The Rum Tasting is Excellent, definitely worth experiencing if you're in the area, but the Cocktails are . 10/10 would recommend. read more

One of the many highlights of our stay on this beautiful island. A must for any rum lover!

Excellent local rums and knowledgeable bartenders that bring the whole story to the shot glass... What a treat this place!!! read more

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Fantastic rum tasting experience. We sat with Antonio who told us about the history of the rum & Puerto Rico. They had many tasting options - less expensive rums, fruity rums, and high-end rums - all for different price points. They also serve beer, water and coffee. I highly recommend to all! read more

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Actually stopped in for coffee- had a great time talking with the staff while we sipped coffee and chatted about what life in PR has been like since Maria. read more

We sat down to have a rum tasting but ended up with so much more. Andreas was our server but ended up being more like a teacher of spirits and culture of beautiful San Juan. We tasted several rums and he made my wife and I one of his famous pina coladas. It was such a great time we ended up there for two hours talking about everything. Please stop by this cool little speakeasy and taste some rums from all over the Caribbean. Then when your done with the tasting walk down a few doors to the other bottle shop they own and buy a few bottles to take home. Thank you Andreas for the great time. We will definitely be back next time we are in Puerto Rico. read more

Great family business and had fun learning about various rums if Puerto Rico and also of the Coffees grown here too. Antonio and his family are knowledgable and we had a lot of fun during our visit. He also gives an amazing tour of the fortresses and other historical places in Old San Juan. A must do of you come to visit this beautiful place!! read more

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The rum drinks are delicious! It was a quiet little spot on our walk in Old San Juan. I would definitely check this place out. Nilda was so sweet and knowledgeable on the island. We will be back to visit again soon for a delicious drink and great conversation. read more

Hubby and I had originally planned to do the Bacardi rum tour but after hearing that there are a lot of locally made rums, we decided to skip Bacardi since it's easily accessible in the states and instead we thought it would be cool to try other PR rums. Apparently, PR is one of the biggest and best rum-producing regions in the world. Casa Melaza was the only place we found that offers rum tasting and really, you don't need to go anywhere else! We actually drove from Fajardo all the way to Old San Juan just for the tasting and it was worth the drive! Antonio knows his rum and he was very helpful in assisting us with the sampling since there are dozens to choose from with various levels of "strength", he was able to help narrow down our choices. It's a small place that seats I'm guessing 5-7 people. We were there for approximately over an hour, tasting rum and having great conversation about Puerto Rico and its culture. Antonio even gave us some interesting info of some similarities that Puerto Ricans have with Filipinos (I'm pinoy) and we had some great laughs with that topic! At the end of the tasting, we knew exactly which rums we wanted to take home for souvenirs (for family/friends and our bar) and Antonio didn't pressure us to buy any - I'm not even sure if he sells bottles. We went to the local markets to purchase our souvenirs - Chichaito, Don Q (passion fruit, mojito, coco), Pitorro (tamarind). If you're visiting PR, this place is a must! read more

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This was one of the highlights of our trip. A nice tasting room that offers a wide range of rum from all over the island. If you're feeling a cup of a coffee you can taste a special cup prepared by the owner Antonio! While enjoying your beverage of choice Antonio will keep you entertained with his vast knowledge on life on the island, local rums, and coffees. read more

Went in February and this little place sticks out as a highlight of our trip. We learned a lot about rum and met a ton of great people! The place is tiny and easy to miss but the close quarters only add to the experience since it kind of forces you to be out of your bubble and talk to other people. Rum was so good that I don't remember most of it. :) read more

We were walking around Old San Juan and seen this little tasting room. We stopped to see what it was all about. It's a small place with a little bar and some stools. Here you are able to taste local island rums, moonshine and beers. I had an IPA and my wife had a rum shot to sip on. My beer was great. The rum for my wife was a little to strong but what do you expect it's liquor. After my beer I had a shot of there Tamarindo moonshine. It's pored in a shot glass and you sip it. It was amazing! Great flavor and very enjoyable. The place is ran by a father and son. While sitting there the father/owner shared knowledge about the liquor and had great conversation about the island. My wife's next drink was a mix drink that the son made. She enjoyed it a little more then the shot. As we enjoyed our drinks and conversations it was then time to move on but before leaving we bought 3 bottles of their local moon shine to bring home. If ever around the area and want to taste a little of the island, stop by this little local spot. Oh one thing to note there are no restrooms so be mindful when drinking. read more

Fantastic place to sample rum. Stopped here and had several flights between three of us. Great bartender too. Thoroughly enjoyed it and would come back. read more

They have a wonderful selection of local and regional rums. Fantastic tastings - you can taste a flight and learn all about the rums and their history. Highly recommended! read more

Awesome rum bar and GREAT hidden gem for rum tasting. Rum flights range from $15 (for 4, I think, mixing rums) to $20 - $30 (for 3-5 sipping rums) to $45 - $60 for 4-5 very top shelf rums. The rums were awesome, pours were EXTREMELY generously, and the owner/bartender also is incredibly knowledgeable and happy to cater the tasting to what you are interested in. We tried rums made in the French, Spanish and English styles, complete with an awesome overview of how and why they were made that way. Highly recommend. read more

Local spot to pick up some Porto Rican spirts with a friendly and knowledgeable owner. I purchased Porto Rican moonshine, rum, and coffee beans too! T-shirts are unique and one of a kind. read more

Great rum tasting. My friend and I spent about an hour here trying different rums and finding two we really liked. Bartender was fun, knowledgeable, and snarky (in a good way), and the other patrons were fun to talk to. Great place to go for rum! read more

The owners are great, good selection of rum from mixers to top shelf local brands. Husband works the rum boutique doing tastings, wife works the small shop a few doors down selling what they have to taste. Also a good place to grab a cup of fresh espresso. Highly recommend stopping in. read more

Best rum bar in rum capital of the world. What's not to like. Fair prices and great selection

We stopped into this small little store to take advantage of the rum tasting offer. We opted to go for the lower end quartet tasting, and the young guy working there helped us choose four rums according to our taste, and took us through the particulars of each one. The shots were massive - I think they were 12oz at least - so you really got good value for money there. For such a young guy, the dude really knew his stuff. He was pretty much an encyclopedia when it came to rum, and told us all about the best places on the island to visit, as well. He also answered tons of other questions we had about Puerto Rico, which was great, and really helped us understand more about the island. It was great just hanging out with him for 45 minutes or so, and the rums were pretty awesome, too. Highly recommend to anyone looking to spice up their day walking around Old San Juan (read: you get a good buzz from drinking all the rum)! read more