A Florida distillery just reclaimed its crown. Cape Coral’s Wicked Dolphin shot back to first place in USA Today’s 10BEST readers’ poll, marking its return to the top spot since 2019.

“Being recognized as the best craft rum distillery is a tremendous honor,” marketing director Jared Pearlman said per The News-Press. “It speaks directly to the hard work of our team, staff, and ownership.”

In October, the business transformed its old tiki area into the Wicked Garden, an open-air space that mixes drinks and serves food. The grand opening was on Oct. 24, 2025.

Rankings shifted wildly through the years for Wicked Dolphin — four years straight at No. 1 starting in 2016, followed by third place in 2020, second in 2021, fifth in 2022 and 2024, and sixth in 2023.

“We keep working to perfect our craft, put money into the facility and team, and always do our research. It’s really important to have the best product on the market, and I think we do,” Pearlman said.

What started with one rum in 2012 grew into 16 unique spirits. Small batches bubble up in copper stills, using sugar from Florida fields. Each batch ages three to 14 years inside old Kentucky bourbon barrels. These spirits have earned over 60 medals worldwide.

Free tours run Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with expert distillers showing guests around. More than 30,000 people visit yearly.

The Wicked Garden’s first night buzzed with music and food trucks, while guests brought canned goods for the Community Cooperative. Now it’s open noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and tour days, plus special third Thursday events.

Find this award-winning spot at 131 SW 3rd Place in Cape Coral. It’s open from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and tour days.