Distillery 98 sits on Serenoa Road in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, bringing craft spirits to the Emerald Coast. Founded by husband-and-wife team Jason and Teri Littleton, this Gulf Coast operation opened in 2017 after the couple decided to turn their passion for craft distilling into a full-time venture. Jason, a former engineer, and Teri, who worked in hospitality, spent years perfecting their recipes before opening their doors to the public. The distillery produces vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey in small batches using a custom copper still system.
The Littletons didn’t take the easy path to opening. They navigated Florida’s complex distillery licensing requirements and worked to establish Santa Rosa Beach as a legitimate craft spirits destination. Jason handles the production side, drawing on his engineering background to fine-tune their processes, while Teri manages the tasting room experience and connects with visitors. Their approach focuses on using quality ingredients and traditional distilling methods adapted to Florida’s unique climate and water profile.
When you visit, you’re stepping into a working distillery where production happens alongside tastings. The space has an industrial-meets-coastal vibe, with exposed equipment and a relaxed atmosphere that fits the beach town setting. You can sample their full range of spirits, learn about their distilling process, and pick up bottles to take home. It’s not the biggest operation on the Gulf Coast, but the personal attention and quality focus make it worth seeking out.