CRAFT DISTILLERY

Loggerhead Distillery

Sanford,
Florida
— Bourbon, Rye, Vodka

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

COCKTAILS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

📞 (321) 800-8566
🌐 https://loggerheaddistillery.com/
📍 124 W 2nd St, Sanford, FL 32771, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Loggerhead Distillery sits in the heart of historic downtown Sanford, Florida, in a restored early 1900s building at 124 W 2nd St. Founded by husband-and-wife team Chris and Stephanie Barnum, this craft distillery opened its doors in 2016 after the couple left their corporate careers to pursue their passion for artisan spirits. Chris, a former engineer, and Stephanie, who worked in marketing, spent two years converting the century-old brick building into a working distillery and tasting room, preserving original architectural details while installing modern distillation equipment. They produce small-batch bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, and seasonal spirits using a 250-gallon copper pot still. The space combines the industrial feel of exposed brick walls and high ceilings with the warmth of reclaimed wood and vintage fixtures, creating an atmosphere that reflects both Sanford’s historic character and the craft spirits movement. Loggerhead takes its name from Florida’s iconic sea turtles, symbolizing the patient, methodical approach required for aging quality spirits. The Barnums focus on locally-sourced ingredients when possible and age their whiskeys in charred American oak barrels stored on-site, allowing visitors to see the entire production process from grain to glass.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

What sets Loggerhead apart is their commitment to being Florida’s first bourbon distillery to use a traditional sour mash process combined with the state’s unique climate for accelerated aging. The year-round heat and humidity in Central Florida creates more interaction between the spirit and oak, allowing their bourbon to develop complexity typically seen in much older whiskeys from cooler climates. The Barnums also incorporate local Florida citrus peels in some seasonal releases and use limestone-filtered water sourced from the Floridan Aquifer. Their location in downtown Sanford’s antique district means you’re not just visiting a distillery, but exploring one of Central Florida’s most charming historic neighborhoods with walkable streets lined with vintage shops and cafes.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

You’ll step into a space where the smell of fermenting grains mingles with aged oak from the barrel room, and Chris or Stephanie often personally lead tours, sharing stories about their transition from corporate life to craft distilling. The 45-minute tours cover their grain-to-glass process, from the mash tun through the copper pot still to the barrel aging room where you can see whiskey slowly developing its amber color. Tastings happen at a custom-built bar made from reclaimed Florida cypress, where you’ll sample their core lineup while learning about how Florida’s climate affects the aging process. The intimate setting accommodates small groups, making it feel more like visiting friends who happen to make exceptional spirits than a commercial operation.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

If you’re interested in craft spirits and enjoy meeting the actual people behind the operation, Loggerhead delivers an authentic experience you won’t find at larger distilleries. The personal attention from Chris and Stephanie, combined with the chance to taste how Florida’s climate influences whiskey aging, makes this appealing to both bourbon enthusiasts and casual drinkers curious about local craft spirits. However, if you’re expecting a polished corporate experience or looking for rare, aged expressions, you might find the operation smaller and younger than anticipated. The real draw here is witnessing passionate entrepreneurs who’ve built something genuine from the ground up in a beautifully restored historic space.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead or check their Facebook page for current hours and availability since they sometimes adjust schedules for production needs or private events. Parking is available on the street in front of the building, but downtown Sanford can get busy on weekends, so arrive a few minutes early. The GPS coordinates are accurate, and you’ll spot the distillery by the Loggerhead sign on the historic brick building. Ask Chris about the differences they’ve noticed aging spirits in Florida versus traditional whiskey regions—he’s got fascinating insights about how their barrels behave compared to Kentucky or Tennessee operations. If you’re planning to buy bottles, they often have distillery-only releases not available elsewhere, and their prices are quite reasonable for craft spirits.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Loggerhead Distillery — Visitor FAQ

Do the owners actually give the tours themselves?
Chris and Stephanie Barnum frequently lead tours personally, especially on weekends, sharing their journey from corporate careers to craft distilling. They’re passionate about educating visitors on how Florida’s climate affects their spirits differently than traditional whiskey regions.
How does Florida’s climate affect the whiskey aging process?
The year-round heat and humidity in Central Florida accelerates the interaction between spirit and oak barrel, allowing their bourbon to develop complexity much faster than in cooler climates. This means their younger whiskeys can have characteristics typically found in much older expressions from Kentucky or Tennessee.
Can I buy bottles that aren’t available elsewhere?
Yes, Loggerhead often has distillery-exclusive releases and small batches available only on-site. These limited releases showcase experimental techniques or seasonal ingredients that reflect their Florida location and craft approach.

GETTING THERE

Find Loggerhead Distillery

📍124 W 2nd St, Sanford, FL 32771, USA

 — 

📞 (321) 800-8566

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