Located in Cape Canaveral about halfway between Port Canaveral and the beach, sits the Florida Space Coasts’ only small-batch distillery. But it isn’t a story of generations of family members and centuries-old recipes handed down. No, it began with two brothers and a dream. A dream to make hand-crafted spirits using only the very best Florida-based ingredients. And using some of the most advanced equipment in the business.
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The Folino brothers had a dream. They wanted to distill fine spirits for discerning customers. Owner Ron Folino’s older brother was the driving force behind the distillery. While Ron was busy running his design-build business. Educated in Business and Engineering at UCF, Ron’s studies then took him to Architectural school in Milano, Italy. Returning to the states, he opened a commercial construction business. When the dream to distill was born, Ron set out to construct the building to house the business. Sadly, Ron’s brother passed away before they could open. But Ron couldn’t let the dream go. So he closed his former business and launched the distillery himself.
He is dedicated to using only the finest ingredients he can. Part of that was being certified “Fresh From Florida”. The program promotes Florida’s agricultural products that Oceanside uses. From corn to botanicals, and dehydrated sugarcane juice. Everything they can get locally from the state’s farmers, they do. But the right ingredients are only a part of what makes a good spirit. The distilling process is a big part, too. And Oceanside has some of the most technologically advanced equipment in the business. If you’ve ever taken a tour of another distillery, I’m sure you’ve seen the large column stills. But here’s where they differ. Ron has the iStill. Controlled by Apple technology. The “brain” enables the still to operate as both a pot still and a column still. Once the parameters are set and the recipes loaded, the entire process is electronically controlled. From adjusting and maintaining the temperature, to when to open and close values allowing the alcohol to come “off”.
The iStill is a new product available to distillers. It can make whiskey, rum, brandy, gin, and vodka. All in one still. If it is outfitted with a boiler radiator and agitator, as is Oceanside’s, it can be used to mash and ferment, too. The agitator is unique that it is cone-shaped instead of a propeller. This allows a more even stir without creating a whirlpool. This type of agitation works to reduce the risk of burning the mash. And the iStill uses direct heating instead of the traditional steam boiler method. This improves the efficiency and reaction time of the cooking process. The direct heating and cone-shaped agitator combine to produce the Maillard Reaction. Named after French chemist Louis Camille Maillard, this chemical reaction produces hundreds of different flavor compounds. Depending on the chemical makeup, temperature, cooking time, and presence of air. Why is this important in the production of alcohol? It creates up to 25% more flavor per batch.
Also, through its electronics, air pressure is monitored on a second-to-second basis and adjusts for changes. In plain English, all this comes together to help the iStill make the same product over and over again. Very important for a small-batch distiller.
Oceanside produces Vodka, Whiskey, Rum, and Gin. Each is made with dedication and care at every step of the process. The distillery adds fun and whimsy to it, as well. From the artwork on the walls of The Incredible Mr. Limpet to the names of their spirits. You might have to Google who Mr. Limpet is as it’s from 1964. The 28 Degrees North Vodka is named for Brevard County’s latitude. And their Odysea Whiskey which is a fun play on words. Onsite mixologists will whip up Florida-inspired cocktails for you, too. Try the Key West North or the Almond Joy.
Oceanside Distillery is very open with everything they do. Book a tour to see the whole process from start to finish with their distiller. And if you book the Masters Tour, it concludes with a barrel tasting. Afterward, head back to the bar for more options. A visit to the Space Coast should include a visit here. The friendly atmosphere and tasty concoctions make it all worthwhile.