I missed all the Halloween parties this year but had my own “spooky” Sunday adventure at Siesta Key Rum! ( https://www.siestakeyrum.com/)
The distillery is a gem worth discovering. Located away from the main downtown scene, it’s where you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret treasure. The rustic charm of the facility, with its barrel-lined walls and vintage decor, sets the perfect scene for an afternoon of rum tasting and storytelling. Listening to the history behind one of Sarasota’s most celebrated rums, I realized this was the ultimate Sarasota haunt. Excellent rum and a relaxed vibe blend perfectly on this spot.
Siesta Key Rum, produced by Drum Circle Distilling in Sarasota, Florida, was founded by Troy Roberts, who transitioned from a career in internet ventures to craft rum distillation after finding inspiration in Siesta Key’s relaxed atmosphere. Driven by a passion for quality and authenticity, Roberts has ensured that Siesta Key Rum stands out using real ingredients, including Florida-grown sugarcane molasses and natural infusions like toasted coconut, honey, and freshly ground spices, avoiding artificial flavorings.
The distillery’s product lineup includes various popular rums, each with unique profiles: Spiced Rum (highlighted with natural spices and a hint of honey), Toasted Coconut Rum (using natural coconut for flavor), Silver Rum (ideal for cocktails), and their Distiller’s Reserve Spiced Rum, crafted using a traditional solera aging method, creating a complex, layered flavor. Their Spiced Rum is mainly celebrated, winning the Caribbean Journal’s "Best Spiced Rum" award multiple times. Additionally, the unique Beer Barrel Finish Spiced Rum collaborates with local craft brewers, imparting beer-barrel characteristics to each small batch, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
The Siesta Key Rum Tasting Room and Distillery at 2212 Industrial Blvd offers visitors a fully immersive experience with free tours and tastings of their award-winning handcrafted rums. No reservations are required, allowing guests to drop in and enjoy both the vibrant Tasting Room and the “Infinity Room.” This unique space features the original bar from Sarasota’s historic Bahi Hut tiki lounge, dating back to 1954, lending a vintage, tropical ambiance. Here, you can savor specialty cocktails made with Siesta Key’s iconic rums, with the menu updated seasonally to showcase fresh, locally inspired flavors.
Throughout the tour, you will explore the meticulous production process that defines Siesta Key Rum, from its high-quality, locally sourced ingredients to the traditional solera aging method used in the Distiller’s Reserve Spiced Rum. This artisanal approach has helped Siesta Key Rum garner numerous awards, including a prestigious 94-point rating from “Wine Enthusiast” for the Distiller’s Reserve and multiple “Best Spiced Rum” accolades from the “Caribbean Journal.” The distillery also offers exclusive seasonal releases, enhancing a genuinely local craft experience for rum beverage fans who want to taste something special each visit.
Photos: iruphotos.com
Sources used in the article:
Siesta Key Rum Official Website – siestakeyrum.com
Paradise Dreams – paradisedreams.com
Sarasota Magazine – sarasotamagazine.com
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