Troy Roberts is the founder/CEO and Head Distiller of Drum Circle Distilling, a Sarasota company which creates handcrafted UXPV��+H� HQWHUHG� WKH�ÀHOG� MXVW� VHYHQ�\HDUV�DJR��MXPSLQJ�LQWR�WKH�ZRUOG�RI�UXP�ZLWK�WKH�enthusiasm of a pirate. In his former life in the corporate world ³RWKHUZLVH� NQRZQ� DV� MDLO³� KH� FRXOG� RQO\�dream of whiling away the hours sitting on the beach waiting for the sun to set, a rum-EDVHG�GULQN�FOXWFKHG�ÀUPO\�LQ�KLV�KDQG��)RU�7UR\�LW�IHOW�OLNH�WKH�ULJKW�ZD\�WR�OLYH��IRU�KLV�early years had been spent on the beaches of Sarasota. He went away from home, as kids so often do, and took a few side trips before his HYHQWXDO�UHWXUQ�WR�6DUDVRWD���$Q�DGYHQWXURXV�VRXO��KH�VHUYHG�D�VWLQW�DV�D�'HQYHU�VNL�EXP��and another as a sailor in Santa Cruz. He HYHQ� WULHG� WKH� ZRUOG� RI� IUR]HQ� \RJXUW��becoming a store owner in Portland Oregon. � )LQDOO\�7UR\�EXFNOHG�GRZQ� IRU� WHQ�\HDUV�of hard work at Compuwear Corporation, ZKHUH� KH� VHUYHG� DV� 'LUHFWRU� RI� 3URGXFW�Management. Through all those boxed-in
software years he kept dreaming of returning to the beaches of Sarasota, staring at those high-drama sunsets, and sipping one more cup of liquid magic. Troy bailed out of the corporate rat race in 1999, and VWDUWHG� VHYHUDO� ZHEVLWHV� IRU�sports car fans. They were quite successful, and he sold them in 2007 to a bigger company. He had returned to Sarasota in 2003 to kick off his shoes and walk barefoot once again on the IDEOHG�VDQGV�RI�6LHVWD�.H\���$ORQJ�the way he reconnected with his high school sweetheart, the ORYHO\�1DQFL� 9DWRYHN�� WR�ZKRP�he is now engaged. Troy had four ER\V� IURP� D� SUHYLRXV� PDUULDJH��DQG�1DQFL�KDG�WZR��7KHVH�WZR�IDPLOLHV�ZHUH�now blended together. With the sports car websites sold, Troy found himself with time and money on his hands. He had an abundance of energy, and
it happened that he liked to bake. Rum cakes ZHUH�KLV�VSHFLDOW\��DQG�KH�EULHÁ\�WR\HG�ZLWK�the idea of starting a rum cake company.
NOVEMBER 2014 | 941.349.0194 | ISLAND VISITOR PUBLISHING, LLC | www.SiestaSand.net | COMPLIMENTARY
