St. Augustine Distillery Press
“The unforeseen consequences craft distillers faced because of COVID-19”
Fortune, March 2021
In 2020, the business plan for craft distilleries was simple: survive. But with cautious optimism, the liquor industry’s upstarts have a new playbook for 2021 and beyond: thrive.
“St. Augustine Distillery co-founder McDaniel helped change state laws. Now he's advocating nationally”
Jacksonville Business Journal, January 2021
McDaniel has years of experience helping lawmakers understand the issues facing craft distilleries.
St. Augustine Distillery awarded for service to the First Coast community
Jacksonville Business Journal, October 2020
Using its manufacturing equipment and distillation know-how, St. Augustine Distillery pivoted to create hand sanitizer to help the community during the pandemic.
“RNC featured venders on Jacksonville 2020 Host Committee website”
Action News Jax, July 2020
On Wednesday, a select number of local businesses that registered to be vendors at RNC, are now featured on the Jacksonville 2020 Host Committee website. Just over 1,000 businesses are on the list to be registered vendors. But what does it mean to be an RNC registered vendor?
“No mask, no entry: Visitors get used to new rules in City of St. Augustine”
Florida Times Union, July 2020
When the St. Augustine Distillery reopened about a month ago, almost no one going on tours of the handcrafted liquor manufacturer was wearing face masks. “Maybe about 5% or less,” estimated Philip McDaniel, CEO and co-founder of the distillery located in the heart of downtown St. Augustine. “I think people without prompted were like, ‘Hey, I’m on vacation. I’m not gonna wear it.’”
“Things to Do in St. Augustine, Florida: Attractions and Travel Guide”
Southern Living, June 2020
Known as the Ancient City, St. Augustine features centuries-old architecture, iconic cultural sites, and unspoiled beaches.The Fountain of Youth is calling your name—just like it called to the Spanish explorers more than 500 years ago. Maybe it’s those gorgeous beaches or maybe it really is something in the water. Either way, there is lots to explore in this charming city on Florida's Atlantic coast.
“Winn-Dixie, St. Augustine Distillery donate hand sanitizer to first responders”
News4 Jax, May 2020
Winn-Dixie and the Winn-Dixie Gives Foundation partnered with St. Augustine Distillery to donate more than 600 1-liter bottles of the distillery’s locally-made hand sanitizer to law enforcement offices and fire departments serving on the frontlines of COVID-19 in St. Johns and Flagler counties.
“New Study Shows Craft Distilleries Have Laid Off 40% Of Workers — Here’s What Could Help The Industry”
Forbes, May 2020
Recent Nielsen data shows that off-premise alcohol sales are up 24 percent from March 1 to April 18 from the same period last year (while restaurant and bar sales have obviously tanked).
“Florida distilleries want to make home deliveries”
Action News Jax, April 2020
Local distillers are asking the governor to let them make home deliveries of their products.“It’s been a very tough time and it’s the same thing with many other distilleries around the state,” says Phil McDaniel, co-founder of St. Augustine Distillery. Due to the pandemic, the distillery hasn’t been able to hold any tours in eight weeks. Spirit shipments to local bars and restaurants have also come to a halt leaving their sales down 90%.
“Local distillery makes hand sanitizer to raise money for children’s park”
Ponte Vedra Recorder, April 2020
Grocery stores have turned to chaos, the lack of available toilet paper has increased dramatically, and for the love of hygiene, where can one find some hand sanitizer? Look no further than St. Augustine Distillery.When distillery CEO Philip McDaniel’s daughter came down to visit from New York City a few weeks ago, she talked about how hard it was to come by sanitizer because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
“St. Augustine Distillery making hand sanitizer to help protect community for COVID-19”
News4 Jax, March 2020
The St. Augustine Distillery is known for making its own bourbon, vodka, gin and rum. Now, amid the coronavirus pandemic, the distillery is making its own hand sanitizer to help protect the community from COVID-19.
St. Augustine Distillery making hand sanitizer amid coronavirus outbreak
First Coast News, March 2020
Amid a worsening coronavirus crisis in the United States -- including on the First Coast -- the St. Augustine Distillery is making sanitizer. “We make alcohol that we can’t use every day, that’s too potent to go into a bottle, that makes an incredible cleaning solvent,” Distillery CEO Philip McDaniel explained Tuesday, just days after he went into the lab to make hand sanitizer.
“Florida makes good whiskey, sample some at these distilleries”
News Journal, February 2020
Ah, Florida. The Sunshine State evokes thoughts of powdery white sand beaches that stretch for miles, amusement parks where memories are created and a lot of wild animals. No, seriously, why does Florida seem like one big unfenced zoo? Anyway, one thing you probably don’t think of when you think of the state is whiskey.
“Distilled Spirits Council Honors Spirits Industry Icons at Inaugural Conference Awards Dinner”
Distilled Spirits Council, February 2020
More than 350 spirits industry professionals joined the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) in honoring industry leaders at an awards dinner at the DISCUS inaugural conference in Louisville, Ky. The event, emceed by Fred Minnick, Wall Street Journal-bestselling author, bourbon curator and taster, took place on Tuesday evening at the Omni Hotel in Louisville, Ky.
“St. Augustine Distillery founders build award-winning business”
Daily Record, November 2019
Before Philip McDaniel and Mike Diaz started working to open the St. Augustine Distillery, neither knew a thing about craft distilling. In 2011, McDaniel, retired and working with the St. Johns County Cultural Council and Tourist Development Council, wanted to start a business that would “take St. Augustine to a new level,” improve the community, and of course, make a living.
video highlights
The St. Augustine Distillery is stepping in to make sure first responders don't run out of hand sanitizer.
- News4 Jax
Join Mike and Dr. G in the Whiskey and Wings Season Finale as they visit The St. Augustine Distillery in America’s oldest city.
- Whiskey & Wings
"Heads Up" St Augustine Distillery Fights Pandemic
- First Coast News
St. Augustine Distillery makes hand sanitizer amid coronavirus outbreak
- First Coast News