Burlock and Barrel Distillery sits in Jacksonville’s historic Riverside neighborhood on May Street, occupying a repurposed industrial space that feels more like an artisan workshop than your typical distillery. Founded in 2018 by husband-and-wife team Josh and Sarah Houghtaling, this operation started as a passion project that grew from their shared fascination with fermentation and craft spirits. Josh brought a background in brewing and food science, while Sarah handled the business side, and together they’ve built something that feels authentically local rather than corporate. The journey wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. Getting permits and navigating Florida’s distilling regulations took nearly two years, but they used that time to perfect their recipes and build relationships with local suppliers. Their master distiller approach focuses on small-batch production using custom copper stills, and they’ve developed a reputation for experimenting with locally-sourced ingredients and unconventional aging techniques. The team remains small but passionate, with Josh still hands-on in production while Sarah manages tastings and events. What you’ll find here is a working distillery where you can actually see spirits being made, not just a polished visitor center. The space has that authentic industrial vibe with exposed brick, steel tanks, and the constant hum of production. They produce vodka, gin, and rum, with their rum becoming something of a local favorite. The atmosphere is relaxed and educational, perfect for people who want to understand the actual process rather than just sample the end result.