Overview: St. Petersburg Distillery has recently expanded its operations with the opening of an intimate speakeasy called 31 South within its Warehouse Arts District campus in Florida. This new venue offers a unique experience for visitors to socialize and relax amidst dim mood lighting, vintage furnishings, and jazz music playing overhead.
The Full Story
Located inside the distillery’s industrial warehouse at 800 31st Street South, the speakeasy sits above the production floor where guests typically end their tours. The redesign of this space was led by marketing coordinator Meridian Joy-Piper and VP of Operations Kiley Judge, who sourced much of the furniture and decor locally and incorporated historic photos throughout.
The cocktail menu at 31 South combines both classic and contemporary flavors built around house-made spirits from St. Petersburg Distillery. The offerings include nine cocktails such as a matcha latte martini, an elderflower lemon drop, and a coconut daiquiri. Guests can also opt for four- or six-flight tastings of the distillery’s whiskey, vodka, gin, and rum.
As part of its expansion plans, St. Petersburg Distillery is working with chef Johnathan Rodriguez to develop a menu of small plates that complement the cocktail program at 31 South. The speakeasy will operate Thursday through Saturday evenings while day-time tours and tastings will continue as usual.
Production & Profile
The distillery’s production process has been reorganized to make room for a 350-person event space, which is set to host both private and public events when it opens later this year. This expansion reflects the broader vision of creating a neighborhood where artists, makers, and entrepreneurs can gather with regular programming like the monthly Makers + Shakers Market helping activate the site.
St. Petersburg Distillery has also announced plans to roll out several new products this year, including an expansion of its Tippler’s line due to the success of its Tippler’s Orange Liqueur. The new flavors will include strawberry, grapefruit, and passionfruit in addition to two new whiskey lines: a higher-end Muralist Series featuring limited releases in partnership with local artists.
Brand & Industry History
St. Petersburg Distillery has been at the forefront of Florida’s craft distilling movement since its inception. With a focus on creating unique and high-quality spirits, the brand has gained recognition for its house-made products, including Old St. Pete Sunshine Whiskey with real maple syrup and bitters.
What This Means
The opening of 31 South speakeasy marks an exciting milestone in St. Petersburg Distillery’s expansion plans. By offering a new venue for visitors to socialize and relax amidst house-made spirits, the distillery is redefining its role as more than just a production facility but also as a gathering space for artists, makers, and entrepreneurs.
Consumer Takeaway
In conclusion, St. Petersburg Distillery’s expansion into the evening hours with 31 South speakeasy offers an unparalleled experience for whiskey enthusiasts and cocktail connoisseurs alike. With its commitment to using house-made spirits and partnering with local artists, this distillery is setting a new standard in craft production while fostering community growth within its Warehouse Arts District campus.
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