Tropical Distillers opens Miami distillery

Liqueur producer Tropical Distillers has opened a distillery in Miami, Florida, complete with a 30-seat bar and gift shop.

The 8,000-square-foot site, located in the Allapattah neighbourhood, had been due to open in December 2021.

The space includes a fully automated distillery with an in-house cannery, a 30-seat bar and tasting room, and a gift shop selling merchandise and distillery-exclusive products.

The facility produces the JF Haden’s Craft Liqueurs range, which includes mango, citrus, and coffee-flavoured variants. Several more products are also in development.

The distillery is a joint venture between Tropical Distillers’ original brand partner and CEO, Buzzy Sklar; brand partners Mike and Maurkice Pouncey, who are both former NFL professionals; and luxury realtor Kim Rodstein.

“Tropical Distillers doesn’t fit any mould, we are one-of-a-kind in Miami offering locals and visitors alike a unique cocktail destination that is not only entertaining and tasteful, but also educational,” said Sklar.

“Our distillery pays tribute to the city we love so much, from the all-natural ingredients we use to the decor.”

On Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm to midnight, guests will be able to try cocktails including the Cafecito Martini, Floridian Martini and an array of frozen drinks.

Tropical Distillers also has a 1,500-square-foot outdoor deck with additional seating and access to local food trucks.

Guided tours costs US$25 and are available from Thursday to Sunday at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. The experience includes a tasting of five products and pick-up from locations in Miami.