Day Trippin' — The Florida Distillery

Thanks to the local craft brew explosion, a lot of us have become beer geeks over the past few years. But don't you ever crave something stronger?

Don’t worry; Florida Cane Distillery is here for you.

It all started with two Miller Lite cans and a pressure cooker. Safe to say, Lee Nelson’s first distilling experiment didn’t go so well. But what he lacked in experience, he made up for with passion. After a successful crowdfunding campaign gave him the resources he needed to launch his dream local distillery, Nelson and his partners dove head-first into the business – researching, experimenting and, of course, lots of taste testing.

The result is The Florida Distillery. Specializing in artisansl vodka, the Brandon-based distillery uses all Florida ingredients for a truly local experience. I ventured up north for a tasting last week.

Once you find the place (it’s not easy … it’s tucked away in a maze of a warehouse complex), you’re in for an educational and delicious experience. If you want to get your geek on, this is definitely for you. Nelson takes you through all the details of how the vodka is made. I’d love to provide you with some of those details but, well, he also provided lots of product samples.

We tasted their premium vodka, “Tamiami Gin,” and “Sunshine Moonshine,” as well as Lee’s twist on the classic Moscow Mule, made with Florida Cane “Okeechobee Cherry” vodka (all of their flavored vodkas have Florida-themed names).

While there’s no liquor named for Sarasota yet, the distillery does has a little local connection. The first thing you’ll notice when you enter the tasting room is a beautiful reclaimed wood bar. The wood, used to make both the bar and legs, came from a monkey-puzzle tree that once stood on the grounds of The Ringling.

We had a fantastic experience and can’t wait to go back. The tasting is free (you just have to book ahead), but more than likely, you’ll be walking out having purchased a bottle or two. We went with the Sunset moonshine, a vanilla and apple pie flavor with a peppery kick at the end, and the Tamiami gin. I'm not a gin drinker, but I really enjoyed this one, which doesn't have a strong juniper flavor.

When you’re done drinking, you’ll probably want a bite to eat before you trek back to Sarasota. Luckily, Taco Bus has a location right next door. Drop by for a preview of what will be coming to Main Street Sept. 2 (I recommend the Cochinita Pibil tacos).

But the Florida Distillery won’t be in this location for long. They're planning to move to an undisclosed Tampa location in October, which will have an accompanying restaurant featuring craft cocktails made with their spirits.

And if you’re not up for driving out to Tampa, don’t forget, we have our own distillery right here in Sarasota – Drum Circle Distilling. They also offer free tours and tastings of their award-winning Siesta Key Rum.