Siesta Key Spiced Rum 750ML is a 35% ABV (70 proof) pot-still rum from Sarasota, Florida, infused with real spices and sweetened with honey. Awarded 91 points and a "Best Buy" designation by Wine Enthusiast, this expression also earned six consecutive Best Spiced Rum of the Year honors from Caribbean Journal (2012–2017).Quick Facts: ABV: 35% (70 Proof) | Origin: Sarasota, Florida, USA | Style: Spiced Rum | Distillery: Drum Circle DistillingProduction & HeritageDrum Circle Distilling operates out of Sarasota, Florida, and produces all Siesta Key rums from Florida sugarcane molasses in a traditional pot still. What separates this spiced expression from mass-market competitors is the infusion method: each batch is made by weighing whole spices — cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, allspice, anise, and white pepper among them — and steeping them directly in a tank of finished rum. No liquid flavorings, artificial sweeteners, or concentrates are used. The rum is then lightly sweetened with real honey, and the result earned a First Place Best in Class medal at the RumXP International Tasting Competition. At the Caribbean Rum and Beer Festival, it became the only U.S.-made rum to receive a medal that year, and Cooking Light magazine named it one of the best artisan products in the United States.Tasting NotesAroma: Toasted cinnamon spice leads, followed by warm vanilla, orange zest, and a honeyed sweetness. The nose is fragrant but balanced, avoiding the cloying sugariness common in the category.Taste: The palate opens with a pronounced cinnamon kick that broadens into cardamom, nutmeg, and a flash of tropical fruit at mid-palate. Brown sugar and butterscotch develop as the rum warms, while allspice and a subtle white pepper note add unexpected complexity. A gentle anise undertone weaves through the back end, keeping it layered rather than one-dimensional.Finish: Medium in length with lingering baking-spice warmth and a clean honey sweetness. The cinnamon persists alongside a faint vanilla tail that fades smoothly.How to Drink Siesta Key SpicedNeat or over a single large ice cube is the best way to appreciate the whole-spice infusion and honey sweetness. Its 70-proof strength also makes it a versatile cocktail base. A Dark 'n' Stormy benefits from the real cinnamon and cardamom notes, which amplify ginger beer's spice. A Rum Old Fashioned works exceptionally well here — the built-in honey and baking spice reduce the need for added sweetener. A Hot Buttered Rum is a natural match, as the nutmeg and brown sugar character mirrors the classic recipe's traditional flavors.Best For Upgrading from mainstream spiced rums to a craft alternative with real-spice infusion Gifting a rum enthusiast who values transparent, small-batch production Autumn and winter cocktail sessions featuring warm, spice-forward drinks Introducing friends to Florida's growing artisan spirits scene Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Siesta Key Spiced taste like? It delivers prominent cinnamon and cardamom up front, followed by vanilla, butterscotch, nutmeg, and a touch of tropical fruit, all rounded out by natural honey sweetness.How does Siesta Key Spiced compare to Captain Morgan? Captain Morgan Original Spiced is a column-still rum with added flavoring at 35% ABV, while Siesta Key Spiced is pot-distilled and infused with real whole spices and honey with no artificial ingredients. Reviewers frequently describe Siesta Key as a noticeable step up in complexity and authenticity.Is Siesta Key Spiced good for sipping neat? Yes — the real-spice infusion and honey sweetness create enough depth and balance to enjoy it neat or on the rocks without any mixer.Where is Siesta Key Spiced made? It is produced by Drum Circle Distilling in Sarasota, Florida, using Florida sugarcane molasses distilled in a pot still on site.What foods pair well with Siesta Key Spiced? Pumpkin pie and its nutmeg-cinnamon profile is a near-perfect match. Grilled pineapple benefits from the rum's tropical fruit undertone. Pecan pralines echo the brown sugar and vanilla notes. Dark chocolate truffles contrast the honey sweetness, and jerk chicken mirrors the allspice and white pepper spice.What sizes does Siesta Key Spiced come in? The standard retail size is 750ml.Is Siesta Key Spiced worth the price? It positions as a premium craft spiced rum, priced above mass-market brands but justified by pot-still production, whole-spice infusion, real honey sweetening, and consistent critical acclaim including a 91-point Wine Enthusiast rating.Why Siesta Key Spiced?The spiced rum category is crowded with artificially flavored products that lean on caramel color and synthetic vanilla. Siesta Key Spiced stands apart because every batch involves physically weighing and steeping real spices in pot-distilled Florida rum, then finishing with honey — a process no major brand replicates at scale. The results speak through the accolades: a 91-point Wine Enthusiast "Best Buy," six straight Best Spiced Rum of the Year wins from Caribbean Journal, and a Best in Class medal at the RumXP International Tasting Competition. For anyone serious about tasting genuine spice rather than flavoring, this is one of the most decorated and transparent options available in the American craft rum market.
