I’ve yet to visit a Central American country in which I found the local rum to be disappointing. Nicaragua has my favorite, the rich and smooth Flor de Caña Centenary 18, with Guatemala’s complex Ron Zacapa Centenario Sistema Solera 23 coming in a close second.

Belizean distilleries make some commendable rums as well, and on this visit I made a point of sampling several of them. In addition to the selections below, I recommend looking for rums produced by Belcampo Belize, the distillery of which was not yet in operation during my stay.

Travellers 3 Barrel

Made by Belize’s most famous distillery, this 3-year-old rum has a light and dry caramel aroma, and notes of vanilla and banana. Belcampo Belize’s bartender suggested pairing it with my chocolate tasting, and it worked beautifully with a brownie, becoming more spicy and powerful.