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.
You can purchase beer and wine by the case at the larger stores, and also count on expert advice on choosing a bottle of good wine from the staff.
You will also find rum, champagne and vodka, as well as all the mixers, chasers and non alcoholic beverages from the smaller stores.
While there are quite a number of liquor stores dotted around Grand Cayman, a few of the larger stores sell very good, but inexpensive wine. In addition to these stores, there are also wine vendors that will deliver the finest wines from around the world to your door.
Most liquor stores on Island offer good discounts on a selection of liquors and you can easily purchase several cases of beer from most for that Saturday evening BBQ. A few of the larger stores stock quality nibbles and loads of party essentials such as dips and chips.
Supermarkets in Cayman are not licensed to sell wines or spirits.
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%.