Though it has received consistent national attention for its spirits, the St. Augustine Distillery has remained committed to the same values that allowed it to open its doors in March of 2014. The crops that form the foundation of each spirit – the sugar cane, wheat, corn, and citrus – have stayed local; imbued with the heritage of our little part of the world. And, even as the Distillery works to preserve this heritage, they continue to push forward, challenging the status quo of commercially-produced, global spirits. Their intent? To continually create something new, built on the beautiful foundation of tradition. But, if you’re at all familiar with the Distillery, you probably already know this! The Distillery has been an integral part of St. Augustine since its inception, embodying the same maker’s heart and craftsman’s spirit that make our city unique.

Innovation and the desire to be exceptional were the driving forces behind the release of the St. Augustine Distillery’s two new bourbons: The Florida Straight and The Saint. “Our bourbons are made from raw grains; mashed, fermented and twice-distilled on site,” says Head Distiller Daniel Joslin. “We use traditional pot stills that allow us to make heads and tail cuts by nose and flavor alone, unlike large-scale bourbon producers. We have made and aged every single drop right here by hand. Our unique maritime climate separates us from every other bourbon distillery. The corn and wheat are Florida-grown and sourced from the best suppliers we can find. All this combined makes a world-class line-up of spirits not found anywhere else on the globe.”

So you can rest assured that the new bourbons you’re about to experience are unlike anything you’ve ever tried before. And yes, bourbon aficionados, we’re talking to you, too!

Unfiltered and barrel-strength, The Saint ($200) is created by finishing three-year-old stocks of bourbon in the same barrels that produce the Distillery’s signature Old-Fashioned Mix, making The Saint the first-ever, cask-strength, Old Fashioned-finished bourbon. The Saint is warm and inviting with a sweet beginning that gives way to deep layers of orange peel, vanilla, complex herbs, and spices. (And we have it on good authority that The Saint is best enjoyed on the rocks with a large meal or in front of any fire.)

The Florida Straight Bourbon ($50) is the Distillery’s new flagship bourbon. It’s a bright, delicious, well-rounded and approachable bourbon and its rich, complex nose is intoxicating. Toffee and vanilla notes lead the way, yielding to a warm, long, cinnamon finish that seems to last forever. This distinctly Floridian spirit gives consumers an enticing alternative to commercially-made, mass-produced, Kentucky bourbons. Try this one neat or in a favorite cocktail.

“Florida Straight is an extremely smooth and inviting bourbon,” explains Daniel. “It has been carefully aged for three full years in the most expensive, 53-gallon, new oak barrels we could find. This bourbon sets a new standard for an American whiskey. The unique combination of Florida agriculture, year-round heat, and maritime influence helped us create one of America’s best new bourbons.”

Newcomers to the bourbon world need not be intimidated. Though rich and complex – and the product of some of the country’s best whiskey experts – both of the Distillery’s new releases are welcoming and accessible. They invite both connoisseurs and novices alike to delight in their bold flavors and uncommon experiences. Snag a bottle (or two) for an extraordinary holiday gift, a treat to share with friends, or to keep for your own personal enjoyment. We understand if you don’t want to share!

The Saint was released on November 23, and the Florida Straight was released on December 7. Learn more about the new bourbons and the St. Augustine Distillery by visiting www.staugustinedistillery.com.