Sipping on Sunshine: Touring the Wicked Dolphin Distillery in Cape Coral
Are you looking for an exciting experience on your next trip to Cape Coral, Florida? Look no further than the Wicked Dolphin Distillery. This family-owned and operated distillery offers a unique tour experience that combines education, entertainment, and delicious craft spirits. In this article, we will take you on a virtual tour of the Wicked Dolphin Distillery and provide all the information you need to plan your visit.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The History of Wicked Dolphin Distillery
- The Distillery Tour Experience
- Before the Tour
- The Tour Begins
- The Distillation Process
- The Aging Process
- The Wicked Dolphin Spirits
- The Rums
- The Vodka
- The Gin
- The Tasting Room
- The Wicked Dolphin Gift Shop
- Tour Information and Reservations
- Conclusion
- FAQs
The History of Wicked Dolphin Distillery
Wicked Dolphin Distillery was founded in 2012 by JoAnn and Bob Elardo, who were inspired by the abundance of sugarcane in Florida. The Elardos set out to create high-quality craft spirits using locally sourced ingredients. The distillery has since grown to become one of the largest rum producers in Florida, with a range of award-winning rums, vodka, and gin.
The Distillery Tour Experience
Before the Tour
Before the tour, visitors are welcomed into the Wicked Dolphin Gift Shop, where they can browse a wide range of Wicked Dolphin merchandise and purchase bottles of their favorite spirits. Visitors are also invited to grab a cocktail from the Tasting Room bar to enjoy during the tour.
The Tour Begins
The tour begins in the distillery's production area, where visitors can see the distillation and aging process firsthand. Knowledgeable guides provide a detailed explanation of the entire process, from the milling of the sugarcane to the bottling of the finished product.
The Distillation Process
Visitors are introduced to the distillery's custom-built copper pot stills, which are used to distill the fermented sugarcane mash. The guides explain the different components of the still and how they contribute to the flavor of the final product.
The Aging Process
Next, visitors are taken to the aging room, where the Wicked Dolphin rums are aged in American white oak barrels. The guides explain the impact of the barrel's char level and the aging process on the flavor of the rum.
The Wicked Dolphin Spirits
The Rums
Wicked Dolphin produces a range of rums, from light and clear to dark and spiced. Their flagship product is the award-winning Wicked Dolphin Florida Rum, which is made from 100% Florida sugarcane and aged in oak barrels.
The Vodka
Wicked Dolphin Vodka is made from Florida sugarcane and distilled seven times for a smooth, clean taste.
The Gin
Wicked Dolphin's Botanical Gin is infused with local botanicals, including oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, for a unique and refreshing flavor.
The Tasting Room
After the tour, visitors can relax in the Tasting Room and sample a wide range of Wicked Dolphin spirits. Knowledgeable bartenders are on hand to provide recommendations and craft cocktails using Wicked Dolphin products.
The Wicked Dolphin Gift Shop
The Wicked Dolphin Gift Shop offers a wide range of merchandise, including t-shirts, hats, glassware, and bottles of Wicked Dolphin spirits. Visitors can also purchase limited edition spirits that are only available at the distillery.
Tour Information and Reservations
Tours of the Wicked Dolphin Distillery are available Monday through Saturday at various times throughout the day. Reservations are recommended, as tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season. Private tours and group tours are also available by appointment.
Admission to the distillery tour is $12 per person, which includes a guided tour of the production area, a visit to the aging room, and a tasting of Wicked Dolphin spirits. Visitors must be 21 years of age or older to participate in the tour and tasting.
Conclusion
The Wicked Dolphin Distillery offers a unique and educational experience for visitors to Cape Coral, Florida. From the production process to the tasting room, visitors can learn about the craft of distilling while enjoying delicious, locally made spirits. Whether you're a rum aficionado or just looking for a fun activity during your visit to Cape Coral, a tour of the Wicked Dolphin Distillery is a must-do.
FAQs
- Can children participate in the tour? No, visitors must be 21 years of age or older to participate in the tour and tasting.
- How long is the distillery tour? The tour typically lasts around 45 minutes to an hour.
- Can I purchase Wicked Dolphin spirits outside of the distillery? Yes, Wicked Dolphin spirits are available for purchase at liquor stores throughout Florida and online.
- Is the distillery wheelchair accessible? Yes, the distillery is wheelchair accessible.
- Are private tours available? Yes, private tours and group tours are available by appointment.
Mastela Vacations, where we are passionate about more than just providing accommodations. We are dedicated to curating unforgettable experiences for our guests. Our focus extends far beyond simply filling rooms; instead, we strive to help you create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
