Cotherman Distilling Co. sits in downtown Dunedin at 933 Huntley Avenue, founded by husband-and-wife team Bill and Kim Cotherman in 2017. Bill brings decades of engineering experience to the craft, while Kim handles the business operations and customer experience side. They converted a former industrial space into their distillery and tasting room, creating Florida’s first legal distillery in Pinellas County since Prohibition. The Cothermans focus on small-batch bourbon, rye whiskey, and vodka, with plans to expand their whiskey lineup as their barrels age.
The journey started when Bill’s home distilling hobby turned serious after friends kept asking where they could buy his spirits. After navigating Florida’s complex distillery licensing requirements and convincing Dunedin city officials to approve their operation, they opened their doors in a 3,000-square-foot facility. Bill handles production on their custom 500-gallon copper still, while Kim manages tastings and tours. Their philosophy centers on patience and precision—they’re aging bourbon for at least two years in new charred oak barrels and refuse to rush products to market just for quick revenue.
Visitors walk into a working distillery where you can see fermentation tanks, the copper still, and rows of aging barrels. The tasting room feels industrial but welcoming, with concrete floors and exposed beams softened by warm lighting and local artwork. You’re tasting spirits made on-site, often with Bill or Kim explaining their process directly. The atmosphere stays relaxed and educational rather than flashy—this is about the craft, not the show.