Distillery to release Florida’s ‘first’ Bourbon

Timber Creek Distillery is set to launch a new range of Florida whiskeys, including the state’s “first” Bourbon and a new rye whiskey.

The new whiskeys will be unveiled on 11 March at the annual Alys Beach Bourbon, Beer and Butts Festival.

Timber Creek Distillery says it “handcrafts” each expression of whiskey using grains grown in Florida, aged in charred Missouri oak to create “distinct flavours” found in the distillery’s Timber Creek Florida Bourbon, Timber Creek Reserve Florida Bourbon Whiskey and Timber Creek Black Rye Whiskey.

“Florida has always been known as the ‘Sunshine State’,” said Camden Ford, president of Timber Creek. “The same sunshine that tans millions of tourists on our beautiful beaches also grows some of the finest fruits and grains.

“We are excited and proud to start a new tradition here in the Sunshine State: Florida Bourbon and Florida Rye Whiskey.”

Timber Creek Distillery also created a wheat vodka crafted from local North Florida red soft winter wheat, rum made with Louisiana sugarcane, a dark rum aged in charred Missouri oak barrels, a coffee rum made from fresh Brazilian coffee and apple pie flavoured rum.

“I really didn’t know what to expect, but realised over a few glasses of whiskey on the back porch that we had a lot in common, including the passion for quality beverages,” said Aaron Barnes, master distiller at Timber Creek.

“We wanted to create a whiskey that embodies the Florida Panhandle and share it with our community, like sharing a drink with a neighbour.”