How far is the distillery from Louisville?

Neeley Family Distillery is about 45 minutes northeast of Louisville in Sparta, Kentucky. It's in Gallatin County, off the main Bourbon Trail routes, so plan for a bit of a drive through rural Kentucky.

What makes their bourbon different from larger distilleries?

The Neeleys grow some of their own corn right on the property and handle most of the production themselves as a family operation. You're tasting spirits made in small batches with direct family involvement from grain to bottle, rather than mass-produced bourbon.

CRAFT DISTILLERY

Florida

Sugar Works Distillery, LLC

New Smyrna Beach,

Florida

— Rum, Vodka, Gin

TASTINGS

COCKTAILS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

📞 (386) 463-0120

🌐 https://sugarworksdistillery.com/

📍 214 N Orange St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Sugar Works Distillery sits in downtown New Smyrna Beach at 214 N Orange St, bringing craft spirits to Florida’s east coast since opening their doors. Founded by Jason and Michelle Hicks, this husband-and-wife team transformed their passion for quality spirits into a full-scale distillery operation in the heart of this historic coastal town. The distillery specializes in handcrafted rum, vodka, and gin, drawing inspiration from Florida’s sugar cane heritage and coastal influences. The Hicks didn’t stumble into distilling by accident. Jason brought years of brewing experience to the operation, while Michelle handled the business side of launching their dream. They spent considerable time perfecting their recipes before going public, focusing on spirits that reflect their Florida location. The name Sugar Works pays homage to the state’s historical connection to sugar production, though they’ve expanded well beyond rum into a diverse portfolio of spirits. Visitors find themselves in an intimate tasting room where you can sample the full range of spirits while learning about the production process. The operation runs smaller batches, allowing for careful attention to each spirit’s development. You’re not just tasting mass-produced alcohol here – you’re experiencing spirits crafted by people who know every step of the process personally. The downtown location makes it easy to combine with other New Smyrna Beach activities, and the relaxed atmosphere encourages you to stay and savor rather than rush through.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Sugar Works stands out by embracing Florida’s agricultural heritage in ways most craft distilleries overlook. Their rum production connects directly to the state’s sugar cane history, but they’ve modernized the approach with contemporary distillation techniques. The coastal location influences their gin botanicals, incorporating elements that reflect the local environment rather than copying traditional London dry styles. Operating in New Smyrna Beach puts them in a town known more for surfing and art than spirits, making them genuine pioneers in bringing craft distilling to this part of Florida’s coast.

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

You’ll walk into a welcoming tasting room where the focus stays on the spirits themselves rather than flashy production displays. The intimate setting means you’re likely interacting directly with Jason or Michelle, getting firsthand stories about recipe development and production challenges. Tastings move through their range methodically, with explanations of how each spirit developed and what makes their approach different. The atmosphere feels more like visiting friends who happen to make excellent spirits than touring a corporate facility.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

This works well for people who appreciate craft spirits and want to understand the stories behind them. You’re not getting massive production tours or elaborate visitor centers – you’re getting authentic interaction with the people who built this from scratch. Rum enthusiasts will find particularly interesting approaches here, and gin lovers can explore how coastal influences translate into botanicals. If you need extensive tours and large group activities, you might want something bigger. But for genuine craft spirit experiences in a relaxed setting, Sugar Works delivers exactly what serious drinkers hope to find.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead or check their social media for current hours and availability, especially during slower weekday periods. Downtown New Smyrna Beach parking can get tight during peak tourist seasons, but there are several municipal lots within walking distance. Ask about their rum production process – it’s where their expertise really shows, and Jason enjoys explaining their approach. Try their gin if you’re usually a traditional gin drinker; their Florida-influenced botanicals might surprise you. Weekend visits tend to be busier, so weekday visits often mean more personal attention and longer conversations about the spirits.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Sugar Works Distillery, LLC — Visitor FAQ

What spirits does Sugar Works Distillery specialize in?

They focus on rum, vodka, and gin, with rum being their primary specialty. Their approach emphasizes Florida influences and smaller batch production rather than trying to cover every spirit category.

Can I meet the owners during my visit?

Jason and Michelle Hicks are often in the tasting room, especially during weekends and special events. While not guaranteed, visitors frequently get to interact directly with the founders and hear their stories firsthand.

How does their location in New Smyrna Beach influence their spirits?

The coastal location impacts their gin botanicals and overall approach to recipe development. They incorporate Florida agricultural heritage, particularly in their rum production, while the beach town setting keeps their operation focused on quality over quantity.

GETTING THERE

Find Sugar Works Distillery, LLC

📍214 N Orange St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168, USA

—

📞 (386) 463-0120

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