Key West is renowned for its tropical haven, crazy nightlife, and storied past. But did you know it also has some of the world's most strange and delicious spirits? From sugar cane vodka to Devil's Rum, the island distilleries produce luxury, small-batch spirits that encapsulate the spirit of the Florida Keys. A rum aficionado or just seeking a Key West rum distillery tour, here's all that you need to know about the area's top spirits.
The Birth of Key West's Distilling Scene
Key West boasts Florida's first lawfully licensed rum distillery, a feat that speaks well of Florida's craft distillations. The native ingredients are molded by the distilleries into Key West rum made with uniformity to the island's flavor and heritage. Sugar cane, the staple in Floridian and Caribbean spirits, is used to produce sugarcane vodka, hand-crafted rum, and tropical infusions like pineapple rum and Cuban coffee rum.
Must-Try Key West Liquors
1. Sugar Cane Vodka
Whereas grain or potato vodka is dry and crisp, sugar cane vodka is smooth with a touch of sweetness. The twist is ideal for sipping neat or utilizing tropical cocktails.
2. Devil's Rum and Level Devil Rum
For the thrill-seeking taste, Devil Spirits Rum and Level Devil Rum provide a bold, spiced flavor with deep caramel notes. Aged, the rums are the locals' and visitors' most popular.
3. Creme Brulee Rum and Dark Vanilla Rum
Those who have a sweet tooth will enjoy rich creme brulee rum and dark vanilla rum flavors that they can share with coffee or ice cream.
4. Key Lime Rum and Pineapple Rum
These tropical infusions add to the vibrant citrus and tropical fruit taste that characterizes Key West's tropical flavor.
5. Blue Bottle Whiskey and Metal Rum
In addition to rum, Key West distilleries are also trying whiskey and unusual infusions such as whiskey in a blue bottle and enigmatic metal rum.
Top Distilleries and Tours in Key West
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Key West First Legal Rum Distillery
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Situated in the center of the island, the old distillery provides rum sampling in Key West and behind-scenes tours where travelers can learn how to distill.
Rum Row Key West
Heaven for rum drinkers, Rum Row provides some of the finest rum in Florida to be found anywhere, including barrel-aged and rare batches of exotics.
Key West Rum Distillery Tour
For the ultimate experience, go on a rum distillery tour in Key West to view several brands, taste new flavors, and learn the island's distilling secrets.
Where to Buy Unique Key West Spirits
Would like to bring home a bottle of Key West's finest rum? A few distilleries have online sales, and specialty stores stock bestsellers such as Robert the Doll Key West souvenirs and more elusive offerings such as Devil Bottle Rum and Bourbon in a Blue Bottle.
Experience Key West's Spirit Culture
To go along with sampling, the culture of distillation in Key West is closely related to its history, from ancient pirate tradition to contemporary craft. Combine your spirit sampling with a trip to a Key West Cuban coffeehouse or experience Robert the Doll's ghostly history with a sip of a coffee-flavored rum drink.
Conclusion: To Your Health, Key West
From spiced rum made with sugar cane to luxurious craft spiced rum, Key West's got it all for the discerning rum fan. Whether taking a Key West rum tour or simply seeking out the best rum in Key West, the island distilleries promise an unforgettable experience.
Eager to get to know Key West's spirit of distillation? Reserve a rum-tasting tour today and enjoy the island's most legendary liquids!