Post #203315 by I dream of tiki on Thu, Dec 15, 2005 6:38 PM

Oh boy, oh Boy, OH BOY! :music: RUUUUMMM!!! :music:

Found 2 stores in Key Largo with nice stock surprises.
The first one, Tradewinds Liquors, is in the Publix & K-Mart shopping plaza. It next to Public by the cul-de-sac toward the back.

Tradewinds Liquors Inc
101443 Overseas Hwy
Key Largo, FL 33037
phone (305) 451-5958
fax (305) 451-3168

owner/manager: Esther Thaler

The fellow behind the counter was very nice. Found a plentiful supply of El Dorado in all ages, 5, 12 and 15. He was quite proud to keep it in stock. Also had a healthy selection of Marie Brizard Creme de cacao, creme de casis, orange curacao, Apry, Grand Orange, Triple Sec, etc. Other goodies include: Sailor Jerry, Ron Pampero Anniversario, Ron Zacapa Centario, Pyrat Pistol, etc. Also had some hard to find brandies like Fundador and Presidente. A worthy find.

Next up is Denny's Liquors on Mile Marker 100, which is fairly north in the Keys to those who have never been. The sign reads as Denny's Discount Liquors. There's a cuban cafe right next door.

Denny's Liquors
Mile Marker 100
Key Largo, FL 33037
phone (305) 451-2667
Fax (305) 451-1063

purchaser: Arnaldo Diaz

The rum selection was just huge. I saw rum that I've never seen before there, such as Colombian anejo, Trinidadian rum, more Venezuelan rum, etc. They too had El Dorado, but just the 15 year. Sailor Jerry in 2 sizes. Had all three Santa Theresa rums from Venezuela in the regular size bottles AND airplane minis: Santa Teresa Orange Rum, Santa Teresa Gran Reserva (Ron Anejo), and Santa Teresa 1796 Ron Antiguo de Solera. Had a larger than normal anejo selection that was cheap. I bought the Santa Fe anejo from Colombia. Had a few others I rarely see like Mt. Gay Extra Old & Pyrat Pistol. Also had a nice Marie Brizzard selection in the liqueurs area that was equal to the other store. Lots of airplane minis, allowing me to try a bunch before going whole hog with the larger bottles. I thinkg its the best rum selection I've seen in all four counties of this side of Florida.

Two places definately worth a stroll on one's way down to or up from the keys.

My last toss in the hat is no where as big of a score, but beats driving to Key Largo to get a decent selection Marie Brizard liqueurs or Sailor Jerry. Have a couple of sipping rums like Ron Zacapa Centenario 15 year and 23 year. Its got some things I havent seen at he local ABC or Crown Wine & Spirits.

UPDATE: 12/17/2005
Scouted it out again. They had Pyrat Planters XO Gold, Santa Teresa Gran Reserva (Ron Anejo), Santa Teresa 1796 Ron Antiguo de Solera, Sea Wynde, Mt. Gay Sugar Cane, etc. Surprisingly, Ron Zacapa Centenario 15 and Ron Pampero Anniversario have been pretty common in all the places I'm frequenting. One of the few places I know carrying Sailor Jerry up here.

A1A Fine Wine & Spirits
1536 S Federal Hwy
Delray Beach, FL 33483
(561) 276-3838
They are a bit pricier than the average store, but the sign says they'll beat others prices. Haggle!

I'm learning swiftly that its the mom & pop places that have the hard to find stuff. Will post more as I find more. Happy rum hunting.

EDITED: removed opinion on Ron Centenario Anejo Reserva. I've completely changed my opinion on it since I first tasted it.

[ Edited by: I dream of tiki 2006-08-23 08:31 ]