When an island famous for day drinking is about to commemorate the anniversary of the “Conch Republic,” it’s only fitting that the libation of choice comes from fruit grown in the Republic itself.
Mutiny Island Vodka, along with Big Pine Key-based orchard Grimal Grove and Key West Legal Rum Distillery, will sponsor the 43rd annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration, a 10-day fest from April 18-27 overflowing with family-friendly activities, local culture and adventures across land and sea to commemorate the endeavors of individuals pivotal to Key West’s history.
“We are very excited to be a part of this event as it is a really great way for people to show their Conch pride,” said Mutiny Vodka program director Roger Haines. “There are so many fun events planned including community and beach cleanups, pub crawls, costume contests, honors to Captain Finbar, and we are really looking forward to the pajama party that will be held at Sloppy Joe’s.”
The Conch Republic, a whimsical micronation, originated from the 1982 secession of Key West from the United States on April 23, 1982. The unconventional act arose in response to a disruptive U.S. Border Patrol roadblock that crippled traffic and tourism within the Florida Keys. Following unsuccessful legal challenges, then-Mayor Dennis Wardlow boldly declared secession, staged a symbolic “attack” on a U.S. Coast Guard vessel, then surrendered while humorously requesting foreign aid. The protest ultimately achieved its goal, leading to the roadblock’s removal and the playful creation of the “Conch Republic.”
Central to Mutiny’s distinct product is the breadfruit from which it is distilled, grown in part at Grimal Grove under the watch of owner Patrick Garvey. Blended with Caribbean rainwater, it is distilled in St. Croix at the Sion Farm Distillery.
“This is going to be an amazing 10 days,” Garvey said. “We are (also) heavily involved with the pub crawl on April 19, which involves around 100 people and eight different bars on Duval Street. It’s also a commemoration of Captain Finbar, who was a pretty famous captain in Key West. … He had done tons of humanitarian work for islands all over the Caribbean after hurricanes and natural disasters. He was a very interesting Conch who passed away this past December, so it will be nice to honor him.”
Mutiny Island Vodka will contribute to the organization of numerous events throughout the festival, headlined by the “world’s largest virtual toast” to bring together revelers in the Southernmost City with digital visitors on Wednesday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Sunset Pier. Live entertainment is scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m., with Captain Finbar’s Crossing the Bar Farewell Ceremony set for 5:30 p.m. All bars and restaurants throughout the Keys and across the world are invited to participate in the live-streamed event, with details available at conchrepublic.com/virtual-toast. A $10 donation for inclusion in the toast will help fund restorations of the schooner Wolf, built from scratch by Finbar.
More information is at conchrepublic.com, mutinyislandvodka.com and grimalgrove.com.
