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When most people think of Jamaica, they picture pristine beaches, reggae music, and perhaps a glass of rum punch. However, there’s another exciting element to Jamaica’s beverage scene that’s gaining momentum: craft liquors. From innovative craft beers to a unique vodka made from yellow yam, Jamaica’s craft liquor industry offers a fresh, authentic taste of the island’s culture and creativity. Here’s why you should explore some of these remarkable Jamaican craft liquors.
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What is Craft Liquor?
Craft liquor is an alcoholic beverage that’s handcrafted and normally produced by a small distillery or brewery from locally sourced ingredients and materials. Made in small batches, when you purchase craft liquor you can rest assured that you are supporting small businesses and by extension, the local economy. The most popular beer in Jamaica may always be Red Stripe, but smaller breweries are gaining momentum too. With that said, here are four craft liquors in Jamaica worth looking out for and supporting.
1. Clubhouse Brewery: Jamaican Craft Beer Pioneer
Located in the heart of Kingston at the Constant Spring Golf Club, Clubhouse Brewery has been at the forefront of Jamaica’s craft beer movement. Known for its bold flavours, Clubhouse Brewery offers a range of beers that cater to both traditionalists and adventurous drinkers. Check out eight pale ales, three lagers, the Blue Mountain coffee porter and two hand-crafted stouts. I enjoyed the Blue Mountain porter a lot for its savoury and slightly bitter but pleasant undertones, but the fruity Neon beer with its fragrant guava, lychee and passionfruit flavours made it my favourite. As such, Clubhouse Brewery deserves a spot on every beer-lover’s list. If you stay at the Alpinia Airbnb in Stony Hill, Clubhouse Brewery is only 6.6km or 15 minutes’ drive away.
2. 24 Karat Craft Beer: A Taste of Luxury
24 Karat Craft Beer stands out not only for its eye-catching name but also for its dedication to creating premium beers that exude sophistication. Each bottle of 24 Karat is uniquely Jamaican, and its three flavours include a flagship 4.8% ABV lager, a 3.8% premium light beer and a 6.5% ABV stout. I’ve had 24 Karat’s signature beer once at the Dubwise Café, one of Kingston’s best nightlife spots, and enjoyed how light and smooth it was. Since then, 24 Karat has expanded their locations islandwide, making it easier to find their beers and enjoy a premium drinking experience.
3. Wood & Water Brew Works: A New Competitor
Jamaica Brew Works combines innovative brewing techniques with a deep respect for Jamaican brewing traditions on a small scale. Launched in 2023, this microbrewery offers ciders, India pale ales (IPA), German-style ales and stouts. Even better, Jamaica Brew Works serves its beers in recycled Prosecco and champagne bottles. They boast exotic flavours like tangerine, passionfruit, guava and even Blue Mountain coffee. Westerners should appreciate being able to access this beer in the second city of Montego Bay, but they do make appearances every now and again in Kingston such as at the Kingston Reggae Garden. I look forward to sampling craft beer from this company on their next trip to Kingston.
4. Wait-a-Bit Vodka: A Jamaican Original
Wait-a-Bit Vodka is perhaps one of the most intriguing products to come out of Jamaica’s craft liquor scene. Made from yellow yam, a staple in Jamaican cuisine, this vodka offers a unique flavour profile that’s distinctively Jamaican. Jamaicans grow and eat a lot of yellow yam, so it’s pretty exciting to see a new way of consuming it emerge on the market. Wait-a-Bit vodka is named for the rural Trelawny community of Wait-a-Bit which grows majority of the island’s yellow yam, and also made my list of funny Jamaican place names some years ago. This vodka is a testament to the island’s ability to innovate and create high-quality products from local resources.
Why You Should Try Jamaican Craft Liquors
Stock PhotoJamaican craft liquors are more than just beverages; they are a reflection of the island’s culture, creativity, and commitment to quality. Here are a few reasons why you should consider trying these unique products:
- Unique Flavours: Jamaican craft liquors offer a range of flavours that you won’t find anywhere else. From fragrant sweetness to bitter undertones, these hand-crafted liquors provide a taste of Jamaica’s vibrant and diverse culinary landscape.
- Support Local Producers: By choosing Jamaican craft liquors, you’re supporting local businesses and the island’s economy. These producers often source their ingredients locally, helping to sustain Jamaican agriculture and craftsmanship.
- Quality and Craftsmanship: Jamaican craft liquor producers are dedicated to creating high-quality products using traditional methods and innovative techniques. This commitment to excellence is evident in every bottle.
- Cultural Experience: Drinking Jamaican craft liquors offers more than just a sensory experience; it’s a way to connect with the island’s rich cultural heritage. Each product tells a story of Jamaica’s history, traditions, and contemporary innovations.
Wrap Up
Jamaica’s craft liquor scene is a burgeoning industry that showcases the island’s talent for innovation and quality. From the pioneering efforts of Clubhouse Brewery to newer offerings like the 24 Karat Beer, Jamaica Brew Works and the unique Wait-a-Bit Vodka from yellow yam, there’s something for every palate. By trying these craft liquors, you’re not only indulging in unique and delicious beverages but also supporting the local economy and celebrating Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage. Did I miss any other craft liquors in Jamaica? Have you tried any of these ones before, or would you like to? Sound off in the comments section below. Cheers!
If you enjoyed this post, you’d also like:
- Jamaican Chocolates to Try
- Jamaica’s Best Food Festivals
- Three Local Rum Tours to Try
- Jamaican Treats Made from Coconut
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