Guided Tour at Ron Arehucas Distillery

A visit to the Arehucas Rum Distillery in Gran Canaria offers a compact yet thorough glimpse into the island’s rum-making heritage. Priced at just $12.79 per person and lasting around 45 minutes, this tour provides a focused exploration of the distillery’s process, its history, and its products. It’s ideal for those interested in Canarian rum, offering an engaging experience with knowledgeable guides and tastings at the end. Travelers should plan to book about 9 days in advance to secure their spot, and the tour is accessible for most visitors due to its relatively short duration.

While the tour pace is quick—covering five stages in 45 minutes—it delivers a rich overview of rum production, along with the chance to purchase the distillery’s products. This experience appeals most to rum enthusiasts or those seeking a cultural activity that combines learning with tasting. The tour’s compact length means it’s perfect if time is limited but curiosity about Canarian spirits is high.

Key Points

• Affordable and short: The tour costs $12.79 and lasts 45 minutes.
• Includes a guided explanation: Learn about Arehucas’ history and rum-making process.
• Visit in a historic cellar: Explore one of the oldest rum cellars in Europe with 4,308 American oak casks.
• Tasting at the end: Enjoy a generous rum tasting of different types and liqueurs.
• Easy access: The tour begins directly at the Destilerías Arehucas in Arucas and is close to public transportation.
• Option to buy: Purchase original Arehucas rum products after the tour.

Exploring the Arehucas Rum Production Process

The tour starts at the Arehucas Rum Distillery in Arucas, where visitors walk through the distillery facilities. The guide leads you through five key stages: an introduction to the origin of Arehucas, a visit to the rum aging cellar, an overview of rum production including the mill, fermentation, and distillation rooms, followed by a visit to the bottling plant. Each of these stops offers insights into Canarian rum traditions and the craftsmanship involved in producing Arehucas.

The aging cellar is particularly noteworthy, as it contains 4,308 American oak casks. This part of the tour emphasizes the importance of maturation in flavor development, anchoring the experience in the history and heritage of the distillery.

The Rum Tasting Experience

The final stage of the tour features a rum tasting of a wide range of rums and liqueurs. Guests are invited to sample several types, with some reviews describing the tasting as generous. This part of the experience allows visitors to appreciate the varieties and flavor profiles of Arehucas products, making it a delight for rum lovers.

Post-tasting, there is the opportunity to purchase the different rum products directly from the distillery’s shop, often at reasonably priced rates. This adds a practical bonus, especially for those who want to bring home a gift or souvenir.

Logistics and Meeting Arrangements

The tour departs from the Destilerías Arehucas in Arucas, located at Lugar Era de San Pedro, 2, 35400 Arucas. The activity is easy to find and close to public transportation, making it accessible for most visitors. The group size is capped at 30 travelers, ensuring the guide can maintain a good pace and provide clear explanations throughout.

Booking typically occurs about 9 days in advance, which is recommended to secure a spot. The mobile ticket makes check-in smooth, and the activity ends back at the meeting point in Arucas.

The Guide and Tour Pacing

Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable and friendly guides, such as Elena and Sofia, who explain the process clearly and make the tour enjoyable. The pace of the tour is generally quick, covering five stages in just 45 minutes, which some find perfect for a concise overview but others see as a bit rushed.

The guides’ language skills are typically rated as good, with some comments noting minor difficulties hearing in large groups. The guides’ expertise and ability to engage enhance the experience significantly.

The Strengths of the Arehucas Rum Tour

The key strengths of this tour include its cost-effectiveness, short duration, and comprehensive coverage of rum production aspects. The tastings are described as generous, making the experience feel value-packed. The historic cellar with its oak casks adds a special touch, giving visitors a tangible connection to Canarian rum history.

On top of that, the opportunity to purchase products directly from the distillery often results in reasonable prices, appealing to those who want to bring home a piece of Gran Canaria.

Limitations and Considerations

The tour’s main limitation is its speed—covering five stages within only 45 minutes—which might leave some visitors wishing for more time to explore and ask questions. Some reviews mention that the guides may not always go into detailed explanations or struggle with large groups, which can affect the overall depth of the experience.

Plus, the tour is not suited for those seeking an in-depth longer experience or more interactive activities. It’s best for visitors who want a quick overview of rum production and a taste of local spirits.

Why This Tour Suits Rum Enthusiasts

This guided tour is especially recommended for rum lovers who appreciate learning about spirits and enjoy tastings. The generous samples at the end and the chance to buy authentic products make it a great value for spirits aficionados. Its short and focused nature allows for a light yet informative experience, perfect for adding a cultural touch to a day in Gran Canaria.

For those seeking a deeper dive into rum history or production, this tour might feel a bit brief, but it remains an accessible and enjoyable introduction to the Arehucas brand and Canarian rum tradition.

Accessibility and Booking Tips

Since the tour starts at the distillery in Arucas, accessible for most travelers, it’s recommended to reserve in advance given the popular demand—most bookings are made about 9 days ahead. The free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience provides flexibility if plans change.

Remember, only paper tickets are accepted, so ensure you have your ticket ready upon arrival. The tour is suitable for most travelers, but those with mobility issues should confirm if the walking involved is manageable.

The Sum Up: A Brief but Rich Rum Experience in Gran Canaria

The Guided Tour at Ron Arehucas Distillery offers a well-priced and informative look into Canarian rum-making, ending with a generous tasting. Its short duration makes it ideal for visitors with limited time who want a focused experience. The historical cellar with its oak casks and the opportunity to buy local products add value to this tour.

While the pace can be fast and some may desire more detailed explanations, the friendly guides and quality tastings compensate well. This tour is best suited for rum fans, culture seekers, or those looking for a fun and affordable activity in Gran Canaria.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.

What is included in the tour?
You’ll visit the distillery facilities, learn about rum production, and sample a variety of rums and liqueurs at the end.

Can I buy products after the tour?
Yes, there is an opportunity to purchase Arehucas rum products directly from the distillery shop.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the walking and pace are designed for general visitors; specific accessibility details aren’t provided.

How do I book the tour?
Booking can be made about 9 days in advance, with a mobile ticket issued for easy check-in. The activity has a full refund if canceled more than 24 hours before the start.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; in case of cancellation due to poor weather, a full refund or rescheduling is offered.