Saint Augustine: Bourbon History and Tasting Experience

Step into the heart of St. Augustine, where the Saint Augustine Distillery offers an immersive journey through the rich history of bourbon. This one-hour guided tour takes visitors behind the scenes, unveiling the distillation process and how Florida’s unique climate shapes the flavor profile. Guests can savor a tasting of the distillery’s exceptional bourbons, all while learning from knowledgeable guides in an intimate setting. With a complimentary tasting glass as a memento, this experience promises to captivate both bourbon enthusiasts and those new to the spirit. Discover the secrets that make this destination a must-visit for any spirit lover.

This experience made our article of What Are The Best Historical Tours In St Augustine Florida? Our Top 3 Picks.

Contents show

Key Points

Immersive tour of the Saint Augustine Distillery, exploring the bourbon-making process and Florida’s climate impact on production.
Live guided tour by English-speaking experts, providing insights into the history and heritage of bourbon.
Sampling of various bourbons, including the distillery’s own "New Beginning" brand, as part of the tasting experience.
Complimentary tasting glass given as a souvenir to commemorate the unique bourbon experience.
Intimate, classroom-style setting enhancing engagement and learning about the art of bourbon-making.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of Saint Augustine Distillery

The Saint Augustine Distillery is a craft distillery located in the historic district of St. Augustine, Florida. Founded in 2013, the distillery offers an immersive tour experience that focuses on the history and production of bourbon.

Guests can explore the distilling process, learn about the impact of Florida’s climate on flavor, and sample premium bourbons. The 1-hour guided tour is led by knowledgeable staff and includes a complimentary tasting glass.

Reservations are recommended, and the tour is accessible to wheelchair users. With an overall 5/5 rating from reviewers, the Saint Augustine Distillery provides a unique and engaging bourbon experience.

Hungry for more St Augustine Florida flavors? We've covered these other food and drink spots

Booking and Reservation Details

Visitors can reserve their spot on the Saint Augustine Distillery tour through an online booking platform. The tour costs $37.28 per person and lasts about an hour.

Reservations can be made in advance and paid for later. Cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Tour times vary, so visitors should check availability.

Reservations can be made in advance and paid for later. Cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Tour times vary, so visitors should check availability.

The experience includes a guided tour, bourbon tastings, and a complimentary tasting glass. Participants must be 21 or older and have a valid ID.

The distillery is wheelchair accessible, but each visitor must purchase their own ticket.

Tour Highlights

During the guided tour, visitors can explore the distillery’s production process and learn about the impact of Florida’s climate on the flavor of their premium bourbons.

A live English-speaking guide leads the experience, offering insights into the bourbon’s history. Participants sample various bourbons and receive a complimentary tasting glass to take home as a souvenir.

The intimate, classroom-style setting allows for an engaging and informative experience, where guests can appreciate the craftsmanship and unique characteristics of the distillery’s offerings.

This immersive tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the world of bourbon and its connection to the local environment.

Distillery Production Process

As visitors explore the distillery, they witness the meticulous production process that transforms local grains into the premium bourbons. The distillery adheres to traditional distillation methods, utilizing copper pot stills to capture the finest essence of the spirits. The process involves mashing, fermenting, and carefully distilling the mash. Once distilled, the clear spirit is placed in charred oak barrels to age, allowing the bourbon to develop its signature flavor profile. This painstaking procedure ensures the consistent quality that has made the Saint Augustine Distillery’s bourbons renowned.

| Step | Description |

|——|————-|

| Mashing | Grains are milled and cooked to extract fermentable sugars. |

| Fermenting | Yeast is added to the mash, converting sugars into alcohol. |

| Distilling | The fermented mash is heated, and the alcohol vapor is condensed. |

| Barreling | The clear spirit is placed in charred oak barrels for aging. |

| Bottling | The mature bourbon is carefully bottled and labeled. |

More Great Tours Nearby

Bourbon Tasting Experience

After witnessing the distillery’s production process, guests are invited to embark on a bourbon tasting experience.

This captivating segment allows visitors to sample the distillery’s premium bourbons, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

During the tasting, guests will:

Learn about the impact of Florida’s warm climate on the bourbon’s distinct flavor profile.
Receive a complimentary tasting glass as a memento of their visit.
Engage with the knowledgeable guide, who provides insightful commentary on the nuances of each bourbon sipped.

Fascinated by the past? Here are other historical experiences we've covered in St Augustine Florida

Tasting Glass Souvenir

A cherished memento from the bourbon tasting experience, the complimentary tasting glass allows visitors to relive the flavorful journey.

With its sleek design and engraved Saint Augustine Distillery logo, the glass serves as a tangible reminder of the time spent exploring the rich history and nuanced flavors of the distillery’s award-winning bourbons.

Beyond its practical use, the tasting glass becomes a keepsake, a symbol of the knowledge gained and the appreciation developed for the art of bourbon-making.

This small yet meaningful souvenir elevates the overall tour experience, making it a treasured memento long after the visit.

Accessibility and Age Requirement

Is the Saint Augustine Distillery tour wheelchair accessible? Yes, the tour is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.

The Saint Augustine Distillery tour is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.

The distillery also enforces a strict 21+ age policy, with valid ID required for entry. This age restriction is in place to responsibly serve alcoholic beverages during the tasting portion of the tour.

Each participant must purchase their own ticket, as the classroom-style setting doesn’t allow for shared seating.

These accessibility and age guidelines ensure the tour remains safe and inclusive for all visitors.

Customer Feedback and Reviews

The customer feedback and reviews for the Saint Augustine Distillery tour reflect overwhelmingly positive experiences.

With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 14 reviews, guests praise the tour as "very informative" and a "great experience learning about bourbon."

One reviewer, Bonnie, shared that she even got to bottle her own "New Beginning" bourbon, adding to the hands-on, immersive nature of the tour.

The tour’s combination of exploring the distillery’s production process and sampling premium bourbons seems to leave a lasting impression on visitors, who leave with a complimentary tasting glass as a memento.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Alcohol on the Tour?

No, participants cannot bring their own alcohol on the tour. The tour is focused on enjoying the distillery’s premium bourbons, and outside alcohol is not permitted. Drinking responsibly during the tasting is expected.

Do You Offer Any Non-Alcoholic Beverage Tastings?

No, the Saint Augustine Distillery tour doesn’t offer non-alcoholic beverage tastings. The focus is on sampling premium bourbons and learning about their production and the impact of the local climate on the flavor profile.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?

No, there is no minimum group size required for the Saint Augustine Distillery tour. Individuals can book and participate in the tour experience, which is set up in a classroom-style setting for each guest.

Can I Purchase Additional Bottles of Bourbon After the Tour?

Yes, visitors can purchase additional bottles of bourbon after the tour. The distillery offers an on-site retail shop where guests can buy their favorite spirits to take home and enjoy.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Military, Seniors, or Students?

The Saint Augustine Distillery doesn’t offer any specific discounts for military, seniors, or students. However, they may have periodic promotions or deals available, so it’s best to check their website or call ahead to inquire about any current offers.

The Sum Up

The Saint Augustine Distillery’s Bourbon History and Tasting Experience offers an immersive and educational journey for bourbon enthusiasts and novices alike. Visitors can explore the distillery’s storied past, learn about the distillation process, and savor a selection of distinct bourbons, all while receiving a complimentary tasting glass as a memento of this unforgettable experience. Whether seeking to explore the rich heritage of bourbon or simply indulge in a flavorful tasting, this tour provides an engaging and memorable encounter.