Old St. Croix

Origin and history

The Old St. Croix brand has its roots deep in the 19th century. It was founded by Danish pharmacist and entrepreneur Albert Heinrich Riise (1810–1882), who in 1838 obtained the privilege of practicing as a pharmacist on the island of St. Thomas. In the following years, he became interested in local plants, medicinal herbs, and the production of alcoholic beverages, with rum becoming one of his business focuses.

The island of St. Croix, after which the brand is named, was known in the 18th and 19th centuries as an important center for sugar cane cultivation and molasses production, which was used for rum distillation. The "Old St. Croix" brand was first used in the 19th century, and its export rum became well known in the US and Latin America.

Around mid-2025, the A.H. Riise brand underwent a global rebranding and began selling under the name Old St. Croix - a name that better communicated its geographic and historical heritage.

Production aspects and style

Rums are based on molasses as a raw material.
The brand states that their blends are based on "Caribbean craftsmanship and Danish precision."
Column stills are mainly used in the production of blends – according to available sources, A.H. Riise/Old St. Croix destinations operated with this type of equipment.
The selection of barrels is an important aspect – some editions mature in bourbon, port, or sherry barrels, for example.

What makes the brand exceptional

It is a combination of Caribbean heritage (the island of St. Croix, sugar cane, molasses) and European craftsmanship – based on the personality of A.H. Riise.

By rebranding itself as Old St. Croix, the brand has reinforced its origins and authenticity—the name better communicates geography than an individual name.

The portfolio includes versatile blends – from more accessible blends to ultra-premium limited editions, appealing to rum lovers, collectors, and bar professionals alike.
The rum's profile is characterized as sweeter, fruity, with tropical tones – reflecting the style of Caribbean molasses blends.

Recommendations and portfolio

Well-known editions include, for example:
Old St. Croix XO Reserve Legacy – a limited edition released to mark the rebranding.
Old St. Croix Non Plus Ultra – an ultra-premium range of blends from the highest quality barrels.
More affordable variants suitable for cocktails or tasting.