Old St. Croix Strana 1 z 1

Origin and History

The brand Old St. Croix has roots deeply embedded in the 19th century. The founder was Danish pharmacist and entrepreneur Albert Heinrich Riise (1810–1882), who in 1838 obtained the privilege to operate as a pharmacist on the island of St. Thomas. In the following years, he began to take an interest in local plants, medicinal herbs, and also in the production of alcoholic products, 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 a significant center for sugarcane cultivation and molasses production, which was used for rum distillation. The brand "Old St. Croix" was first used in the 19th century, and its export brand rum became well-known in the USA and Latin America.

Approximately in mid-2025, the A.H. Riise brand underwent a global rebranding and began to be sold under the name Old St. Croix – a name that better communicated its geographical and historical heritage.

Production Aspects and Style

The 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 predominantly used in the production of blends – according to available sources, A.H. Riise/Old St. Croix distilleries operated with this type of equipment.
The selection of barrels is among the important aspects – some editions age, for example, in bourbon, port, or sherry casks.

What Makes the Brand Unique

It is a connection between Caribbean heritage (the island of St. Croix, sugarcane, molasses) and European craftsmanship – built on the personality of A.H. Riise.

By rebranding to the name Old St. Croix, the brand reinforced its origin 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 profile is often characterized as sweeter, fruity, with tropical notes – reflecting the style of molasses blends from the Caribbean.

Recommendations and Portfolio

Among the well-known editions are:
Old St. Croix XO Reserve Legacy – a limited edition for the occasion of the rebranding.
Old St. Croix Non Plus Ultra – an ultra-premium range of blends from the finest barrels.
More accessible variants suitable for cocktails or tastings.