NEW KEY WEST RUM HONORS ISLAND’S HAUNTED DOLL

A PORTION OF PROCEEDS BENEFIT KEY WEST ART & HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Ghost Key West. Each bottle is distilled in Key West, at the Key West First Legal Rum Distillery under the watchful eye of local chef and distiller Paul Menta. Made with all natural ingredients and pure Florida cane sugar, the rum is finished with the same spices used traditionally in Key West’s voodoo rituals. The red glow comes from all-natural cinnamon that creates the appearance of flames in the sunlight. In the dark, voodoo spices blend with the rum to create a smooth finish that warms the tongue and soothes even the darkest of souls. Each small batch is chef-distilled and hand-labeled.

The rum is best served chilled, and you should always make sure Robert the Doll gets the first sip.

Is the rum haunted?

Feb. 24 & 25

• Five private Key West gardens will be on display for tours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. The exclusive tours give attendees a rare chance to discover examples of distinctive landscaping and plant-filled outdoor living areas central to the island’seasygoing, nature-oriented lifestyle. For information and tickets, visit Keywestgardenclub.com, call 305-294-3210 or email Conner Boyd at cboyd@groupstar.com

Sunday, Feb. 26

• Impromptu Concerts presents the Aizuri String Quartet, 4 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church on Duval Street, Key West.

Monday. Feb. 27

• The 2023 Waterfront Playhouse Aqua Idol returns after a three-year COVID hiatus. The competition takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for eight consecutive Monday nights at Aqua Nightclub, Feb. 20 & 27, March 6, 13, 20 & 27 and April 3 & 10.

Friday, March 3

• The Department of Health in Monroe County offers a free “Health To You” community event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bernstein Park, Stock Island. All attendees will receive a $10 food gift card while supplies last. Doctors, nurses and staff members will offer free health screenings, vaccines, blood pressure checks, free bike helmets, free condoms, nicotine patches and Narcan. No health insurance or appointment required.

Saturday, March 4

Robert the Doll had a busy year – between museum visitors, ghost tour guests, his documentary on Discovery+, and more than 5 million views on Sam & Colby’s YouTube channel. Even Joe Rogan is talking about Key West’s haunted doll.

But Robert has a new spirit keeping him company — Robert the Doll’s Voodoo Spiced Red Rum.

The rum is a collaborative effort between Key West Art & Historical Society, Key West’s First Legal Rum Distillery, and

A bottle did move across the table of the distillery on its own when the first bottle was being filled. A miniature Robert Doll took a dive into a rum rinse barrel when bottling was complete, and alarms sounded at the distillery the night the first batch was bottled. Someone entered the property after hours, but ran off when they saw Robert the Doll. We’re pretty sure this means Robert approves.

No permission is required to drink Robert the Doll’s Voodoo Spiced Red, and every purchase benefits Key West Art & Historical Society. Bottles are now available for human possession at Key West First Legal Rum Distillery in Key West and online.

More information is at ghostkeywest.com/rum.

— Contributed

• The Friends of the Key West Library will hold an outdoor book sale in the library’s Palm Garden, 700 Fleming St. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. In case of heavy wind or rain, the sale will be postponed. Please check the Key West library’s Facebook page for details.

• 20th annual Garden Fest at Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden features an exhibition and sale of rare plants, fine arts and crafts. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 5210 College Road, Stock Island. Admission is free.

• Key West Preschool Co-op presents its 33rd annual Spring Fair, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the preschool, 2610 Flagler Ave. The event features bounce houses, inflatable obstacle courses, a dunk tank, live entertainment, belly dancers, silent auction and a vendor village. (To nominate a notable Key West person for the dunk tank, email KWPCspringfairchair@gmail.com.)

Wednesday, March 8

• Author R. Kevin Mallison discusses his nonfiction book, “Alarm in the Firehouse: A Memoir of America’s First Openly Gay Professional Firefighter,” at 6 p.m, at the Key West Library, 700 Fleming St. Admission is free. Seating is limited.

Sunday, March 12

• Anne McKee Artists Fund Fine Art Auction at The Studios of Key West features fine artwork, gourmet hors d’oeuvres and champagne. Doors open at 6:15 and the auction begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person and $60 for VIP seating and can be purchased at mckeefund.org.