©
GetOnBoardSiestaKey.com
Paddleboard Rentals On Siesta Key
941-349-8500
2 Hours $20 w/this ad!
The Man Behind Siesta Key’s Signature RumBy Diana Colson
LOCAL MAPS & INFORMATION See Page 17
THE HIGH-TECHART OFPETER STANICKHe is a master of thePop Art style...Read more on page 29
BOATYARDWATERFRONTBAR & GRILLWaterfront dining thatdoes not disappoint...Read more on page 8
Why the world comes to Sarasota
Siesta Key Beach improvements top Key upgrades Siesta Key Beach’s new east concess ion bui ld ing i s be ing FRQVWUXFWHG����IHHW� DERYH� WKH� VDQG��WR�PHHW�ÁRRG�HOHYDWLRQ�UHTXLUHPHQWV�� The structure will include a YLHZLQJ�GHFN� IRU�ZDWFKLQJ� VXQVHWV��offering what Sarasota County Public :RUNV�3URMHFW�0DQDJHU�%UDG�*DXEDW]�GHVFULEHV�DV�D�IDEXORXV�YLHZ�� ,Q�DGGLWLRQ�� WKH�YLHZ� ORRNLQJ�XS�won’t be bad either, considering the building will bring an air of modern architecture to Siesta’s public beach. The $21.5 million Siesta Beach Park ,PSURYHPHQW�3URMHFW��ZKLFK�LV�EHLQJ�constructed in phases, will also bring a second concession node, expanded UHVWURRPV��WZR�SDYLOLRQV��DQG�VKDGH�canopies—all constructed in the same DUFKLWHFWXUDO�YHLQ� Continued on page 30
Continued on page 19
By Roger Drouin
In an age where customer service has taken a back seat to business practices that favor automated voice messaging systems or offer subpar service due to cutbacks, it’s refreshing to come across a business that’s built their reputation on a customer-focused approach. Co-owners of Discount Computers, Inc., Amelia and Doug Manning have developed a strong customer base over the past 25 years doing just that – answering questions and
providing exceptional customer service. That’s quite an accomplishment when you consider all the big box computer stores that have come and gone. It’s telling when you get third and fourth-time buyers. That doesn’t
KDSSHQ� XQOHVV� WKH� FXVWRPHU� LV� VDWLVÀHG���,W·V� DOVR� D� FRQÀUPDWLRQ� WKDW� WKH\·UH� GRLQJ�something right - that something includes perks such as their FREE and unlimited “Lifetime” education, a service department
second to none, and being an environmentally FRQVFLRXV�FRPSDQ\�DPRQJ�RWKHU�EHQHÀWV�� You can call or stop in during business hours (Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) knowing one of the owners or one of their expert staff will be on hand to trouble-shoot any problems you’ve encountered. At Discount Computers, Inc., they recognize the IT market is constantly evolving so stay up-to-date with the latest trends and information. They willingly share their combined deep database of knowledge with their customers. And, their mantra of “Your
local computer store with excellent service” keeps them focused on what is important. � :KHWKHU�\RX·UH�D�ÀUVW�WLPH�EX\HU�RU�KDYH�been with them from the start, it doesn’t matter if your computer is old or new, Discount Computers, Inc., has no expiration date on that customer-centered, small business feel they provide their patrons. This must be what keeps consumers coming back for more.
Discount Computers, Inc. 6524 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
941-925-2215www.dcisrq.com
Independent Computer Store Continues to Flourish after 25 Years
NOTES FROM THEISLAND FISHMONGER“ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION” Page 21
MEET OURBARTENDER OF THE MONTH - PHILLIPPage 23
WHO’S PLAYING TONIGHTPage 22
Drinks of Siesta Key, Siesta Key is famous worldwide. There are two drinks that carry the Siesta Key name,
both are exceptional.Read more about Siesta Key Soda on page 18.
Rendering of the shade canopies to be addedContinued on page 27
� 1RYHPEHU� LV� D� PRQWK� ÀOOHG�ZLWK� WKUHH� PDMRU� HYHQWV�� 7KH�Sandfest Party, Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting competition and Light Up WKH�9LOODJH�
Sandfest Party� ,W·V� WKH� ��WK� $QQXDO� 6LHVWD� .H\�Chamber Sandfest 2014 Hoedown Party at the Siesta Key Beach 3DYLOLRQ�²�����%HDFK�5RDG��� 7KH�HYHQW�LV�VFKHGXOHG�IRU�)ULGD\��1RYHPEHU� �WK�� IURP� �²��� SP��&RPH�HQMR\�D�QLJKW�RXW�ZLWK�PXVLF��dancing and “gourmet” cowboy FXLVLQH�SURYLGHG�E\�6LHVWD�.H\�DUHD�restaurants. Cost is $25 per person for members, and $30 for non-members. )RU� UHVHUYDWLRQV� FDOO� ��������������So wear your best cowboy hat and boots and come on down for some country grub and entertainment.
Annual Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpting
Competition � 7KLV�JUHDW�HYHQW�LV�QRZ�LQ�LWV��WK�\HDU�� � -RLQ� XV� WKLV� 1RYHPEHU� ��WK�WKURXJK� ��WK� IRU� ZKDW� SURPLVHV�to be a spectacular experience watching sand sculptures rise from the sands on Siesta beach. Our Siesta Key sand is considered the best natural beach sand for sculpting because of its unique composition which consists of 99% quartz crystals. Twenty-four of the ‘‘TOP” master sculptors from around the world will compete for $15,000 in SUL]H� PRQH\� DQG� WKH� ´&5<67$/�&/$66,&� � 6&8/37,1*� '28%/(6�TITLE”.
