If you’re exploring Florida and have a taste for unique, small-batch spirits, the Preez Distillery offers a compelling experience worth considering. This isn’t your typical tourist trap—here, you’ll get a genuine glimpse into the art of craft distilling, guided personally by the owner himself. For just $12, you can sample a variety of spirits, learn about the process, and enjoy a warm, family-oriented atmosphere that feels more like a visit with friends than a commercial tour.
What makes this experience stand out are the hand-crafted spirits made on-site and the personal touch provided by the owner, who leads the tour himself. We appreciate that there are no secrets kept behind closed doors; everything is on display, making it a transparent and educational outing. One potential consideration is the limited duration—about an hour—so if you’re looking for a long-winded extravaganza, this might be a quick stop. But if you value quality over quantity and want a memorable, authentic experience, this tour should definitely be on your list. It’s especially suitable for those interested in spirits, small-group experiences, or those wanting to support family-run businesses.
Key Points
- Authentic, hand-crafted spirits produced in-house.
- Personal guidance from the owner, offering insights into every step.
- Engaging tastings of multiple spirits, including experimental products.
- Creative cocktails made with each sample, helping you understand how to enjoy them.
- Family-oriented atmosphere with a meaningful military tribute wall.
- Limited group size for a more intimate experience.
- Affordable price point of $12 for a comprehensive tasting and tour.
Contents
- Key Points
- What to Expect from the Preez Distillery Experience
- A Warm Welcome and Military Tribute Wall
- Meeting the Owner: A Personal Guide
- The Tasting Room: A Flavor Adventure
- Learning About Spirits: From Grain to Glass
- The Value of Transparency
- The Small Group Setting
- Timing and Logistics
- The Spirit Tastings: A Closer Look
- The Cocktail Component
- Why This Tour Offers Good Value
- Support for Small Business and Family Craftsmanship
- Who Will Love This Experience?
- The Sum Up
- FAQ
What to Expect from the Preez Distillery Experience
A Warm Welcome and Military Tribute Wall
From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere is friendly and approachable. The service member wall, created by Teresa Logan, adds a personal touch, honoring those who serve or have served in the military. You’ll see patches, stickers, and memorabilia that make the space feel welcoming and inclusive, setting a tone of community rather than corporate sales pitch.
Meeting the Owner: A Personal Guide
Unlike many distillery tours that might be led by a staff member or a generic guide, here you’re greeted personally by the owner. This makes all the difference—he’s not just a guide but a passionate craftsman eager to share his knowledge. His approachable, personable style ensures you feel comfortable asking questions or just soaking in the details about how and why each spirit is made.
The Tasting Room: A Flavor Adventure
The core of this experience is the tasting. You’ll sample a variety of spirits, including gluten-free vodka, blueberry vodka, vanilla vodka, silver rum, lime rum, and citrus gin. There’s also a seasonal liqueur and an experimental product in the mix, giving you a glimpse into the ongoing creative process. The owner makes a point of making these tastings interactive by preparing a sample cocktail with each—a smart move that helps you understand how each spirit can be enjoyed.
More Great Tours NearbyLearning About Spirits: From Grain to Glass
Following the tasting, a tour of the distillery facilities provides insights into the crafting process. You’ll learn about the ingredients, techniques, and phases involved in making each spirit. This behind-the-scenes look isn’t just technical; it’s about appreciating the care and craftsmanship behind each bottle. The owner’s explanations are thorough and clear, making complex processes accessible even for beginners.
The Value of Transparency
One aspect that many visitors highlight is the lack of hiding anything behind secret doors. Everything is visible, from fermentation tanks to distillation apparatus, which adds an educational element not always present at larger distilleries. This transparency fosters trust and enhances the experience, making you feel more connected to the product.
The Small Group Setting
Limited to just 10 participants, the tour feels intimate and personalized. We loved the way questions are encouraged and answered directly, creating a relaxed environment where you can truly engage. Reviews describe the experience as “super personal,” emphasizing that it’s more like visiting a friend’s home than a commercial operation.
Timing and Logistics
The entire experience takes about an hour, making it an easy addition to your Florida itinerary. The tours are usually available in the morning and afternoon, giving flexibility to fit into your day. The price of $12 per person is remarkably reasonable for such a comprehensive, guided tasting plus a behind-the-scenes tour.
The Spirit Tastings: A Closer Look
The spirits offered highlight the distillery’s focus on quality and innovation. The gluten-free vodka and blueberry vodka showcase flavor and craftsmanship, while the vanilla vodka adds a smooth, aromatic note. The silver rum and lime rum demonstrate versatility, perfect for cocktails or sipping neat. The citrus gin introduces a botanical twist, and the seasonal liqueur keeps the experience fresh and engaging.
The inclusion of experimental or development-phase products is an exciting touch, giving visitors a glimpse into what might soon be hitting the market. As one reviewer put it, “The drink tastes are beyond delightful and completely different from any other drink in the market,” which hints at the distillery’s creativity and commitment to unique flavors.
The Cocktail Component
Between each sample, a small cocktail is crafted, making this experience both educational and practical. You’ll see firsthand how to mix and enjoy each spirit, leaving with ideas and confidence to replicate these drinks at home. This hands-on element is a real plus, especially for those interested in mixology.
Why This Tour Offers Good Value
For $12, you receive a tasting of six spirits, a personal guided tour, and craft cocktails—all in a friendly, family setting. Compared to larger, commercial distillery visits, this offers a more authentic, educational experience at a fraction of the cost. The fact that you’re seeing everything made firsthand adds a layer of authenticity and trust not always found elsewhere.
Support for Small Business and Family Craftsmanship
Many reviews highlight the personable nature of the owner, who is described as knowledgeable and approachable. Supporting a family-run operation in a small-group setting enhances its appeal for travelers seeking a more meaningful, less commercial experience.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This tour is ideal for spirits enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone interested in small-batch production. The intimate setting, personal guidance, and transparent process make it especially suited for those who appreciate craftsmanship and authenticity. It’s also perfect for small groups or couples looking for a relaxed, educational outing. If you enjoy trying new flavors and learning about how spirits are made, this is a perfect fit.
The Sum Up
The Preez Distillery provides a genuine, heartfelt experience that emphasizes transparency, craftsmanship, and community. For just $12, you get a thorough tasting, an engaging tour, and a chance to meet a passionate owner sharing his knowledge. The family-oriented atmosphere and respect for military service add a meaningful touch that elevates the experience beyond just a spirits tasting.
This tour offers great value for travelers who want more than a surface-level visit. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy learning about the art of distilling, savoring unique flavors, and supporting small, family-run businesses. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a casual visitor with a curiosity for craft spirits, you’ll find this experience both enjoyable and memorable.
Largo: Preez Distillery Tours and Artisanal Spirit Tastings
“A wonderful experience. Everyone was so friendly and knowledgeable.”
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers?
While the tasting is the main feature, the focus is on learning about spirits and the process. If you prefer not to drink, you can still enjoy the educational aspect and the tour of the distillery.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about an hour, including tasting, cocktail making, and the facility tour.
Is this experience accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for guests with mobility needs.
What is the age limit for participation?
People under 21 are not permitted to participate, as it’s an alcoholic tasting experience.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserving now allows you to pay later, offering flexibility.
Do I need to bring identification?
Yes, bring your passport or ID card to verify your age for the tasting.
Is there a group size limit?
Yes, limited to 10 participants, ensuring a cozy, personalized experience.
What languages are available for the tour?
Tours are conducted in English and Spanish, accommodating diverse visitors.