Old St. Croix (Formerly: A.H. Riise) – Rum

The story of Old St. Croix Rums begins with a man who had curiosity in his blood: A. H. Riise. The Dane was a pharmacist, researcher, and adventurer all at once. On the Caribbean island of St. Thomas, he spent around three decades experimenting with exotic plants and previously little-studied herbs. However, he became famous above all for his characterful rum, which continues to delight connoisseurs worldwide to this day.

Old St. Croix Rum and A. H. Riise – From Pharmacist to Rum Visionary

Albert Heinrich Riise, as he was known by his full name, was eager to learn from an early age. After completing his training at the pharmacy in his hometown of Ærøskøbing, he moved to Copenhagen. There, he studied botany and chemistry – disciplines that were still largely uncharted territory at the beginning of the 19th century.

In 1838, everything changed: Riise received an offer to work as a pharmacist in what were then the Danish West Indies. So he set off for the Caribbean. At the time, it was hardly foreseeable that this step would lay the foundation for the later Old St. Croix brand. On site, he drew on the impressive tropical flora, developed his own recipes, and quickly made a name for himself. His products were in great demand in the Antilles.

Between Medicine and Enjoyment Culture

Alongside medicinal products, another creation soon took center stage: rum. On St. Thomas, Riise gained deep insights into the art of distillation. At that time, rum was regarded not only as a pleasure drink but was also used to treat ailments such as stomach complaints. With his high-quality bottlings, Riise later even won awards in Denmark. What began as a practical spirit evolved into a genuine quality product.

From A. H. Riise to Old St. Croix – Same Rum, New Name

For a long time, the bottlings bore the name of their founder. Since 2026, however, the origin has taken center stage: Old St. Croix. The name recalls the island of St. Croix, from which the sugarcane for the distillates once originated.

St. Croix was sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and, following Danish colonization beginning in 1671, developed into an important center of the sugar trade in the Caribbean. In the 18th century, more than 200 plantations existed there. The island became a major hub for sugar and rum and officially became Danish in 1733. The nickname “Garden of the West Indies” still underscores its historical significance today. With every glass of Old St. Croix, the pioneering spirit of A. H. Riise lives on.

Discover the Old St. Croix Rum Range at HACICO.de

Whether you are looking for an affordable introduction or an exclusive premium bottling – at HACICO.de you will find the full range of this traditional brand. The Old St. Croix Non Plus Ultra is considered the flagship of the house. Powerful, multi-layered, and impressively deep, it is aimed at discerning connoisseurs.

Historical references to seafaring are reflected in the Royal Danish Navy Naval Cadet. Its aromatic profile ranges from exotic fruits to spicy nuances. A pleasant sweetness rounds off the profile, making it appealing both neat and in mixed drinks.

At the top of the range, alongside the Non Plus Ultra, is the Old St. Croix Signature. Here you can expect a multi-faceted flavor profile with notes of ripe fruit, nuts, and a hint of eucalyptus. A rum for special moments.

Old St. Croix Rum Cream with Creamy Colada Recipe Idea

If you prefer something smoother, try the Old St. Croix Rum Cream. This rum liqueur combines Caribbean character with a creamy texture. Flavors of vanilla, caramel, and coconut create a pleasantly sweet profile. Ideal for dessert drinks or as a refined addition to sweet cocktails.

Creamy Colada

• • 5 cl Old St. Croix Rum Cream
  • 3 cl pineapple juice
  • 2 cl coconut syrup
  • 1 cl lime juice

Add all ingredients with ice to a shaker, shake vigorously, then strain into a well-chilled glass. The combination of fruit and creamy sweetness brings genuine Caribbean feeling to the glass.

Old St. Croix La Galante and the Rum Tonic Drink

The Old St. Croix La Galante impresses with its tropical aroma. Notes of pineapple, mango, and fine vanilla define its character. It is based on traditional Caribbean recipes and is perfect for light, fruity drinks.

Rum Tonic

• • 5 cl Old St. Croix La Galante
  • 10 cl tonic water
  • 2 cl lime juice
  • 1 dash of sugar syrup
  • ice cubes

Fill a highball glass with ice, add the ingredients, and stir gently. The result is a refreshing Rum Tonic with an exotic twist – uncomplicated, aromatic, and ideal for relaxed evenings.