Big Month for Events on Siesta Key
Photo Credit: Sweet Sparkman Architects
The 2014Siesta Key
Crystal ClassicSee Page 25
Light up the Villageand
Holiday ParadeSee Page 36
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HEALTH & FITNESSIndep. Lifestyle Solutions ............... Map-D #10Siesta Key Fitness .............................0DS�%����Studio Rubylakes ...............................Map-B #49ICE CREAM/TREATSBig Olaf Creamery..............................Map-C #52&LDR�*HODWR ..........................................Map-C #50Siesta Key Sweet Shop ........................ Map-D #9SubZero Ice Cream Yogurt .............. Map-D #166XQQL�%XQQL�)UR]HQ�<RJXUW ..............Map-C #53INTERNET / WiFi SERVICES'DYLGVRQ�'UXJV ................................ Map-D #65Internet Cafe ........................................ Map-D #9Lelu Coffee Lounge ............................Map-B #31The Local Bean ................................... Map-D #62JEWELRY&UHDWHG�*HPV .....................................Map-C #510LFKDHO��&R��-HZHOHUV .....................Map-B #290RXQW��1��5HSDLU�-HZHOHUV ...............0DS�%����LIQUOR STORES / FINE WINES*DEELDQR·V�:LQH�&OXE ...................... Map-D #70*LOOLJDQ·V .............................................Map-B #33Siesta Key Wines ..............................0DS�&����The Beach Club .................................. Map-D #22
MAILING - SHIPPINGUPS store ............................................0DS�$����86�3RVW�2IÀFH .................................... Map-D #65MARKETS/FOOD STORES7-11 Store .............................................Map-B #46Circle K Store ........................................Map-E #6Siesta Market .......................................Map-C #25MASSAGEHands of Light Massage ...................Map-B #35Massage Experience Siesta Key .....0DS�'����Massage Therapy .................................Map-E #1Siesta Key Massage Ctr .....................0DS�'���MEDICAL - DENTALDr. Barry LaClair MD ........................Map-C #56E.K. Koster DMD ............................... Map-D #63.DUHQ�)��/HJJHWW��'�2� .......................Map-C #56Sarasota Medical Ctr ......................... Map-D #63Siesta Key Physical Therapy ............ Map-D #20Siesta Smiles Dentistry ......................Map-B #49MISCELLANEOUSChamber of Commerce .................... Map-D #67Roberti Enterprises ...........................0DS�$����6KHULII·V�2IÀFH ..................................... Map-D #97DURW�&DUG�5HDGLQJ��*LIWV ..............Map-C #50PROFESSIONAL SERVICESCG Designs ..........................................0DS�(���(GZDUG�-RQHV�,QYHVWPHQWV ..............0DS�'����6PLWK�$UFKLWHFWV .................................Map-E #74REAL ESTATE / RENTAL SERVICES$VFHQGLD�5HDO�(VWDWH ......................... Map-D #11Coldwell Banker Realty .................... Map-D #20Horizon Realty....................................Map-B #34Island Homes ......................................Map-C #51Key Realty ............................................0DS�(���Michael Saunders Realty .................0DS�(����5H�0D[�$OOLDQFH�*URXS .................. Map-D #60ReMax Tropical Sands ...................... Map-D #67Robasota Rentals & Real Estate ....0DS�$����Siesta Key Realty ................................. Map-D #9Waterside Realty ................................Map-C #29RESTAURANTS314 II, Craft Beer board Room ..........0DS�$����$QRWKHU�%URNHQ�(JJ .................0DS�&��������Beach Bites .........................................0DS�'����Blase Café ...........................................0DS�$����Blu Que Island Grill ........................0DS�&����%RQMRXU�)UHQFK�&DIH ..........................Map-C #47&DIp�*DEELDQR ................................... Map-D #71Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar ..............0DS�%�������Eat Here Restaurant ....................0DS�'�������)ODYLR·V�%ULFN�2YHQ��%DU .................Map-B #29)ODYLR·V�,WDOLDQR�5LVWRUDQWH ...............Map-B #30*LOOLJDQ·V�,VODQG�%DU��*ULOO .............Map-B #33Jo To’s Japanese Restaurant ..............Map-C #47LeLu’s Coffee Bar ...............................Map-B #31Lobster Pot .........................................0DS�&����1DSROL·V�,WDOLDQ�5HVWDXUDQW ...............Map-C #532OG�6DOW\�'RJ�5HVW���3XE ..................Map-E #2Señor Siesta ........................................ Map-D #69Siesta Key Oyster Bar .......................0DS�%����Solorzano Bros. Pizzeria ................... Map-D #15 Subway Sandwiches ..........................Map-B #306XQ�*DUGHQ�&DIp ............................... Map-D #19The Cottage .........................................0DS�&����7KH�+XE���%DMD�*ULOO .......................... Map-D #59Village Café .......................................0DS�'����SPAS - HAIR & BEAUTY1DLOV�%\�,ULV .........................................Map-C #50Salon Capelli ........................................ Map-D #9Sassy Hair Salon ...............................0DS�$����6LHVWD�.H\�1DLOV ................................... Map-D #99LOODJH�%DUEHU ...................................... Map-D #9SPORTS INTEREST/RENTALS&DOL)ORULGD ...........................................Map-B #32Robin Hood Rentals ........................0DS�'����6LHVWD�9LOODJH�2XWÀWWHUV .....................Map-C #53
5128 Ocean Blvd. Siesta Village941-346-7425
www.rickscomfortshoes.com
Bringing you quality and
comfort for more than
30 years!
Birkenstock & More
The Man Behind Siesta Key’s Signature Rum Rum cakes were soon left behind when Troy zeroed in on making his own rum. Under the banner of Drum Circle Distilling, he purchased a still, and began to experiment with the creation of Siesta Key Rum. The beautiful small-batch still he purchased was custom-designed and crafted, and incorporated DQ�H[WHQVLYH�DPRXQW�RI�FRSSHU���&RSSHU�DFWV�WR�VPRRWK�WKH�UXP��UHPRYLQJ�KDUVK�PROHFXOHV� LQ� WKH� UXP�YDSRU�EHIRUH� WKH�UXP� KDV� HYHQ� OHIW� WKH� VWLOO��� $YRLGLQJ�PRUH�HFRQRPLFDO�OLTXLG�ÁDYRULQJV�XVHG�by many lower-priced distilleries, Troy made certain only real ingredients were used in Siesta Key rums. The resulting VSLULWV� ZHUH� UHÀQHG� DQG� IXOO�ÁDYRUHG���He soon was producing what the Miami New Times�FDOOHG��´3UREDEO\�WKH�WDVWLHVW�rum in the world.” � )DVFLQDWHG�E\�WKH�DUW�RI�PDNLQJ�UXP��7UR\�GHYHORSHG�DOO�KLV�RZQ�UHFLSHV�IRU�Drum Circle Distilling. He bought only WKH�KLJKHVW�JUDGH�LQJUHGLHQWV��PRODVVHV�PDGH�IURP�)ORULGD�VXJDUFDQH��VSHFLDOW\�yeast, local honey, real spices and fresh toasted coconut. By 2010, the business had taken off, and he took on two partners, both longtime friends. Tom
Clarke had a background in computers, KDYLQJ� UXQ� WKH� GDWDEDVHV� IRU� D� 3DXO�$OOHQ� VWDUWXS� LQ� 6HDWWOH�� 7RGD\� KH� LV�COO of Drum Circle Distilling, and responsible for administering the business on a day-to-day basis. Ryan $GDPV� ZDV� D� FR�IRXQGHU� RI� VHYHUDO�sports car websites with Troy Roberts in the late 90’s. Today he’s in charge of ´4XDOLW\� $VVXUDQFHµ�� ZKLFK� WUDQVODWHV�to his frequent samplings of Siesta Key Rums. � 7ZR�RWKHU�SOD\HUV�VHUYH�RQ�WKH�'UXP�&LUFOH� 'LVWLOOLQJ� WHDP�� 7KH� ÀUVW� LV� -LP�Roberts, Troy’s Dad, who acts as Chief Engineer. He’s known as the man who can build almost anything, including the barrel racks and tasting room. Jim was a champion formula car racer in his \RXQJHU� \HDUV�� DQG� DQ� DYLG� FUXLVHU� LQ�both sail and motor boats. � 7KH� ÀQDO� SOD\HU� LV� 1DQFL� 9DWRYHF��7UR\·V�ÀDQFpH�ZKR�KHOSV�UXQ�WKH�WDVWLQJ�room, labels bottles, creates art, works as a design consultant, walks the beach, FRRNV�� DQG� NHHSV� WUDFN� RI� WKH� ÀYH�HQHUJHWLF� VRQV� ZKR� VWLOO� OLYH� DW� KRPH��WKH�\RXQJHVW�LQ��WK�JUDGH��$�ZHGGLQJ�LV�planned in March, 2015.
