Sailbird Distilling sits on West King Street in St. Augustine’s historic district, founded by husband-and-wife team Jason and Rebecca Hogan who opened their doors in 2018. The couple left corporate careers to chase their distilling dreams in America’s oldest city, setting up shop in a converted space that maintains the old-world charm you’d expect from St. Augustine. They focus on small-batch craft spirits with a coastal influence, producing vodka, gin, and whiskey that reflects their maritime-inspired brand.
Jason handles the production side while Rebecca manages operations and visitor experiences. The Hogans spent years perfecting their recipes before going commercial, drawing inspiration from their love of sailing and coastal living. Their approach blends traditional distilling methods with modern equipment in a compact facility that feels intimate rather than industrial. The maritime theme runs through everything from their bottle designs to the nautical touches throughout the tasting room.
Visitors find themselves in a cozy space where you can watch the distillation process while sampling spirits that capture the coastal vibe the Hogans were after. The operation stays true to craft distilling principles with hands-on production and attention to detail that you can taste in the final products. It’s the kind of place where the owners are often around to chat about their journey from corporate life to craft distilling, making each visit feel personal rather than scripted.