Yalaha Bootlegging Company sits on a 40-acre property in the rolling hills of Lake County, Florida, about an hour northwest of Orlando. Founded by Scott and Julie Dillon in 2017, this craft distillery occupies a converted barn and warehouse space that the couple transformed into a production facility and tasting room. The Dillons, who previously worked in corporate careers, decided to chase their dream of making small-batch spirits after years of home distilling as a hobby. They produce vodka, rum, moonshine, and flavored spirits using a 500-gallon copper still from Vendome Copper & Brass Works. Scott handles the production side while Julie manages the business operations and marketing. The couple spent nearly two years navigating Florida’s licensing requirements and building out their facility before opening to the public. Their approach focuses on using Florida-grown ingredients when possible and creating spirits that reflect the state’s agricultural heritage. The distillery name pays homage to the area’s bootlegging history during Prohibition, when moonshiners operated in the remote hills around Lake County. Visitors find themselves in a working distillery where you can see the entire operation from grain to bottle. The tasting room has a rustic, barn-like atmosphere with exposed beams and concrete floors, but it’s comfortable with air conditioning and plenty of seating. The Dillons often personally conduct tastings and tours, sharing stories about their transition from corporate life to craft distilling. The property includes outdoor space where they host events and live music, taking advantage of Florida’s year-round weather.