� 6HYHUDO�GLIIHUHQW�YDULHWLHV�RI�UXP�DUH�SURGXFHG� E\� 'UXP� &LUFOH� 'LVWLOOLQJ��*ROG�� 6LOYHU�� DQG� 6SLFHG� 5XP�� DQG�D� OLPLWHG� HGLWLRQ� 'LVWLOOHU·V� 5HVHUYH���$OO� RI� WKHP� DUH� DZDUG� ZLQQHUV�� ZLWK�Siesta Key Spiced Rum garnering the most prizes. Cooking Light magazine has called it “Dangerously Drinkable.” Wine Enthusiast magazine awarded it 91 points, and labeled it as “Best Buy.” Garden and Gun magazine called it “as smooth as beach glass.” Caribbean Journal�ZURWH�� ´7KH� VPDOO�EDWFK� VSLFHG�rum made in Sarasota continues to amaze.” � �6LHVWD�.H\·V�'LVWLOOHU·V�5HVHUYH�6ROHUD�Blend ages in barrels in a traditional solera method, meaning that the oldest UXP� LV� QHYHU� IXOO\� HPSWLHG� IURP� WKH�barrel. The result is unique special VSLFHG� UXP� EHVW� HQMR\HG� QHDW� RU� RQ�LFH�� LQIXVHG� ZLWK� WKH� ÁDYRUV� RI� VSLFH��cinnamon, pumpkin, nutmeg and caramel.��6LHVWD�.H\·V�%HHU�%DUUHO�)LQLVK�6SLFHG�Rum is the result of collaborations with craft brewers. Each batch has spent time LQ�EDUUHOV�WKDW�ZHUH�SUHYLRXVO\�XVHG�WR�age craft beers. Since the barrels are all
different, each batch of this rum has its RZQ�GLVWLQFW�ÁDYRU��� %DWFK���RI�WKLV�%HHU�%DUUHO�)LQLVK�ZDV�released in the fall of 2014. The barrels IURP� WKLV�ÀUVW� EDWFK� FDPH� IURP�&LJDU�City Brewing where they held a Belgian 4XDG�FDOOHG�´)RUJRWWHQ�,VODQG�µ� Batch 2 barrels were originally used WR� KROG� 'LVWLOOHU·V� 5HVHUYH� 6SLFHG�Rum. These barrels were then loaned to JDub’s Brewing where they held 6FRWFK� $OH�� 1RZ� WKH� EDUUHOV� DUH�back at Drum Circle Distilling where they are putting a Beer %DUUHO� )LQLVK� RQ� D� QHZ� EDWFK� RI�Spiced Rum. � 6LHVWD�.H\�*ROG�5XP�LV�DJHG�LQ�FKDUUHG� $PHULFDQ� RDN� EDUUHOV� WR�bring out its wonderful color and YDQLOOD�QRWHV��7KLV�LV�D�KLJK�TXDOLW\��VPRRWK�DQG�ÁDYRUIXO�UXP�ZKLFK�LV�WUXO\�D�ODERU�RI�ORYH�� You can try all these products out at The Drum Circle Distilling 7DVWLQJ� 5RRP� DQG� *LIW� 6KRS��/RFDWHG�DW������,QGXVWULDO�%OYG���LW�LV�RSHQ�VHYHUDO�DIWHUQRRQV�D�ZHHN�IRU�sampling and tours.www.drumcircledistilling.com
Continued from cover story
