St. Augustine is not only a hub for historical exploration but also a thriving destination for craft beverages and unique local experiences. From artisan spirits to craft beers, the city offers a variety of flavors, venues, and experiences for anyone looking to enjoy a drink while immersing themselves in the local culture. If you plan to visit St. Augustine, here’s a detailed guide to the best distilleries, breweries, and pub crawls.
St. Augustine Distillery: A Taste of Tradition and Craftsmanship
St. Augustine Distillery is a must-see for spirit connoisseurs and casual visitors alike. Set in a meticulously restored ice plant from the early 20th century, the distillery uses locally sourced ingredients to create award-winning spirits. They produce small batches of vodka, gin, rum, and bourbon that emphasize quality over quantity.
A free self-guided tour of the facility allows guests to witness the entire production process – from grain to glass. St. Augustine Distillery also offers multiple guided tours, experiences, and courses that range from $15 to $600. Learn how to pair your favorite spirits with unexpected flavors, fill your own bottle with their Florida Bourbon straight from the barrel, or dive into the history of the St. Augustine Distillery.
Why You Should Visit:
- Unique setting in a historic building.
- Tours and tastings (both free and paid).
- Award-winning spirits crafted with local ingredients.
Ancient City Brewing: A Journey Through History in Every Sip
Beer lovers will find their sanctuary at Ancient City Brewing. Located just a short drive from downtown St. Augustine, this brewery celebrates the area’s rich history through its beer offerings. Each brew is named with a nod to their city’s past, like Ponce’s Pale Ale and Matanzas River Red, reminding drinkers of the Spanish explorers and events that shaped this historic city.
Their Downtown Taproom, located in the historic downtown area, is a lively spot where you can sample a variety of brews, ranging from light ales to hoppy IPAs. Ancient City Brewing has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike due to their commitment to quality and creativity in every pint they serve.
Why You Should Visit:
- Historic-themed beers inspired by St. Augustine’s past.
- Lively taproom with a welcoming atmosphere.
- A variety of craft beers to suit all tastes.
Events:
Ancient City Brewing has lots of events that you can take part in, such as poker tournaments, trivia nights, bingo, cornhole tournaments, and even Yappy Hour, where you can bring your furry friend to receive Happy Hour Specials!
Check out their upcoming Boos & Brews 5K and Fun Run!
City Gate Spirits: Florida Flavors with a Local Twist
Located steps away from the famous City Gates of St. Augustine, City Gate Spirits specializes in small-batch liquors that capture the essence of Florida. From smooth moonshines to tropical rums, their spirits reflect the state’s sun-soaked fruits and vibrant culture. Their standout flavors include Pineapple Rum, Apple Pie Moonshine, and Salted Caramel Whiskey, each perfect for sipping or mixing into your favorite cocktail.
City Gate Spirits offers tastings throughout the day, allowing visitors to sample various products. It’s the perfect stop for anyone exploring the historic district, offering a refreshing break with a modern twist on classic flavors.
Why You Should Visit:
- Unique, handcrafted moonshines, rums, and whiskeys.
- Conveniently located near the historic district.
- Free tastings and friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Dog Rose Brewing Co.: A Neighborhood Gem with Craft Brews
A favorite among locals, Dog Rose Brewing Co., is situated in the historic Lincolnville neighborhood, making it a hidden gem for those in the know. With a focus on small-batch brewing, Dog Rose offers a rotating tap list that includes everything from crisp pilsners to robust stouts. The Lincolnville Lager is a fan favorite, offering a light and refreshing drink that’s perfect for Florida’s warm climate. If you prefer something more adventurous, try their Gose Rose Sour, which balances tartness with a smooth finish.
With an inviting taproom and regular live music, Dog Rose Brewing Co. is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring St. Augustine.
Why You Should Visit:
- Cozy atmosphere in a historic neighborhood.
- A wide range of small-batch beers.
- Regular live music and events.
Bog Brewing Company: Local Ingredients, Classic Brews
For those seeking a more intimate beer experience, Bog Brewing Company is a small, local brewery that emphasizes tradition and simplicity in its craft. Set in a repurposed garage, the brewery creates beers with a focus on local ingredients, offering classic styles with a Floridian twist. Their Bière de Garde, a traditional French farmhouse ale, and King’s Brewing Porter are standout choices for those who appreciate well-crafted, traditional beers.
Why You Should Visit:
- Intimate setting with a focus on local ingredients.
- Traditional brewing techniques with a modern twist.
- A variety of styles, from farmhouse ales to robust porters.
Events:
Join Bog Brewing Company for a celebration of German-inspired lagers and ales! During their annual Bogtoberfest celebration, you can experience beers and lagers from traditional to adventurous.
Old Coast Ales: Crafting Creativity in Every Brew
Located near the scenic Bridge of Lions, Old Coast Ales is known for its creative brews and laidback atmosphere. Their taproom offers a variety of beers, from hoppy IPAs to dark stouts, with the Datil Pepper IPA being a particularly notable offering. This spicy brew features St. Augustine’s native datil pepper, adding a distinctive kick that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Old Coast Ales is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of innovation and tradition in their beer. The brewery often hosts community events and seasonal beer releases, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Why You Should Visit:
- Unique, locally inspired brews like the Datil Pepper IPA.
- Scenic location near the Bridge of Lions.
- Seasonal releases and community events.
Explore St. Augustine’s Pub Crawls
If you want to experience St. Augustine’s drinking culture while learning about its rich history, a pub crawl is the perfect option. Here are some of the top pub crawls that offer a mix of local drinks, history, and sometimes even a ghostly encounter or two:
Revelry Tours’ St. Augustine Pub Crawl
Revelry Tours provides a pub crawl that is both fun and informative. Guests are guided through some of St. Augustine’s best bars and pubs, with plenty of stories and drink specials along the way. It’s a fantastic way to explore the city’s nightlife!
The Original Haunted Pub Tour by GhoSt Augustine
For a spooky twist, join GhoSt Augustine’s Original Haunted Pub Crawl. This tour combines ghost stories, historic lore, and stops at haunted pubs for an eerie and entertaining evening.
Ghost City Tours: Haunted Pub Crawl
Another option for the paranormal enthusiast is Ghost City Tours’ Haunted Pub Crawl, which explores St. Augustine’s haunted history while visiting some of the city’s oldest and most haunted drinking establishments.
St. Augustine Beer History Crawl by St. Augustine Experiences
For those interested in the history of beer in the region, St. Augustine Experiences offers a Beer History Crawl. This tour dives into the city’s brewing past while sampling some of the best beers from local breweries.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re exploring St. Augustine’s distilleries and breweries or hopping from pub to pub on a crawl, you’ll find a vibrant scene that blends history with modern craft. From sipping locally made spirits to sampling unique craft beers, there’s no shortage of great drinks and experiences in Florida’s oldest city. Make sure to check out the upcoming events at these establishments to make your visit even more memorable. Cheers!
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