Visiting St. Martin / Sint Maarten - What to buy that I can't get in the US?

[bradvert]

I'll be traveling to St. Martin / Sint Maarten in early March, and would like to make sure I don't return home having used precious suitcase space for something I could have bought at the liquor store near my house here in San Francisco.

Besides the obvious contraband Havana Club offerings, what are the standouts among the rums and rhums that aren't available in the US? Has anyone compiled such a list already?

Cheers

Brad

[Edward Hamilton]

Welcome to the forums. There are a number of French rhums that aren't available in the US as well as some flavored rums that are only sold on St Maarten / St Martin.

[leisure master]

Welcome to the forum bradvert.

St Maarten is one of my favorite islands - have a great time. It's really not that big so you don't really have to worry about "missing" any rums as long as you wander around through the shops in dowtown Philipsburg.

Also, as posted many places in the forums - like any island make sure to hit the supermarkets, as they often have great rum selections.

Definitely hit the Guavaberry Company in Philipsburg - you can't miss it - it looks like a gingerbread house decorated for Christmas at all times of the year.

http://www.guavaberry.com

Try all of their rums - I am pretty sure you will like at least some of them. I am a big fan of their coconut rum (it's NOTHING like Malibu or any of those fake-tasting coconut rums) but all of their stuff is very nice. I have not been there in 4 or 5 years, so they may have even more stuff now.

Make sure to try their specialty guavaberry liqueur - it's very dry and good. It mixes well with champange and works in other cocktails too.

[bradvert]

Thanks for the suggestions, and for the welcome aboard!

Will be sure to post my results - and any further suggestions will be heeded!

cheers

[1967cougar]

I believe you can get to Anguilla via ferry from st. maarten. The Pyrat operation is there and they sell a orange liquer that can only be bought at their outlet. perhaps they have other "shop only" offerings.

[Edward Hamilton]

Take the bus over to the French side and check out the rum table at the Match just north of the marina area. It's easy to find, just ask for Match.

[martybmccabe]

I recall Rhum Clement (the 100 proof version) on the French side for $6/liter. That was only a few years ago...