Welcome to the ultimate rum guide for Key West visitors and fellow rum enthusiasts! Whether you’re here to sharpen your rum knowledge or planning your Key West bucket list, we will cover everything you’ll need. From rum basics to the best spots to sip on this tropical spirit, consider this your backstage pass to Key West’s rum culture.
What is Rum? The Basics (and Why Pirates Love It)
Rum is like the party-starter of spirits, born from sugarcane and sunshine. It’s a distilled alcoholic drink made from sugarcane byproducts, such as molasses or sugarcane juice. This is why rum is naturally sweet and often tropical in taste. It originated in the Caribbean, which makes sense because nothing screams “island vibes” more than a rum-filled coconut.
Here’s where it gets fun! Rum ranges in strength, with alcohol content (or ABV) varying from 40% to the overproof bombs that hit a whopping 75%. Yes, folks, overproof rum is not for the faint of heart or liver.
But it’s not just about piña coladas and daiquiris. Rum is aged, blended, nuanced, and downright sophisticated. Think of it as the smooth-talking cousin in your liquor cabinet who knows how to party yet also pairs great with deep conversations.
Check out all of our recommendations on where to drink in Key West – here
Types of Rum (and How to Not Look Clueless Ordering One)
Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of rum names on a menu? Not to worry. Here’s your crash course on the types of rum, so you can walk into any rum bar like a pro.
1. White/Silver Rum
This one’s light, clear, and perfect for cocktails like mojitos and daiquiris. It’s either unaged or lightly aged in steel barrels (not oak), keeping it mild and crisp.
Brands to look for: Bacardi, Don Q, Havana Club
What to ask for: “I’d like something fresh and citrusy, maybe a mojito or daiquiri.”
2. Gold Rum
Gold rum is the James Bond of rums – smooth, golden, and aged just enough to develop a richer flavor. Thanks to oak barrel aging, it’s slightly more complex than white rum but doesn’t overpower your cocktail.
Brands to look for: Mount Gay, Appleton Estate
What to ask for: “I’m in the mood for something mellow, like a rum and Coke with a splash of lime.”
3. Dark Rum
Dark rum brings the bold, molasses-heavy flavors. With longer aging and caramel tones, it’s perfect for sipping or strong cocktails like a Dark ‘n’ Stormy.
Brands to look for: Myers’s, Kraken
What to ask for: “I’d love something robust for sipping or maybe a bold cocktail.”
4. Spiced Rum
Infused with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, spiced rum is basically the holiday season in a bottle. It’s sweet, smooth, and works well with ginger beer or in tropical cocktails.
Brands to look for: Captain Morgan, Sailor Jerry
What to ask for: “I want something warm and spicy, maybe a twist on a mule.”
5. Aged/Premium Rum
The fine wine of the rum world, aged rums (sometimes called premium or sipping rums) are aged for 10+ years. They develop complexity and smoothness comparable to bourbon or cognac.
Brands to look for: Diplomatico, Ron Zacapa
What to ask for: “I’m here for a sipping rum. Neat, please!”
6. Overproof Rum
This is the gasoline of rums, with a high ABV of 50% or more. It’s best handled with caution and is typically used as a floater in tiki drinks for an extra kick.
Brands to look for: Wray & Nephew, Plantation O.F.T.D
What to ask for: “I’d like a tiki cocktail with a little extra oomph!”
Pro Tip
“White for light, dark for bite, aged for sipping.” This wisdom nugget will save you at parties where you’re suddenly labeled the cocktail expert.
Grab our Free Happy Hour list – here
Where to Get the Best Rums in Key West
Now that you’ve got your rum education, it’s time to put it to good use. Key West is packed with amazing rum bars and distilleries, and here are the top spots you absolutely can’t miss.
1. The Rum Bar at The Speakeasy Inn
This iconic spot boasts over 300 types of rum. Whether you’re a newbie wanting a rum punch or an aficionado exploring rare rums, The Rum Bar has you covered. Don’t miss out on their rum-tasting flights!
2. Papa’s Pilar Rum Distillery
Named after Ernest Hemingway’s boat, this distillery offers tours, tastings, and some of the most incredible aged rums. Their dark rum, aged in bourbon barrels, is a must-try for any bourbon lover.
3. Key West First Legal Rum Distillery
Known for chef-inspired, hand-crafted rums, this spot is all about small-batch perfection. They even offer tastings and tours to deepen your rum knowledge. Can’t fit a bottle in your luggage? Don’t worry, they ship!
4. Tropical Bars Around Duval Street
If you’re bar hopping, be sure to check out cocktails crafted with local rums. Many establishments collaborate with distilleries like Key West First Legal and Papa’s Pilar, ensuring your drink is as fresh and authentic as it gets.
Tips for Ordering Rum with Confidence
- Be Curious, Not Intimidated
Tell the bartender or server you’re new to rum and looking to explore. Mention what flavors or other spirits you usually enjoy, and let their expertise guide your choice.
- Ask for a Flight
Many bars, like The Rum Bar, offer rum flights. This is the perfect way to discover your favorite style without committing to a full drink.
- Support Local
Always ask about local rums like Papa’s Pilar or Key West First Legal. Nothing beats experiencing the flavor of a place through its locally crafted spirits.
- Take It Slow
Rum is meant to be savored, not rushed. Whether you’re sipping neat or enjoying a cocktail by the beach, take your time to enjoy the flavors.
Sip Back and Relax
Whether you’re a seasoned rum lover or a curious beginner, Key West offers endless opportunities to expand your rum horizons. From sipping aged rums with Hemingway vibes at Papa’s Pilar to exploring rich, spiced varieties at The Speakeasy, there’s no shortage of adventures waiting for you.
Cheers to new discoveries and a whole lot of rum-fueled fun!
