Chef Distilled in Key West
RUMS
& SPIRITS
![Key West First Legal Rum owner and distiller Paul Menta gesturing to a still while explaining how he distills rums on a distillery tour](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/942244_ec5abe99082f4b40b8715bac0eadfe07~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_392,h_324,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/942244_ec5abe99082f4b40b8715bac0eadfe07~mv2.jpg)
Visit | Learn | Buy Rum
DISTILLERY
Learn and experience the distilling process firsthand on our FREE tours. Bring the whole family (and your dog!) to enjoy FREE samples of rums and spirits at our two on-site bars, purchase bottles to go, and shop for merchandise.
Distiller & Chef
PAUL MENTA
Culinary gangster, kiteboard enthusiast, and community legend, Paul’s passion for the ocean and crafting salt-cured rum infuses every aspect of our brand. He’s all about charting his own course - in the kitchen, on the water, and in the art of rum-making.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/724065_3434040a49f0462eb6182ad1e9270800~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_310,h_239,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/724065_3434040a49f0462eb6182ad1e9270800~mv2.jpg)
![Key West First Legal Rum owner and distiller Paul Menta holding a barrel in the Key West waters showing how he salt cures his rums](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/542bdd_fde96de99e574a45a355b5b0f515ef6d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_392,h_588,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/542bdd_fde96de99e574a45a355b5b0f515ef6d~mv2.jpg)
Rums Salt-Cured in the Atlantic
OUR PROCESS
Our rums are salt-cured right here in Key West, a process that's entirely unique to our distillery. We take a new American oak barrel down to the ocean, fill it with fresh seawater, and let it swell up overnight. Once the barrel dries out, a delightful salt residue remains that opens up the wood's pores, allowing fantastic flavors to seep into the rum.
We're More Than Just Rum
WE'RE A MOVEMENT
Our fusion of chef expertise with the art of distillation is more than a mere endeavor; it's a flavorful revolution that pays homage to the vibrant history and culture of the Conch Republic.
![Key West First Legal Rum owner and distiller Paul Menta standing by the World's Largest Key Lime Pie](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/942244_90d2858eeb10489b8fb824fc93052b28~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_521,y_0,w_1958,h_1862/fill/w_325,h_309,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/IMG_0833.jpg)
OUR ISLAND
COMMUNITY
The island’s slogan “One Human Family” embodies more than just a core value; it defines our way of life.
![Key West Legal Rum's Old Sour Key Lime Sauce bottles showing we make more than rums](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/542bdd_037d25dce7314b3a8f1da60ea2d1dcc3~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_538,y_0,w_2524,h_2400/fill/w_325,h_309,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/old%20sour%203%20bottles.jpg)
SAUCES, RUM CAKES
& MERCH
Our culinary background and fresh ingredients ensure all products capture the vibrant flavors of Key West.
![IMG_5623.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/724065_e306fe81620e41f4b7794b3374e8db5c~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_289,y_0,w_2154,h_2048/fill/w_325,h_309,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/IMG_5623.png)
![Paul menta](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a00f74_3a84f521145a4e8ba80e61ac0ff345b5~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_891,h_594,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/IMG_5585.jpeg)