Tampa’s First Craft Distillery Approved to Open Tasting Room

TAMPA, Fla. - Aug. 25, 2013 - PRLog -- With Hillsborough County’s approval today, Tampa Bay gets its first state-approved Craft Distillery as the state of Florida joins other states in the latest micro-distilling craze. The Florida CANE Distillery overcame several hurdles to become the area’s first Craft Distillery that involved signatures from the Governor all the way down to the local zoning department.

“We worked with the Florida Distillers Guild to support the new legislation, asked friends and family to call and lobby on our behalf, and went to Tallahassee to meet with elected officials and make our case”, said owner, Lee Nelson. “The moment Gov. Scott signed the bill into law we started the process of asking the state to designate us as a ‘Craft Distillery’. On nights and weekends we worked to expand our facility into the adjacent unit so we could have enough space to start inviting people in.”

The Florida CANE Distillery will be open Friday evenings and on weekends. “We are going to expose our guests to something unlike anything they’ve ever experienced before”, said owner Tia Norman, who heads up what the distillery is calling their ‘Tasting Room Experience’.

“Visitors will sample some of our fantastic, locally flavored vodkas, learn about the vodka making process, and see the equipment we use, “ said Norman. “We are certain people will love the part where they learn some new mixed drinks recipes and then get to sample them.”

The new Florida Law, known as The Craft Distiller Bill, also lets The Florida CANE Distillery sell two bottles per person for off-site consumption. Reservations must be made for The Tasting Room online at their website www.floridacane.com. For more information please call (813) 892-5431.