Profile

Discover the St. Augustine Distillery Tour in Florida

Set inside a restored 1907 ice plant, the St. Augustine Distillery offers one of Florida’s most popular craft spirit experiences. Located in the heart of America’s oldest city, this award-winning, family-owned distillery invites visitors to explore how local grains and sugarcane become world-class bourbon, rum, vodka, and gin.

The free tour walks guests through the working distillery where everything — from milling and mashing to distilling and bottling — happens on site. You’ll see gleaming copper stills, smell freshly ground grains, and sample several handcrafted spirits paired with mini cocktail tastings.

Why it’s special: The St. Augustine Distillery blends rich Florida history with modern craft distilling. It’s a true grain-to-glass operation that champions local agriculture, sustainability, and authentic Southern hospitality — a must-see stop for any spirits lover.

History of the St. Augustine Distillery

The St. Augustine Distillery opened in 2014 in the historic Florida Power & Ice Plant, a century-old industrial landmark restored to its original brick and steel glory. Founded by a group of passionate locals, the distillery’s mission is to revive small-batch spirit production in Florida using 100% locally sourced ingredients.

Today, it’s one of the most awarded craft distilleries in the Southeast, known for its Florida Straight Bourbon, New World Gin, and Florida Cane Vodka — all produced on site in small batches with a focus on craftsmanship and community.

What You’ll See & Do on the St. Augustine Distillery Tour

Walk through the working production floor and see the copper pot stills in action.
Learn about grain milling, mashing, fermentation, and distillation from expert guides.
Sample handcrafted spirits including bourbon, gin, rum, and vodka.
Enjoy complimentary cocktail tastings, such as Old Fashioneds or gin tonics made with house mixers.
Explore the historic Ice Plant building, beautifully preserved with original architecture.
Visit the on-site retail store to browse bottles, barware, and locally made mixers.

Hands-On Elements: Free spirit and cocktail tastings; occasional seasonal mixology events.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography welcome throughout the distillery and shop areas.
Souvenirs & Extras: Bottle shop, local merchandise, cocktail kits, and bar accessories available for purchase.

Pricing of the St. Augustine Distillery Tour

Admission: Free (includes guided tour and tasting)
Private Tours & Classes: Starting at $25 per person (includes cocktail or mixology experience)
Groups (10+): Reservations recommended

Practical Info for Visiting St. Augustine Distillery

Duration: 45–60 minutes
Format: Guided tour with tasting at the end
Schedule & Seasonality: Open daily, 10 AM – 6 PM; tours typically begin every 30 minutes
Audience: Adults 21+, couples, foodies, and craft spirit enthusiasts
Accessibility: Fully accessible facility with elevator access and restrooms
Safety & Restrictions: Must be 21+ to sample alcohol; valid ID required
Languages: English; printed materials available in Spanish
Group & School Visits: Adult group bookings and private cocktail classes available
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable shoes; must present valid photo ID for tastings
Facilities: Tasting bar, retail shop, restrooms, and parking nearby
Closures & Downtime: Closed on major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day)

Nearby

Ice Plant Bar – Craft cocktail bar and restaurant located next door.
Castillo de San Marcos – Historic fort along the waterfront.
Lightner Museum – Art and history museum housed in the former Alcazar Hotel.

FAQs About Visiting St. Augustine Distillery

Is the tour really free?
Yes — the guided distillery tour and tasting are completely free and open to the public.

Do I need a reservation?
No reservations are required for walk-ins, but groups of 10 or more should book in advance.

Are tastings included?
Yes, all tours include free spirit samples and small cocktail tastings.

Can children visit?
Guests under 21 are welcome on the tour but cannot participate in tastings.

Can I buy bottles on-site?
Absolutely — all spirits are available for purchase in the retail store, along with cocktail ingredients and merchandise.

Is the distillery wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the building and tour route are fully ADA accessible.

How long does the tour last?
Most tours take 45–60 minutes, including tastings and shopping time.

Is there food on-site?
The neighboring Ice Plant Bar offers full-service dining and handcrafted cocktails.