
Ron del Barrilito Two Star Rum
Ron del Barrilito · Hacienda Santa Ana
Ron del Barrilito is one of Puerto Rico's oldest continuously produced rums, and the Two Star offers remarkable quality for its price. Aged in reused sherry and bourbon casks, it carries a complexity that belies its modest positioning. This is a daily-drinker rum with weekend-special character.
Nose
Warm toffee and vanilla dominate, with supporting notes of toasted coconut and dried tropical fruit. A subtle oakiness and faint spice round out the aroma.
Palate
Silky and approachable with molasses sweetness balanced by oak tannins. Caramel and vanilla form the core, while citrus and a light spice keep it lively. The medium body carries well.
Finish
Clean and moderate with lingering toffee and a dry oak exit.
- Base Ingredient
- Sugarcane molasses
- Distillation
- Column distilled
- Country
- Bayamón, Puerto Rico
Cocktail Suggestion
Barrilito Daiquiri — 2 oz Ron del Barrilito Two Star · 1 oz fresh lime juice · 0.75 oz simple syrup · Shake with ice, double strain into a chilled coupe, garnish with a lime wheel.
Food Pairing
The rum's toffee and oak complement slow-roasted pork shoulder seasoned with garlic, oregano, and citrus mojo, while the rum's spice mirrors the savory herbaceousness of the dish.
Produced at Hacienda Santa Ana in Bayamón since 1880, Ron del Barrilito is a family-run operation that ages its rum in a combination of sherry and American oak casks passed down through generations.
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