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

The pioneering work behind the fine rums of Old St. Croix was carried out by A. H. Riise. The Dane was not only a pharmacist but also an explorer. During his 30 years on the Virgin Island of St. Thomas, he experimented with previously unknown plants and herbs. Riise gained particular fame, however, for his rum.

Old St. Croix and A. H. Riise Rum: A Young Pharmacist Sets Sail

Albert Heinrich Riise, his full name, is a man eager for knowledge. After completing his apprenticeship at the pharmacy in his hometown of Ærøskøbing, he moves to Copenhagen to study botany and chemistry—both still emerging sciences at the beginning of the 19th century.

A decisive turning point in his life comes in 1838, when Riise receives an offer to work in the West Indies, as the Caribbean was known at the time. He sets off for the Virgin Islands, which then belonged to Denmark and are now part of the United States. No one could have imagined that his departure for the New World would lay the foundation for the Old St. Croix brand. As a pharmacist, he quickly makes a name for himself. Riise makes use of the flora and fauna of the New World, and his products are highly sought after in the Antilles.

Medicine and Drink

International recognition, however, comes primarily for his rum. On St. Thomas, Riise becomes closely acquainted with the distillation of spirits, which fascinates him from the outset as a pharmacist. At the time, rum is administered for a variety of ailments, such as stomach complaints. Over the years, it also becomes a recognized luxury beverage, earning Riise awards even in his Danish homeland.

New Old Rum Name: A.H. Riise Becomes Old St. Croix

For a long time, the rum bore the name of its enterprising pioneer. Since 2026, however, the company has adopted the name of the island from which Riise once sourced the sugarcane for his distillates: St. Croix.

St. Croix was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and, following Danish colonization from 1671 onward, developed into a major trade and sugar production center in the Caribbean. In the 18th century, the island experienced a boom in sugar and rum production with more than 200 plantations and officially became Danish in 1733, cementing its reputation as the “Garden of the West Indies.” We continue to raise a glass of Old St. Croix—in gratitude for the untiring spirit of discovery of A. H. Riise.

Old St. Croix Rum at a Glance

The brand remains world-renowned for exquisite rums such as Old St. Croix Non Plus Ultra. Even the Royal Navy once received part of its pay in high-proof spirits; the myth of the rum-drinking sailor is by no means unfounded. The Royal Danish Navy Naval Cadet recalls this tradition. It presents a whole bouquet of exotic aromas that awaken a longing for distant lands. Bold with a gentle sweetness, its fruit notes evoke associations of southern shores.

The full art of blending at Old St. Croix is showcased by the aforementioned Non Plus Ultra. It sits at the very top of the house’s range and represents a carefully selected edition made from the finest ingredients. Above it stands only the velvety Old St. Croix Signature. A rum of absolute top class, delighting with its diverse aromas of fruit, nuts, and even eucalyptus.

Old St. Croix Rum Cream – Creamy Colada

The Old St. Croix Rum Cream is a creamy rum liqueur with Caribbean flair. It combines fine rum with a smooth texture and notes of vanilla, caramel, and coconut. Its pleasantly mild sweetness makes it perfect for dessert cocktails and sweet long drinks. The subtle alcohol note remains harmoniously in the background, ensuring an especially smooth taste experience.

Creamy Colada

• • 5 cl A.H. Riise Rum Cream
  • 3 cl pineapple juice
  • 2 cl coconut syrup
  • 1 cl lime juice

Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice in a shaker and strain into a chilled glass. The Creamy Colada beautifully highlights the exotic creaminess of A.H. Riise Rum Cream.

Old St. Croix La Galante – Rum Tonic

The Old St. Croix La Galante is a smooth, tropically inspired rum with floral and fruity notes. Its profile is defined by ripe pineapple, sweet mango, and a delicate hint of vanilla. It is crafted according to old recipes originating from the Caribbean island of Saint Thomas. La Galante is a delight for lovers of light, aromatic rums and is perfect for summer drinks!

Rum Tonic

• • 5 cl A.H. Riise La Galante
  • 10 cl tonic water
  • 2 cl lime juice
  • 1 dash of sugar syrup
  • ice cubes

Add all ingredients to a highball glass filled with ice cubes and stir gently. The Rum Tonic wonderfully showcases the exotic freshness of La Galante – perfect for warm days!