Good News For Sarasota Rum Drinkers

Local rum drinkers and a Sarasota business got good news this week, courtesy of Florida Gov. Rick Scott.

Scott signed House Bill 347 into law Wednesday, allowing Florida craft distilleries to sell their locally made rum, vodka and whiskey directly to the public.

That means Sarasota's Drum Circle Distilling, which produces the award-winning Siesta Key Rum sold in retail shops around Florida and 10 other states, can now offer bottles to customers at its local distillery, 2212 Industrial Blvd. 

CEO Troy Roberts, who founded the company in 2007, said he's already working on building out a tasting room and retail space that should be ready by the fall.

"It's been a little frustrating to have 60 to 70 people come out for a tour and we can't sell them a bottle of rum," Roberts said.

Now, Roberts said he's looking forward to hosting more tours and hopes the law change will draw more people to the distillery. Prices there will be the same as retail, he said — $19.99 a bottle for Siesta Key Spiced Rum and Silver Rum, $25 for the Gold Rum. The catch is that customers will only be able to purchase two bottles per year, the Huffington Post reports.

The law change also allows Roberts to create some new flavors, like perhaps a special holiday blend, that will only be available at his store, since he can make and sell it in smaller batches.

"As a distiller I love the experimental part," said the Siesta Key native. " I love making a real product and experimenting."

For more info about Drum Circle Distilling, where you can purchase Siesta Key Rum or how to schedule a tour, visit drumcircledistilling.com or follow them on Facebook.