Grand Rapids might be best known as Beer City USA, but rum lovers will find plenty to get excited about here too. From big-box bottle shops with hundreds of labels to craft distilleries and cocktail bars that treat rum with serious respect, the city offers a surprisingly deep and diverse rum scene.
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Total Wine & More – Grand Rapids
Location: 4923 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Total Wine & More’s Grand Rapids store is one of the city’s most comprehensive stops for rum. As a national chain known for breadth of selection and competitive pricing, the Grand Rapids location mirrors that reputation with an expansive spirits section and a dedicated rum aisle.
Rum fans will appreciate that you can find everything from budget mixing bottles to respected enthusiast brands. Expect:
- Caribbean staples: Mount Gay, Appleton Estate, Plantation, Flor de Caña, and Brugal.
- Premium & aged rums: Diplomatico, Zacapa, El Dorado, and higher-age-statement Barbadian and Jamaican bottlings when available.
- Flavored & spiced rums: Captain Morgan, Malibu, Kraken, and craft-flavored options for tiki-style drinks.
- Mixers & tools: Orgeat, falernum, demerara syrup, bitters, and shakers to build a home tiki bar.
One of the advantages of shopping at Total Wine is the staff training. Associates are often familiar with the basics of rum styles—white, gold, dark, agricole, and overproof—and can help you compare bottles if you’re just starting to explore. The store also frequently runs tastings and educational events, so keep an eye on their calendar if you want to sample before you buy.
MEGA-BEV Standale
Location: 545 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
MEGA-BEV is a Michigan-based chain of large-format beverage superstores, and the Standale location on the northwest side of Grand Rapids is a strong option for rum hunters. While MEGA-BEV is especially known for its craft beer and Michigan-made whiskey selection, the rum shelves are substantial and often include bottles you won’t see in smaller neighborhood shops.
Highlights of MEGA-BEV Standale for rum lovers include:
- Deep shelf variety: Multiple brands across key rum regions—Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, Puerto Rico, and Central America.
- Miniature bottles: A well-stocked mini section lets you sample new rums without committing to a full bottle.
- Rotating selection: Seasonal and limited releases, including occasional cask-finished or higher-end sipping rums.
- Friendly staff: Many regulars note that the team is approachable and willing to look up special orders or check availability across MEGA-BEV’s other locations.
If you’re building out a home rum bar, MEGA-BEV is a great place to assemble a lineup that spans styles: a grassy agricole, a funky Jamaican, a smooth column-still Latin American rum, and a dark Demerara for rich cocktails.
Two James Spirits – Grand Rapids Tasting Room
Location: 740 Michigan St NE Suite 100A, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
While Detroit-based Two James Spirits is best known for its whiskey and gin, the distillery also produces its own rum and has a presence in Grand Rapids via its tasting room and distribution in local bars and shops. Two James has crafted rums that reflect a more artisanal approach, often emphasizing molasses character and thoughtful barrel aging.
In Grand Rapids, you’re likely to encounter Two James rum in:
- Cocktail bars along Bridge Street and downtown that feature Michigan-made spirits.
- Retail shops like MEGA-BEV and select independent liquor stores that focus on regional producers.
Seek out Two James rum if you enjoy supporting local craft distilling and want to compare Michigan-made spirits to traditional Caribbean styles. Their rums often show well in Old Fashioned-style cocktails or simple highballs that let the base spirit shine.
Cocktail Bars & Restaurants with Great Rum Programs
Beyond bottle shopping, Grand Rapids has a growing cocktail culture where bartenders understand rum’s versatility. While lineups change, several venues are consistently good bets for well-made rum drinks and thoughtful selections behind the bar.
Rum-Friendly Cocktail Bars
Downtown and West Side are where you’ll find many of the city’s most serious cocktail programs. Look for bars that feature:
- Classic tiki cocktails: Mai Tais, Daiquiris, Zombies, and Painkillers made with fresh juice and quality rum blends.
- Rum Old Fashioneds and spirit-forward sippers: Showcasing aged and single-origin rums.
- Rotating rum features: Bartender’s choice cocktails that highlight a specific bottle or region.
