Know of any good deals in the Caribbean?

[JDutton]

We'll be taking a cruise to the Eastern Caribbean, specifically visitin St. Maarten and St. Thomas, USVI. I know that in general liquor prices are very good there, but the last time I went I wasn't looking for bourbon. Do any of you have first-hand knowledge of something specific I might be able to find for a good price?

Thanks,

Jeff

[ratcheer]

I haven't been there in a long time, but yes, the prices are great. Also, if you happen to pass through San Juan, you can double up your liquor allowance with Puerto Rican rum. Or, you could the last time I went (1990).

Tim

[RedVette]

Hmmm, hang out at Orient Beach or go to liquor stores? My recommendation is that you buy your Bourbon in the states, and that you enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in the world while you are there. Having said all that I did manage to find four bottles of Elmer T Lee in the B.U.B. for $5 a piece in the duty free shop at the pier in San Juan.

[Gillman]

I probably visited every liquor store in Marigot and Phillipsburg. You may find some ND Old Grandad but even that is sparse on the ground. In Marigot, just before you enter the marina area (not the main port), you will see a quality-looking store and indeed it is. It has a number of good KBD products including Vintage 1976 at about $50 which is well worth it. He has other KBDs for about half that. In the duty-free stores in both towns (the so-called "Indian stores" which sell a variety of products) you will find an excellent selection of bourbons of all kinds at very good prices. And liquors of all kinds in general. Probably 5-10 years ago there was more choice of older items but you can still find interesting things there, e.g., a warehouse will open up a corner previously well-hidden and the stores will stock it for a while. Lovely island, I preferred the French side which seems less developed and nicer in terrain but it is all nice. The local rum drink is "ti-punch" which is white rum, lime and a little syrup. Originally it was served without ice and I suggest you try it that way. This is of course a rum haven and you may want to check out some of the French island rums. They carry rums from around the Caribbean there. None is made any longer on the island. Look for brands such as Barbancourt (Haiti), the Cuban rums (I like Havana Club anejo), Trois Rivieres from Martinique, and there are many others (e.g. Boulogne which is used to make the ti-punch).

Gary

[ThomasH]

On St. Maarten's there has in the past been some Blantons silver label for sale for around 22.00 a bottle. There are quite a few other brands also!

Thomas

[dgonano]

I probably visited every liquor store in Marigot and Phillipsburg. You may find some ND Old Grandad but even that is sparse on the ground. In Marigot, just before you enter the marina area (not the main port), you will see a quality-looking store and indeed it is. It has a number of good KBD products including Vintage 1976 at about $50 which is well worth it. He has other KBDs for about half that. In the duty-free stores in both towns (the so-called "Indian stores" which sell a variety of products) you will find an excellent selection of bourbons of all kinds at very good prices. And liquors of all kinds in general. Probably 5-10 years ago there was more choice of older items but you can still find interesting things there, e.g., a warehouse will open up a corner previously well-hidden and the stores will stock it for a while. Lovely island, I preferred the French side which seems less developed and nicer in terrain but it is all nice. The local rum drink is "ti-punch" which is white rum, lime and a little syrup. Originally it was served without ice and I suggest you try it that way. This is of course a rum haven and you may want to check out some of the French island rums. They carry rums from around the Caribbean there. None is made any longer on the island. Look for brands such as Barbancourt (Haiti), the Cuban rums (I like Havana Club anejo), Trois Rivieres from Martinique, and there are many others (e.g. Boulogne which is used to make the ti-punch).

Gary

Just returned from St. Martin. Stumbled upon this store quite by accident. Indeed there was Kentucky Vintage 1976 in the window for just under 43 euro. But they ( along with most other merchants ) were converting dollars to euros 1 to 1. So it was only $43. They also had a good selection of other bourbons, scotches and a few Japanese whiskies.

My beach bar (Coco Beach) and most restaurants only had one bourbon - Jim Beam white- which was very acceptible to me. Funny thing - I joked to the bartender later in the week about not even carrying Jack Daniel's. He then immediately presented a bottle and said in his very French accented English " Ah, but you asked for bourbon, this is not a bourbon , it is Tennessee whiskey ". I was quite impressed. He was very knowledgable about world whiskies and wanted to learn more about bourbon. I told him I would bring him a copy of Chuck's book "Bourbon Straight" and a bottle of "Old Rip Van Winkle" ( he saw my hat) on my next visit in August.

[ggilbertva]

I visited most of the liquor stores in St. Maarten and in my opinion, Gulmohars has the best selection. Plus, you get to sample almost all his stock as he has open bottles of many, many items so you can try before you buy. I purchased about a dozen or so bottles from that store in Feb...including a nice WT 8 year.
Gulmohars Liquor, St. Maarten

[BourbonJoe]

Just got back from a cruise in the Southern Carribean. Found Blanton's Gold Edition (42.99) and Blanton's Silver Edition (21.99) in St. Maarten. Saw some Wild Turkey 8 y/o as well. Bought a liter of WT 8 in St. Kitts for about 20 bucks. Didn't see anything of interest in St. Lucia.
Joe