Exploring St. Augustine Distillery: A Heartfelt Journey with Mike and Rick

🎙️ Episode Title: Exploring St. Augustine Distillery: A Heartfelt Journey with Mike Diaz and Rick 🥃 Episode Overview: In this episode of Voices of Distilling, host Ronnell Richards dives deep into the story of St. Augustine Distillery, this year’s Distillery of the Year and recipient of the coveted Bubble Cap Award. Join Mike Diaz, CFO and Co-Founder, and Rick, VP of Production, as they discuss their journey, community impact, and unique approach to distilling in Florida. From their commitment to using local ingredients to creating memorable customer experiences, this conversation exemplifies the heart of distilling. ⌚ Timestamps: [01:30] - Meet the Guests: Mike Diaz shares his reaction to winning Distillery of the Year and his journey with ADI. [04:30] - Origins of St. Augustine Distillery: How the distillery started, including mentorship from Dave Pickerell. [08:00] - Guest Experience: A walkthrough of their distillery tours, cocktail tastings, and commitment to education. [12:00] - Historical Roots: Their connection to St. Augustine’s rich history, including their location in Lincolnville. [15:30] - The Products: Rick explains their process for crafting vodka, gin, rum, and bourbon using local ingredients. [20:00] - Innovation and Experiments: Sneak peeks at upcoming releases, including reserve rums and special bourbon finishes. [23:00] - Teamwork and Front of House Excellence: Shout-out to their team and the importance of curating passionate front-of-house staff. [27:00] - Advice for Aspiring Distillers: Mike and Rick share words of wisdom for the next generation of distillers. [31:30] - Desert Island Cocktails: Fun answers about their favorite drinks for a deserted island. [34:00] - How to Buy St. Augustine Spirits: Where to purchase their spirits in Florida, Georgia, and beyond. 💼 Presenting Sponsor: American Distilling Institute About: The American Distilling Institute is the premier organization supporting craft distillers worldwide. As the heart of distilling, ADI provides resources, education, and a community to empower distillers. Website/Membership Info: Visit Distilling.com to learn more and become a member. 🎤 Today's Guests: Mike Diaz Role: CFO & Co-Founder, St. Augustine Distillery Website: St. Augustine Distillery Rick deMontmollin Role: VP of Production, St. Augustine Distillery 🌟 Support "Voices of Distilling": Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review our podcast – it truly helps others discover these spirited stories. Become a Member of ADI: Join the American Distilling Institute to access exclusive content, educational resources, and our annual conference. Visit Distilling.com for more information. 🔔 Stay Connected: Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode – subscribe to our channel! Social Media: 📧 Contact Us: Have a question, suggestion, or want to be a guest? Email us at ronnell@distilling.com