ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (August 27, 2024) – The American Distilling Institute (ADI) today honored St. Augustine Distillery with its highest accolade, the Bubble Cap Award for Distillery of the Year at its annual conference in Baltimore, MD. ADI President Erik Owens presented the award to the distillery’s founders and VP of Production, Philip McDaniel, Mike Diaz, and Ric deMontmollin.
Introduced in 2010, the Bubble Cap Award recognizes the top distillery globally for excellence in spirits quality, innovation, transparency, authenticity, growth, and community involvement. ADI’s criteria include producing less than 100,000 proof gallons annually, being independently owned, and distilling its own products.
“In 2014, Phil McDaniel had a dream to make whiskey and share it with the world. That passion drove him to make connections in his community and overcome every obstacle,” said Owens. He highlighted St. Augustine’s success in tourism, noting their attraction of 175,000 visitors each year as a significant achievement.
Owens also praised St. Augustine’s impact on the craft spirits community and legislative progress. “They have been an exemplary member of the craft spirits community, laying the groundwork to grow the number of distillers in Florida and engaging on the national level to make the U.S. a better place for distillers. St. Augustine's spirits deserve to be recognized on the world stage, as do the partnerships they have forged and the teams they have built.”
Located in the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine Distillery is renowned for its artisanal spirits, including award-winning bourbon, rum, gin, and vodka. The distillery’s commitment to quality and innovation is reflected in their numerous awards and the acclaimed visitor experience, named the “#1 Whiskey Tour in North America” by the Drammie Awards.
The distillery operates from the Historic FP&L Ice Plant, a building originally constructed in 1907. Once silent and vacant, the Ice Plant was lovingly restored by the distillery’s founders, earning the 2014 Award for Excellence for Reuse and Repurpose by the Urban Land Institute of North Florida.
Co-founder and CEO Philip McDaniel has been a strong advocate for the craft distilling industry, driving legislation and creating opportunities for craft distillers nationwide. His efforts have advanced not only St. Augustine Distillery but also the broader craft distilling community.
“We are deeply honored to receive The Bubble Cap award from the American Distilling Institute,” said Philip McDaniel, CEO and co-founder of St. Augustine Distillery. “Since our founding in 2012, our mission has been to create an immersive and educational experience for our guests, and to craft some of the finest bourbon and finished bourbons in the world. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and the invaluable guidance from industry experts. We are thrilled to be in the company of so many amazing distilleries previously honored with this award. We remain committed to promoting craft distilling and its benefits for our community, the state of Florida, and the industry nationwide."
As St. Augustine Distillery continues to grow and innovate, they remain dedicated to their principles and the community that supports them. This recognition as ADI’s 2024 Distillery of the Year is a testament to their passion, advocacy, and the exceptional quality of their spirits.
About American Distilling Institute
American Distilling Institute (ADI) is the largest small-batch, independently owned craft distillery association in the world. Founded in 2003, ADI has become a beacon for the diverse and inclusive craft distilling community — serving as the go-to source for all information on the craft of distilling. It is this unwavering commitment to the craft distilling community that is at the core of ADI. Our mission is to foster growth and success of craft spirit producers through hosting best-in-class conferences, providing comprehensive educational services, offering networking opportunities and connecting producers with top-tier solutions providers. Go to distilling.com for more information.
About St. Augustine Distillery
Founded in 2012, St. Augustine Distillery is situated in the historic heart of St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city. The distillery specializes in crafting artisanal spirits, including award-winning bourbon, rum, gin, and vodka. Their commitment to quality is evident in their use of traditional methods combined with innovative techniques. Housed in the beautifully restored Historic FP&L Ice Plant, the distillery offers guests a unique grain-to-glass experience, which has been recognized as the “#1 Whiskey Tour in North America.” Their dedication extends beyond their spirits to their community and the craft distilling industry, advocating for growth and positive change.
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