Episode 646 | 12.29.21
A distillery with a mission in Miami 🥃
About Our Guest
Matt Malone
CEO / FOUNDER
The Miami Distilling Company
It was during a visit to Mayagüez, Puerto Rico ten years ago that Matt Malone found out his family had been in the distilling business for five generations dating back to 1911 — more than 100 years ago. His inspiration for Miami Club Rum was instant: “I had got to keep this going for my children!” Malone said. Soon after his return, he left his successful life as a salesman and set the wheels in motion to begin a new venture. Five years later, he found a home for Destilería Canéca, LLC, the first Miami-based distillery with operations in Wynwood.
Miami Club Rum launched on February 2012, as the city’s first premium rum. Because of the extraordinary efforts Malone made to keep it a local affair, using South Florida sugarcane and other local ingredients, the production was recognized by Mayor Tomas Regalado.
Malone was set not only in making a quality product, but to involve the community in the process as well. Naturally, the local business was bound to provide jobs and opportunities in the city, but he pushed it a step further by teaming up with prominent businessman and recognized philanthropist Michael W. Kesti, who spearheaded a non-profit organization that aided families in the city’s developing neighborhoods.