For tropical spirits, there's nothing quite like the taste of Key West in a glass of rich, hand-brewed rum. From a visit to a Key West rum distillery to a taste of a creme brulee rum to learning the secrets of devil spirits rum, this island paradise has something for everyone.
If you’re ready to embark on a flavorful adventure, let’s dive into the best rums, distilleries, and must-try flavors in Key West!
The Best Rum Distilleries in Key West
1. Key West First Legal Rum Distillery
As the first legal licensed rum distillery in Key West, it is a stop worth making. They craft top-shelf quality legal rum that Key West natives adore, like key lime rum and Cuban coffee rum. Their distillery tours provide an insider's behind-the-scenes glance at rum making, plus sampling their finest product.
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Address: 105 Simonton St, Key West, FL 33040
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Experience: Rum distillery tour Key West, tastings, and even rum-making classes!
2. Papa's Pilar Rum Distillery
Dubbed after Ernest Hemingway's fabled boat, Papa's Pilar produces Florida Keys rum with a difference. Dark vanilla rum and Spanish-blended rum are the crowd favorite. Don't miss the opportunity to sample their salt-cured rum, a true paean to Key West's maritime tradition.
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Location: 201 Simonton St, Key West, FL 33040
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Experience: Tastings, distillery tours, and special releases.
3. Key West Distilling
This local favorite creates small-batch cane sugar vodka and handcrafted rum. Their pineapple rum and handcrafted spiced rum bring the tropical taste needed for a relaxed island atmosphere.
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Location: 524 Southard St, Key West, FL 33040
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Experience: Rum tastings and behind-the-scenes distillery tours.
Top Must-Try Rum Flavors in Key West
Key West distilleries offer a hint of everything in their line of specialty flavors to taste, local and tropical flavorings. Some of the best include:
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Creme Brulee Rum – Caramel and vanilla richness with a dessert version of flavor.
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Devil's Rum – A Spicy and hot bottle of devil's rum is not worth sniffling!
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Cuban Coffee Rum – This, a tip of the hat to Key West's Cuban history, is full of bold coffee flavors.
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Key Lime Rum – A sour, citrus-infused rum perfect for a Key West sunset cocktail.
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Pineapple Rum – Sweet and tropical, this taste is the heart of the Florida Keys.
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Dark Vanilla Rum – Rich and silky, perfect to drink straight up or mix.
Rum Tours & Tasting Experiences
Do you want to take the best Key West rum distillery tour? Below are the best tours which you will not miss:
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Key West First Legal Rum Distillery Tour – Savor Key West-made rum and indulge in their specialty blends.
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Rum Row Key West Experience – Tasting the matured rum, with a tour of the island's history of rum running.
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Papa's Pilar Distillery Tour – Learn about the craft and the aging of premium craft rum.
Pro Tip: Top off a Key West rum tour with a visit to a Key West Cuban coffee shop for an island touch!
Where to Buy Key West Rum
Want to purchase a bottle of Key West legal rum to serve at home? Try to shop at these retailers for the widest selection:
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Distillery Gift Shops – Each major Key West distillery has exclusive release bottles that aren't available anywhere else.
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Local Liquor Stores – Find specialty boutiques for blue bottle rum and other off-the-beaten-path goodies.
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Online – Some distilleries even ship, so you can have your go-to bottle of bourbon, devil rum bottle, or vanilla dark rum delivered right to your doorstep.
Conclusion: Sip & Savor the Best Rum in Key West
Whether you’re a rum aficionado or a casual sipper, Key West’s rum distilleries offer an unforgettable experience. From classic pineapple rums to innovative Spanish rum blends, the island’s spirit scene is thriving.
Ready to taste the best of Key West? Plan a rum distillery tour of Key West, sample unique flavors, and bring home a bottle of your favorite craft-spiced rum. Cheers to island life!