St. Augustine Distillery

Chill Out at St. Augustine Distillery

The rustic St. Augustine Distillery is a fun and intriguing adventure to consider when visiting St. Augustine’s Old Town. Originally opened in 1917, this refurbished distillery is the oldest ice manufacturing facility in Florida. St. Augustine Distillery is currently ranked number one in attractions in St. Augustine on Trip Advisor and offers free tours and tastings seven days a week. Located at 112 Riberia Street in the historic Ice Plant building, the tour features a museum, short documentary, and first-hand look into the production of small-batch vodka, gin, rum and Florida’s first bourbon whiskey. Each tour is topped off with a sampling of enticing spirits and an opportunity to shop and explore their extensive gift shop.

St. Augustine Distillery produces exclusive aged bourbon from a grain mash of corn, wheat, and malted barley. Their signature gin and vodka are sourced from a south Florida sugarcane. In September, 2015, St. Augustine Distillery also unveiled their own unique brand of rum. This release of rum is the first of the Discovery Series—a group of limited release expressions created during the development of their flagship rum. Each one was fermented and distilled on site from select regional sugarcane syrups and molasses in St. Augustine Distillery’s own copper pot stills.

St. Augustine Distillery has its’ own mini museum with a collection of displays and artifacts that deliver the story of Florida’s unique distilling history. There are fascinating facts about how the liquor trade in Florida evolved through the Prohibition period. As you tour through the distillery you will encounter a premium view of the operation and towering kegs of aging bourbon. An engaging and knowledgeable tour guide makes your experience at St. Augustine Distillery even more enjoyable as you learn about the passion and commitment of the St. Augustine Distillery team.

After your tour of St. Augustine Distillery’s exclusive production process you will be courted to a roomy tasting bar in the distillery gift shop where you can sip and enjoy complimentary spirits from St. Augustine Distillery’s line of featured liquors. Occasional custom beverages are served and made from scratch with hand-crushed ice and fresh produce grown by local farmers. The tastings are fun and informational—a perfect way to top off your St. Augustine Distillery excursion.

The rustic gift shop is stocked with St. Augustine Distillery’s premium spirits, interesting accessories and gift ideas for friends and relatives. The gift shop also includes everything a bartender could possibly dream of—from copper cups to complete cocktail setups.

St. Augustine Distillery is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with free, guided tours and tastings every half hour. For more information, call 904-825-4962 or visit their official website. Enjoy the historic St. Augustine Distillery’s roots from the 1900’s and taste a bit of Florida’s heritage today!

After chilling out at St. Augustine Distillery you can continue your adventure at the Ice Plant Bar which resides in the same building on the second floor. And don’t forget to take a visit to San Sebastian Winery, another venue for alternative fun that is located just around the corner.