Most liquor stores in Grand Cayman are stocked with top brands from around the world. Many also carry rare vintages of wine, champagne and port, host wine tasting events and sponsor major events annually.
Most liquor stores regardless of size sell rum, vodka and other spirits, beer and wine as well as mixers, chasers and non alcoholic beverages. Many offer ever-changing discounts on a selection of liquors, wine and beer and you can easily purchase several cases of beer for that last minute Saturday evening get together.
The larger stores will naturally offer a greater selection of products, including rare vintages of wine but many also sell very good inexpensive wines from across the world. Members of staff are often very knowledgable and can offer assistance when selecting a bottle of good wine. Wines can be purchased by the case and some retailers offer a delivery service right to your door.
A few of the larger stores stock quality nibbles, party essentials such as dips and chips, plastic and paper cups for the beach or pool, and even beautiful glassware and accessories.
Supermarkets in Cayman are not licensed to sell wines or spirits, however some convenience stores are licensed to sell alcohol.
Liquor Stores & Wine Merchants
Grand Cayman has numerous liquor stores and wine vendors spread throughout the island so you will be spoiled for choice.
Local & Craft Beer
Places to indulge in a 'cold one' are aplenty here on Grand Cayman. You'll find your favourite American and international brews at nearly all sports bars and pubs around the Island.
For a good selection of draught Irish beers on tap, head to Fidel Murphy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. There are also a few home-grown breweries on-Island that produce their own locally crafted beers. Cayman Islands Brewery Ltd. produces 11 beers year-round and creates some seasonal beers. There is also a tap room on site, so you can sit and enjoy the beers while watching the brewers hard at work through the windows into the filtration room. They are committed to sustainability and work hard to reduce their carbon footprint.
19-81 Brewing Co. is devoted to creating premium quality craft beers, starting with their three signature hand-crafted beers: Island Session, Cayman Blonde and their Tropical IPA. 19-81 beers are available on tap at many local bars and restaurants and can be bought in cans at various liquor stores. You can visit them at their dedicated tap room on Dorcy Drive. Craft Food & Beverage Co. boasts one of the largest selection of craft beers on-Island. The beer menu features over 10 beers on tap, ranging between local and international selections, and many cans to choose from. The GT Outpost on George Town’s waterfront offers a unique selection of craft beers from around the world and has a dedicated beer wall showcasing their collection.
Duty on Alcohol & Tobacco
Liquor in the Cayman Islands carries a heavy duty which is often reflected in liquor store prices and the cost of drinks at bars and restaurants.
Duty on hard liquors such as rum starts at CI$11.85 per litre. This means that over a third of the average retail price of CI$30.99 for a litre bottle of Appleton VX rum consists of duty.
Duty on table wine is CI$3.60 per litre; dessert wine is CI$5.25; sparkling wine is CI$7.80; champagne is CI$10.80 per litre; sparkling wine is CI$7.80 per litre; overproof liquors are CI$15.98 per litre; liqueurs are CI$13.50 per litre; and duty on beer is CI$1.95 per litre.
So don’t forget to use your duty allowance (one bottle) when you fly back into Cayman!
The duty on cigarettes is CI$42 per carton of 200. The duty on cigars is 102% of the value of the cigars. The duty on electric cigarettes is 22%.
