Saint Augustine: Bourbon History and Tasting Experience

If you’re a fan of bourbon—or even just curious about how this iconic spirit is made—then the Bourbon History and Tasting Experience at Saint Augustine Distillery might catch your eye. This is a short, focused tour designed to give you a taste of the local bourbon scene while teaching you about its unique features, especially here in Florida. We’ve heard from travelers that it’s a fun, educational experience that balances storytelling with plenty of tasting, but it’s also quite intimate and specific in scope.

What really shines about this tour is the personalized guidance from knowledgeable staff and the chance to sample some premium bourbons. Plus, the fact that it’s located in the historic city of Saint Augustine adds a lovely atmosphere to the experience. That said, it’s a one-hour tour and doesn’t include food, so if you’re looking for a meal or a longer deep-dive, you might want to plan accordingly. Overall, it’s perfect for bourbon enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone who appreciates local craftsmanship in a beautiful setting.

Key Points

• Focused on bourbon history and production in Florida, with an intimate setting
• Includes a guided tasting with expert insights from a Certified Bourbon Steward
• Affordable at $37, offering good value for a behind-the-scenes experience
• Ideal for adults 21+ who want a quick, engaging introduction to local bourbon
• Accessible and well-organized, with options to cancel or reschedule easily
• Memorable take-home of a complimentary tasting glass to remember the experience

The Spirit of Florida Bourbon Experience is a compact, well-curated tour that packs a lot into just one hour. It’s a great option if you’re short on time but still want to get a sense of what makes Florida bourbon special. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll encounter.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Location: Saint Augustine Distillery

You’ll meet at the main entrance of the Saint Augustine Distillery, a spot that’s as appealing for its historic ambiance as for its spirits. The distillery itself is a modern facility that’s committed to showcasing local flavors and craftsmanship, making it a perfect setting for this educational tasting.

Tour Format and Group Size

This is a guided walking tour that tends to be classroom-style, with a small group setting. That means you get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. The tour generally runs in the morning or afternoon, giving you flexibility in planning your day. Each participant is advised to buy their own seat; this ensures comfort and enough space for everyone, especially as the tour involves moving around the distillery.

The Production Process: Step-by-Step

One of the highlights is the behind-the-scenes look at how bourbon is made, which is often more interesting than expected. The guide will walk you through each step—from grain to glass—highlighting how Florida’s specific climate influences the aging process and flavor profile. You might find this particularly fascinating if you’re curious about the nuances that set Florida bourbon apart from its counterparts elsewhere.

Sensory Experience and Tasting

After the walk-through, it’s time to engage all your senses with a tasting led by a Certified Bourbon Steward. You’ll sample a selection of premium bourbons, and the guide will help you pick out distinct flavors and aromas. Many reviews mention how personable and informative the guides are, often with a good sense of humor that makes the experience more lively.

Participants consistently praise the quality of the tastings, noting that the bourbons are well selected and that the guidance enhances the enjoyment. Several reviews mention that the tasting includes more than just standard spirits—sometimes there are “special treats” or extra pours, which adds to the value.

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Take-Home Tasting Glass

At the end of the tour, everyone receives a complimentary tasting glass. This is a simple but thoughtful keepsake, allowing you to recreate a bit of the experience at home—or simply remind yourself of your visit to this charming distillery.

At $37 per person, the tour strikes us as a good deal. Considering it includes a guided tour, tastings of multiple premium bourbons, and a take-home glass, it’s a pretty straightforward price for a quality experience. Several travelers have called it “great value,” especially given the knowledgeable guide and the intimate setting.

While it doesn’t include food, the focus on spirits and education makes the price feel justified. If you’re into bourbon or just want a taste of local craftsmanship in a scenic setting, you’ll likely find this tour worth your money.

The Learning Curve

We loved the way the guide, often described as very knowledgeable and personable, explains the bourbon-making process. One reviewer mentioned that “Melody was very personable and fun,” highlighting how engaging the guide can be. From grain selection to distillation and aging, the process is broken down in a way that’s accessible for both newcomers and those with some bourbon knowledge.

The Flavor Profiles

Sampling the bourbons is a highlight—and a true test of your palate. Many reviews mention how the tastings are well-structured and that the guide helps distinguish different aroma notes. Differences in flavor are often attributed to Florida’s unique climate—warmer weather and humidity—which influences aging and flavor development. The inclusion of premium bourbons adds to the overall experience, and guests often leave with a better understanding of what makes local spirits unique.

Customer Feedback and Favorites

Guests frequently describe the experience as “interesting,” “informative,” and “well explained,” all key to making a short tour feel worthwhile. One reviewer even noted that their non-bourbon-drinker spouse enjoyed the experience, which suggests the educational component is approachable. The personable guides, like Nelson or Larry, are often praised for their friendliness and expertise.

Accessibility & Practicalities

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for adults 21 and over, with ID required. Since it’s a quick, one-hour experience, it’s easy to fit into a day of sightseeing in Saint Augustine. Plus, the cancelation policy is flexible—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—making it a low-stress booking option.

Who Would Love This?

This experience is ideal for adults who enjoy spirits or are curious to learn about bourbon. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a relaxed, friendly guide and a small-group setting. If you’re interested in Florida’s local products, or simply want a concise, enjoyable introduction to bourbon, you’ll find this tour hits the mark.

The Saint Augustine Bourbon History and Tasting Experience offers a focused, insightful, and friendly look at how bourbon is made right here in Florida. At just over an hour, it’s a compact but meaningful way to deepen your appreciation for this classic spirit, especially when paired with the charming atmosphere of Saint Augustine.

The guides are a standout, making the process approachable whether you’re a bourbon novice or a seasoned enthusiast. The tasting is generous and well curated, and the price is reasonable for what you get. Keep in mind, it’s not a food-inclusive experience, so plan to have a meal afterward if you’re hungry.

If your trip involves exploring Saint Augustine or you’re simply into spirits and craftsmanship, this tour is worth considering. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy learning in a small group environment and value quality over quantity.

Is this tour suitable for everyone over 21?
Yes, the tour is exclusively for participants aged 21 and over. You’ll need to bring a valid ID or passport.

Does the tour include food?
No, food is not included. The focus is on bourbon tastings and learning about the production process.

How long does the tour last?
It’s about 1 hour, making it easy to fit into a busy itinerary.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the distillery is wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the guided tour, premium bourbon tastings, and a take-home tasting glass.

Is the tasting experience suitable for bourbon newcomers?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention how well explained and accessible the tasting is, even for those new to bourbon.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, guides like Melody, Nelson, and Larry are praised for their friendliness and expertise, making the experience engaging.

How does Florida bourbon differ from other regions?
The climate impacts the aging process, giving Florida bourbon its own distinct flavor profile—something you’ll learn about during the tour.

In the end, this tour is a solid choice for anyone looking to explore the craft of bourbon without spending hours on a larger, more complex tour. It’s a fun, tasty snapshot of Florida’s emerging spirit scene, presented in a way that makes learning enjoyable.

You can check availability for your dates here: