Making It Big in Little River

Any keen observer of the 305 knows that something special is happening in Little River. Sure, much attention has been given to places like Wynwood and the Design District for the better part of a decade, but entrepreneurs and creatives are now increasingly eyeing this little enclave tucked neatly along the City of Miami's northern border.

Two years ago, Icelandic spirits guru Kristjan Olafsson recognized the potential here when he established Little River Distillery, which, as it turns out, was a rather profitable decision.

Rum - the production, aging, and trade of it - has a rich history in the Caribbean and South America. Little River Distillery places Miami right in the thick of it with its 12,000 square foot facility and 250 barrel capacity reaching into nine international markets. Under the supervision of renowned Venezuelan rum master José Pérez Cárdenas, their rums are meticulously distilled and barrel-aged on site.

Of course, Little River Distillery isn't simply a production facility, it's a place that actively invites observation and experience. Rum and spirits enthusiasts can take a distillery tour and even participate in regularly scheduled tastings in their charming, intimate, apothecary-themed tasting room and bar, and can purchase bottled rum to take home with them. The tasting room can also play host to small private events. Aiming to make Little River even more of a destination, a rum museum is also in the works to provide an interactive guide to the Caribbean roots of the rum trade and insights into the modern craft distilling process.

Little River Distillery rums are also available for corporate branding opportunities, providing a unique opportunity for local business partnerships and promotions.

As Little River becomes an increasingly attractive location in Miami to set up shop, Little River Distillery will continue to be an example of why that's the case.