Calling All Spirit Lovers, This Grand Cayman Hotel Offers an Unparalleled Rum Experience Daily

A trip to the Caribbean is never complete without a fine dram of local rum. At Silver Palm, the newly reimagined lobby bar at The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman, which is thoughtfully named after the country’s national tree, spirit enthusiasts are given the rare opportunity to taste a range of exceptional Caribbean rums paired with a curated selection of chocolates or cigars. And to pay homage to the Caribbean’s vibrant history and heritage, the bar goes a step further than simply offering these delectable pours of rum from a straightforward menu — at Silver Palm, guests can take part in the bar’s daily rum ritual.

“The rum ritual is our defining moment at Silver Palm,” says Monica Dubar, beverage manager at The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman. “It is the unveiling of our armoire, which houses a collection of hidden gems from the Caribbean: rums, cigars, and enticing cacao [which guests can order from one of the knowledgeable ‘rummeliers’]. The ritual was inspired by the soul of our tropical region, and we wanted to provide our guests with an opportunity to experience what is rare in the rum world.”

The ritual begins at 6 p.m. every day with careful opening and presentation of the striking 10-foot-tall armoire. The exquisite cabinet, designed by local Master Cabinet Maker, John Bird, was created for the bar with the intention of captivating guests and building an elevated experience around drinking some of the best rums that the Caribbean has to offer. Given the sheer size of the armoire — which is made of oak, slate and glass, and fit with an elegant library ladder wrapped in leather so the bar staff can easily retrieve bottles of rum from the top of the cabinet — Bird’s piece undeniably commands the attention of guests, and sets the tone for the drinking experience to follow.

Once the armoire and its extraordinary range of rums have been unveiled, the certified rum expert on staff invites guests for a personal viewing of the rums on offer, recommending a complementary pairing of either cacao or a cigar if any bottling is of particular interest. For guests seeking additional context, Silver Palm also provides a menu with detailed information on the twelve exclusive rums to try, including tasting notes, where the rum is from and the recommended pairing. Each of the pairings is uniquely served on a Caymanite pedestal — a cherished mineral that’s distinctly from the Cayman Islands.

“One of my favorite rums that we are currently serving at Silver Palm as a part of the rum ritual is the Black Tot 50th Anniversary,” says Dubar. “It pairs beautifully with an Arturo Fuente Hemingway cigar, which is medium-bodied in strength, and rich in flavor with an earthiness, spice, and notes of brown sugar.” Some of the other rums showcased at Silver Palm include the Seven Fathoms and CSC Oloroso Cask Finish from local Cayman Spirits Co; the delectable Appleton Joy 25 year old rum from Jamaica; El Dorado Grand Special Reserve 50 Year from Guyana, and the luxurious Damoiseau 1953 31 year rhum from Guadeloupe, which goes for a whopping $1,100 for a 1 ½ ounce pour.

For lovers of aged spirits, Silver Palm’s rum ritual is a special opportunity to not only savor the flavors of a range of rare rums, but to connect with Caribbean heritage and culture through the lens of its quintessential spirit. “The Caribbean is celebrated as the spiritual home of rum and has been intertwined with its culture and heritage for nearly 400 years,” Dubar says. “The rum ritual carries this legacy forward by sharing the stories behind the bottles, showcasing craftsmanship for cigars, and the history of how chocolate was deemed to be an exotic luxury and was only consumed by Kings, and noblemen.”