Key West Legal Rum sits at 105 Simonton Street in downtown Key West, occupying a historic building that’s been transformed into Florida’s southernmost rum distillery. Founded by Paul Menta, a former Wall Street executive who traded his corporate life for the island lifestyle, the distillery opened its doors in 2013 after Menta spent years perfecting his rum recipes. The operation fills a restored Key West building with copper stills and aging barrels, producing small-batch rums that capture the laid-back spirit of the Keys. Menta’s background in finance helped him navigate the complex federal and state regulations required to establish a legal distillery in Florida, hence the playful name that nods both to the regulatory hurdles and Key West’s colorful past of rum running and pirates. The distillery focuses exclusively on rum production, creating everything from white rum to spiced varieties using traditional Caribbean methods adapted for Florida’s unique climate. You’ll find this isn’t some massive industrial operation but rather a genuine craft distillery where the founder is often on-site, chatting with visitors about his journey from Manhattan offices to Key West rum making. The space maintains that authentic Key West vibe without feeling like a tourist trap, though it definitely attracts plenty of visitors exploring the island’s Duval Street area.
