The result? A deep, complex, velvety blend where sun-ripened fruit, spice and oak melt together in harmonious balance. But Old St. Croix is not just a spirit. It is an experience, a journey through history, a tribute to the craft of the past stepping into the present.
From the first meeting with the aroma, a symphony of velvety toffee and sun-ripened fruit spreads out, waking the senses with a depth of warmth and body. The delicate sweetness of caramelised toffee melts together with the natural freshness of golden peaches and juicy pears, while a subtle touch of late-summer breeze rounds the experience off with an airy lightness. Underlying shades of toasted nuts and vanilla create a complex, inviting nose that carries the refinement of long maturation.
The palate opens with a full, well-balanced experience where distinct umami notes from oak step clearly forward. The robust character of full tobacco and aged leather adds a deep, sophisticated edge, while the sweetness of caramelised figs and glazed citrus peel creates a harmonious contrast. A hint of dark chocolate and spiced cinnamon intensifies the complexity and makes the palate rich and memorable. The full texture embraces the palate with a silky roundness where every single nuance gets room to develop.
The finish is long, persistent and enveloping, where a light touch of mature oak and subtle spiced notes unfold elegantly. Dried orchard fruits, among them raisins, dates and candied orange peel, add a natural sweetness and a depth that lasts long after the last impression. A lightly creamy texture and a hint of roasted coffee beans give the finish a pleasant warmth and a satisfying rounding-off that completes the experience.
Old St. Croix - when history is enjoyed in every drop
Cocktails made with Old St. Croix XO Reserve Legacy are more than just drinks. They are a tribute to history, a celebration of the craft and a nod to the rich heritage of Caribbean spirits. Every cocktail carries a story, a reference to St. Croix, the island that for centuries has been synonymous with sugar cane and rum.
St. Croix Rum Fix (1884, Albert Barnes)
This classic cocktail dates from 1884, when the bartender Albert Barnes perfected a recipe that captures the essence of Caribbean rum. The St. Croix Rum Fix combines the velvety complexity of Old St. Croix XO Reserve Legacy with the natural sweetness of pineapple and a touch of citrus. The balance is perfect: tropical fruit, lively acidity and full-bodied rum melting together in a harmonious experience. Garnished with fresh pineapple leaves, the cocktail is a tribute to the island's proud tradition of growing the ingredients that bring its spirits to life.
St. Croix Rum Fix (1884, Albert Barnes) (garnished with pineapple leaves)
• 6 cl Old St. Croix
• 1.5 cl pineapple syrup
• The juice of ½ lemon or 2 dashes of
Angostura Bitters
• 2 teaspoons of sugar (or 1 cl sugar syrup)
• Garnish: a thin slice of lemon, lime or pineapple
Old St. Croix Daiquiri
Few cocktails capture the essence of rum like the Daiquiri, and the Old St. Croix version offers a refined interpretation of that beloved classic. Born in the early 1900s, the recipe is a simple but elegant composition of rum, fresh lime juice and sugar. Old St. Croix XO Reserve Legacy lifts the classic with its intense shades of oak, dried fruit and caramelised sugar, which melt perfectly into the fresh tartness of the lime. A twist of lime peel adds an aromatic finish that makes every sip refreshing and full of depth.
Old St. Croix Daiquiri (garnished with a twist of lime peel)
• 4-5 cl Old St. Croix
• The juice of ½ lime
• 1 teaspoon of sugar (or 2 teaspoons of sugar syrup)
• Ice cubes
• Garnish: a thin slice of lime or a twist of lime peel on the rim of the glass
• Method: pour the Old St. Croix, lime juice and sugar into a shaker. Add ice and shake hard for 10-15 seconds until the drink is well chilled and the sugar has dissolved. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Old St. Croix Tom Collins
A modern interpretation of the classic Tom Collins, where rum replaces gin. Originally popular in the 19th century, the Collins recipe has long been favoured for its light, bubbling freshness. Here Old St. Croix XO Reserve Legacy brings a deeper, more rounded flavour profile with notes of oak, tobacco and warm spice. The lime or lemon juice adds an invigorating balance, while sparkling water gives the cocktail a lively finish. A fresh lemon slice completes the experience and makes it a drink that feels both classic and contemporary.
Old St. Croix Tom Collins (garnished with a fresh lemon slice)
• 6 cl Old St. Croix
• The juice of 1 lime or ½ lemon
• 1 teaspoon of sugar (or 2 teaspoons of sugar syrup)
• Ice cubes
• Sparkling water or club soda
• Garnish: a thin slice of lime or lemon on the rim of the glass • Method: pour the sugar and citrus juice into a tumbler or highball glass and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Add the Old St. Croix and ice cubes. Top with sparkling water and stir gently once.
Each of these cocktails is a journey in tradition and innovation, capturing the essence of Old St. Croix while giving classic recipes a modern twist. Whether you prefer tropical sweetness, citrus freshness or sparkling elegance, there is an Old St. Croix cocktail ready to lead you into the historic flavour universe of the Caribbean.
Which one will you try first?
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