Some Grand Rapids bars also stock respected enthusiast brands like Hamilton, Smith & Cross, or specialty agricole rums when distribution allows. If you’re chasing something specific, it’s worth calling ahead or asking your bartender what’s currently on the back bar.
Sports Bars & Casual Spots
Even mainstream sports bars in the Grand Rapids area, such as local favorite Uccello’s Ristorante (multiple locations around the metro), have expanded their rum offerings beyond just one or two house brands. You’ll typically find:
- Popular spiced rums for simple mixed drinks.
- Light and gold rums for classic cocktails.
- Occasionally, a premium bottle for guests who want to sip neat or on the rocks.
These venues are ideal if you’re out with a group and want reliable rum options without seeking out a dedicated cocktail bar.
How to Shop for Rum in Grand Rapids
Whether you’re browsing Total Wine, MEGA-BEV, or a neighborhood liquor store, a few strategies can help you find bottles you’ll love.
1. Decide How You’ll Use the Rum
Before you shop, think about your primary use:
- For mixing: Look for affordable white or lightly aged rums with clean flavor (great for Daiquiris, Mojitos, and punches).
- For sipping: Consider aged rums from Barbados, Jamaica, or Guyana with age statements and minimal added sugar.
- For tiki & tropical drinks: Stock a mix of light, dark, overproof, and a funky Jamaican rum for depth.
2. Explore Different Regions
Grand Rapids stores typically carry bottles from:
- Barbados: Balanced, classic rum character.
- Jamaica: Funky, fruity rums with strong aroma.
- Guyana: Rich, molasses-heavy Demerara rums.
- Puerto Rico & Latin America: Lighter, cleaner profiles great for highballs.
3. Ask About Special Orders
Both Total Wine and MEGA-BEV can often special order bottles that are distributed in Michigan but not on the shelf. If you’re hunting for a particular brand you’ve seen discussed in rum communities, ask staff to check availability through their distributor network.
Rum-Focused Day Trips from Grand Rapids
If you’re willing to drive a bit beyond Grand Rapids, your rum options expand even more.
Spring Lake Fine Wine & Spirits (Near Grand Haven)
Location: 516 W Savidge St, Spring Lake, MI 49456
Frequently mentioned by Michigan rum enthusiasts in online forums, Spring Lake Fine Wine & Spirits is about 40–45 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids and is widely regarded as one of the strongest rum selections in the state. While not in Grand Rapids proper, it’s a very doable day trip for serious collectors.
Expect to find:
- Deeper selections of enthusiast brands and independent bottlers when available in Michigan.
- Multiple expressions from the same producer, letting you compare age statements and cask finishes.
- Knowledgeable staff who understand rum categories and can make tailored recommendations.
Pair your visit with a stop in nearby Grand Haven for lake views and dinner, and you’ve got an excellent rum-themed outing from Grand Rapids.
FAQ: Rum in Grand Rapids, MI
Yes. While the city is better known for beer, large-format stores like Total Wine & More and MEGA-BEV Standale offer broad rum selections, and nearby destinations such as Spring Lake Fine Wine & Spirits significantly expand your options.
Start with Total Wine & More on 28th Street and MEGA-BEV Standale. Both have extensive spirits sections and carry a range of rum styles, from mixing bottles to premium sippers.
Availability varies with Michigan distribution, but you can often find respected premium brands at Total Wine and MEGA-BEV. For especially deep or niche selections, consider a short trip to Spring Lake Fine Wine & Spirits, which is known among enthusiasts for its rum inventory.
Yes. Detroit-based Two James Spirits produces rum that is distributed in Grand Rapids and featured in some cocktail bars and shops. Other Michigan craft distilleries occasionally release rum or rum-inspired spirits as well.
Cocktail-focused bars downtown and on the West Side tend to have the most interesting rum programs, often featuring classics like Daiquiris and Mai Tais alongside original creations. Sports bars such as Uccello’s offer more mainstream selections but still provide plenty of rum-based options.
In many cases, yes. Both Total Wine & More and MEGA-BEV can check with their distributors to see if a requested brand is available in Michigan and place a special order if it is.
Absolutely. Grand Rapids offers strong in-city options and easy access to standout shops like Spring Lake Fine Wine & Spirits near Grand Haven, making it an excellent hub for rum enthusiasts in West Michigan.
