Getting Crafty on the Coast
Nearly ten years ago, two friends and neighbors in Northwest Florida decided to put locally produced and sourced spirits on the distillery and craft cocktail map. What started as an idea, and a dream, has now become a reality named Timber Creek Distillery. Nestled on over 200 acres, in Crestview, Florida, Timber Creek is now producing some of the most highly acclaimed spirits in the southeast U.S., with their distillery’s product line featuring gin, vodka, various whiskeys and rums. In addition to the masterfully crafted spirits they are producing, the distillery has become an event filled watering hole and outdoor gathering place for the community.
To appreciate the success that Timber Creek has seen over the last years, one must understand the humble beginnings from their start, along with their clever concepts for their concoctions. Co-Owners and Partners, Aaron Barnes and Camden Ford, originally started out with their primary focus on producing high quality, premium corn whiskey, from locally sourced ingredients. Through trial and error, and many long hours of research, the first Timber Creek whiskey was formulated, aged and hand bottled. Their product quickly took off and the distillery now makes and offers an impressive, award- winning product line, while also staying focused on giving back to their community.
Timber Creek custom designed their distillery to take the greatest care of the fruits and grains, that help create their spirits, while preserving and extracting the purest flavors. At the distillery, they utilize a custom designed pot still, “thumper,” and copper worm condenser to allow the bold favors of the area’s raw ingredients to shine through. Their unique way of crafting their spirits is impressively complemented with local ingredients. The production of their vodkas and whiskeys includes local Red Soft Winter Wheat, local Yellow #2 Dent Corn, and local Florida 401 Black Rye. For their rums, they utilize the best Gulf Coast Cane Molasses from right down the road in Louisiana. They also incorporate several of the region’s local fruits including strawberries, blueberries, plums, peaches, and muscadines.
You do not become Florida’s most awarded distillery by cutting corners and not paying attention to detail. Customers and critics have both taken notice. Timber Creek has surely put Florida on the distillery map, claiming various regional and national awards. Some of those include, the FiftyBest.com’s Best Domestic Vodka award in 2018, one of FloridaRentals.com’s Top 11 Distilleries in the State, and two silver awards from the North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition in 2017, for their Florida Black Rye Whiskey and Florida Reserve Bourbon, just to name a few.
Yet, at Timber Creek, it isn’t all business. They like to have fun too. Every Saturday, from 10 am until 4 pm, the distillery is open to the public. Guests are welcome to take a tour, enjoy freshly made fire brick oven pizzas, throw some axes in their axe throwing range, play the 18-hole disc golf course, or just relax with a few cocktails on the patio. On Saturday evenings, they host a variety of events, including comedy shows, gourmet burger feasts, line dancing, karaoke and many more. In addition to hosting their own events, they also welcome various types of private events, including class reunions, birthday parties, charity events, weddings, company events and team building sessions, just to name a few.
A variety of tour options are also available at the distillery. Guests can choose from one of four types of tours, including the Distillery Tour & Tasting, the Eco Distillery Tour, the Craft Cocktail Tour and the Bourbon Blending Tour.
When asked about their success, Barnes and Ford quickly both respond with, “humbled and proud.” But most importantly, they feel excited to continue producing quality spirits, while supporting and serving their community. To learn more about Timber Creek, their events, as well as find a purchase location near you, visit timbercreekdistillery.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Also, to learn more about their private label products, custom gifts and liquor infused food products, contact them directly at camden@timbercreekdistillery.com
