I've Brought the Pitorro! Lugo's Craft Distillery: From Puerto Rican Tradition to Lakeland's Spirit Revolution

There’s a cherished tradition in Puerto Rico, when your cousin or uncle bursts through the door and announces, “I’ve brought the pitorro,” you know the party is about to begin. Pitorro, the island’s answer to American moonshine, is more than just a drink; it’s the heart of party culture, crafted in backyard stills and infused with fruit, then aged to perfection. Every region has its own recipe, and every family has their own secret method. Lugo’s Craft Distillery has carried this legacy from Puerto Rico to Lakeland, via Kentucky, blending heritage with innovation. What sets Lugo’s apart is its family ownership and commitment to natural ingredients, aging their spirits for months—sometimes over a year—to achieve an exceptionally smooth rum.

For many Puerto Ricans, pitorro is more than a beverage; it’s a symbol of togetherness, celebration, and the passing down of tradition. The ritual of making pitorro, often in secrecy and with a sense of mischief, is as much about the process as it is about the product. Fruits are carefully selected, recipes are whispered from one generation to the next, and the anticipation builds as the liquor ages on the shelf. It’s a communal experience, one that brings families and friends together, and it’s this spirit of connection that Lugo’s Craft Distillery has sought to recreate in Lakeland.

It felt serendipitous to book a tour of Lugo’s Craft Distillery on Valentine’s Day. On this day of romance and connection, my husband Dwight and I joined six others for a one-hour tour to hear the story of Lugo’s origins and its journey to becoming a local favorite. The distillery itself is nestled in a part of Lakeland that has become a hub for craft beverage enthusiasts, and the atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation as we gathered for the tour.

Our tour guide welcomed us with a warm smile and immediately set the tone for an afternoon of discovery and camaraderie. He began by recounting the Lugo family’s journey—from their roots in Puerto Rico, through their immersion in Kentucky’s bourbon culture, to their eventual arrival in Lakeland in 2019. Just before the pandemic hit, the family made the bold decision to set up shop, and when faced with the challenges of COVID-19, they pivoted to produce hand sanitizer for the community. Firemen, hospitals, and first responders benefited from their quick thinking and generosity, and Lugo’s quickly became known not just for their spirits, but for their commitment to supporting the community.

Led by Co-Founder Peter Lugo, the family operates like a well-oiled machine. Peter brings corporate expertise, honed through years in business, and his passion and drive are evident in every aspect of the distillery. Christian Lugo, with a degree in chemistry, serves as Master Distiller, meticulously overseeing the production process to ensure each batch meets the family’s exacting standards. Ana Lugo manages administration, keeping the business running smoothly, while Anamarie Lugo, a Fortune 500 advertising executive, leads marketing and advertising. Each member’s talents complement the others, creating a harmonious and passionate team that is deeply invested in their products.

As the tour progressed, we were led through the production area to learn the intricacies of the distilling process. Lugo’s isn’t your typical distillery; each of their three spirits undergoes four distilling processes, with Puerto Rican rum at the core. The result is a premium blend of real fruits and floral notes, especially in their signature pitorro. Spirits like Riskey Rum, spiced with seven secret ingredients and aged in barrels, evoke warmth. Liberatalia, their tribute to the age of pirates, features thoughtful packaging, a pirate map and ship insignia. The family’s attention to detail is evident everywhere, from the periodic table mural to speakeasy-style lamps. Every element is intentional, designed for a spectacular experience.

The tour concluded in an intimate tasting room, where we sampled eight distinct spirits. The space became a hub for sharing stories, one sip at a time. We learned the proper tasting technique: half a shot, hold, drink, breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth. The spirits’ smoothness surprised me; unlike other cocktails, there was no harsh aftertaste. Lugo’s left no heavy feeling or headache. The reactions from fellow guests were delightful, one couple from Ybor City reminisced about Puerto Rico. The experience felt whimsical, as if we’d stepped into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Lugo’s has perfected their process, making each beverage a treat.

The tasting room itself was a feast for the senses. The walls were adorned with murals and memorabilia that paid homage to both science, a nod to Christian’s chemistry background, and tradition, while the banquet tables, illuminated by soft lighting, created an atmosphere that was both cozy and sophisticated. As we sipped our samples, laughter echoed around the table and the scent of spices lingered in the air. Each spirit told its own story, and the conversations flowed as freely as the drinks.

One of the highlights of the tasting was the Nutella Coquito, a creamy, decadent spirit that instantly transported us to childhood memories of candy bars and holiday gatherings. Dwight and I exclaimed in unison, “It tastes like a liquid Almond Joy!” The other guests joined in the chorus of delight, and for a moment, it felt as though we had all been invited into the Lugo family’s kitchen, sharing in their secrets and savoring the fruits of their labor. The communal nature of the tasting was palpable; strangers became friends, and the stories we shared were as much a part of the experience as the spirits themselves.

As the afternoon unfolded, we were encouraged by our tour guide to reflect on the traditions that had brought us together. He asked, “Have you ever tasted a spirit that reminded you of a holiday?” For many of us, the answer was yes. Riskey Rum, with its seven secret spices and barrel-aged warmth, conjured memories of Christmas pudding and festive gatherings. Liberatalia, with its piratethemed packaging, sparked conversations about adventure and exploration. Each spirit was a celebration of both heritage and innovation, and the Lugo family’s commitment to quality was evident in every sip.

The Lugo family’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and connection. Their ability to adapt during challenging times, their dedication to supporting the community, and their passion for crafting exceptional spirits have made Lugo’s Craft Distillery a beloved fixture in Lakeland. The distillery is more than a place to sample rum, it’s a gathering space, a hub for storytelling, and a testament to the power of tradition.

As we raised our glasses together, it became clear that every sip at Lugo’s Craft Distillery is more than a taste—it’s a shared moment, a story, and a celebration of connection. The experience lingered long after the last drop was savored. As we left the distillery, we carried with us not just bottles of Nutella Coquito, but memories of laughter, friendship, and the enduring spirit of Puerto Rican tradition.

For those seeking a unique tasting experience, Lugo’s offers one-hour distillery tours and tastings every Saturday, register online. You can find their products at Publix Liquors, Total Wine & More, and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Puerto Rican rum or a newcomer to the world of craft spirits, Lugo’s invites you to join their celebration, to raise a glass, share a story, and become part of their ever-growing community.

LUGO’S CRAFT DISTILLERY

2500 Drane Field Road, Lakeland

863-816-3330

lugosraftspirits.com