Arucas, a charming town situated on the northern coast of Gran Canaria, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, delectable local cuisine, and impressive architecture. One of the town’s most popular attractions is the Arucas rum factory, which has been producing high-quality rum for over a century.
History of Arucas rum factory
The history of the Arehucas Rum Factory is a tale of innovation, perseverance, and quality. From its humble beginnings as La Fábrica de San Pedro in 1884, the distillery has grown to become one of the most prestigious and established trademarks in the Canary Islands. Here’s a look at the key milestones in the factory’s history:
La Fábrica de San Pedro (1884-1965)
On 9 August 1884, La Fábrica de San Pedro factory was inaugurated in Arucas, Gran Canaria. The factory produced sugar as its primary product, but it also distilled sugar cane and rum. The use of modern stills and an artisanal process led to early success, earning the distillery the popular nickname of “La Fábrica.”
In 1885, the factory milled 5,619,540 kg of sugar cane, and the quality of the resulting liqueurs was recognized with the Vaso de Plata y Bronce silver and bronze trophy. The Queen Regent Maria Christina of Austria granted the title of Purveyors to the Royal House and Court of Spain to the distillery.
By 1892, just eight years after its inauguration, the rum produced in Arucas was already highly regarded throughout the Canary Islands. The distillery boasted “one of the finest and oldest rum cellars in Europe.”
In 1909, a new Guillaume-system still was purchased from Egrot et Grangé in Paris to improve the quality of the rum. Despite the years of crisis and war in the early 20th century, the distillery continued to grow thanks to the dedication of the workers and the quality of the rum.
The 1940s was a decade of great growth for the distillery. Under the management of Alfredo Martín Reyes, the denomination of Ron Arehucas, popularly known as “the one with the keys” because of the symbols of St Peter on the different labels, was created.
Destilerías Arehucas (1965-present)
In 1965, La Fábrica changed its name to Destilerías Arehucas Distilleries, marking a period of expansion that aimed to align with the social and cultural community of the Canary Islands.
In 2006, Destilerías Arehucas acquired the Fábrica de Licores Artemi, the largest group of liqueurs and spirituous beverages in the Canary Islands. The acquisition safeguarded the history of Canary Islands rum and its connection to the region.
Today, Destilerías Arehucas is a testament to its rich history, welcoming over 95,000 visitors annually to its location in Arucas. The distillery has become a benchmark brand in the Canary Islands, representing the region’s culture and traditions with its spirits. The brand is actively expanding beyond the Canary Islands, exporting to over ten countries in its endeavor to become a global brand.
Visiting the Rum Factory
This distillery offers guided tours that allow visitors to learn about the history and traditions of rum production, as well as witness the good practices followed by the distillery.
During the tour, visitors can explore one of the oldest rum cellars in Europe that houses 4,308 American oak casks, in addition to observing the rum production process, and visiting the mill, fermentation, and distillation rooms. The tour also includes a tasting of their wide range of rums and liqueurs. Products are available for purchase at the end of the tour.
Arehucas Distillery is open Monday to Friday (except holidays) from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Fridays. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead at 928.62.49.00 to manage capacity and avoid wait times.
The distillery offers free parking, subject to availability, and facilities adapted for people with reduced mobility. Children can enter for free, and the price of the visit is €6.00.
For more information about the Arehucas Distillery and its offerings, visit their website at www.arehucas.es or visit them at Calle Era de San Pedro, 2, 35400 Arucas Las Palmas, Spain.
Products of Arucas Rum Factory
The Arucas rum factory offers a wide range of rums, each with its distinct flavor profile and character. The company’s most popular rums include Arehucas Blanco, a light and fruity white rum, Arehucas Oro, a golden rum aged for at least three years, and Arehucas Reserva Especial, a premium aged rum aged for up to 12 years. Additionally, the company produces Arehucas Ron Miel, a sweet, honey-flavored rum that is a local favorite.
In addition to their rum selection, the Arucas rum factory also produces a variety of other products, including brandies and liqueurs. These products are made using the same traditional methods as the rums and are renowned for their quality and flavor.
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