St. Augustine Distillery founders Philip McDaniel and Mike Diaz were fascinated with the idea of making craft spirits that utilized local ingredients.

 Finding a place in the nation’s oldest city, big enough to house a distillery, and convenient enough to allow folks to visit and learn about what they are creating, was no small task. The Historic FP&L Ice Plant, which they restored to its historic splendor, now houses their distillery, tasting room and gift shop.

 The founders engaged several industry legends for assistance in releasing the very first bourbon to be put into barrels in the state of Florida since prohibition. Jake Norris, Founding Distiller of Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey developed the mash bill and Dave Pickerell, former Master Distiller of Maker’s Mark, designed the production facility and guided the final blending. Flowdesign was then hired to develop the branding for their new high-end bourbons as well as for their advertising needs.