Florida Whiskey

Florida Whiskey

Florida Whiskey is a wheated bourbon-style whiskey made grain-to-glass at Timber Creek Distillery in Crestview, Florida. We distill each grain separately — corn, wheat, and malted barley — then blend the components to build the finished whiskey rather than committing to a single mash bill. The result is a sweet, smooth expression with clear grain identity, bottled unfiltered at 93 proof.

What Makes This a Florida Whiskey

Florida Whiskey is not a marketing term. At Timber Creek, it is a production standard. Every bottle must meet the following requirements to carry the name:

• Distilled from at least 90% Florida-grown grains
• Uses only Florida limestone spring water throughout production
• Aged in Florida’s heat and humidity, which accelerates maturation compared to cooler climates
• Bottled unfiltered to preserve the natural flavor compounds developed during fermentation and aging

Those standards separate Florida Whiskey from spirits that simply meet federal bourbon category requirements. Florida’s warm climate and local grain supply actively shape the character of what ends up in the bottle. Aging in a Florida warehouse produces faster wood interaction than aging in Kentucky, which means the whiskey builds color and oak character on a compressed timeline. Furthermore, the coastal humidity of the Florida Panhandle creates a specific evaporation profile that concentrates flavors over time. For a deeper look at how climate shapes whiskey maturation, see our complete whiskey guide.

Is Florida Whiskey a Bourbon?

Yes, It meets the federal requirements for bourbon. The mash bill is approximately 80% corn, which exceeds the 51% corn minimum required by U.S. law. It is distilled below 160 proof, entered into new charred oak containers below 125 proof, and contains no additives beyond water. So by federal definition, it qualifies as bourbon.

However, we label it Florida Whiskey rather than Florida Bourbon for a specific reason. Our production method — distilling each grain separately and blending the components — produces a different structural result than a traditional single-mash bourbon. The components age in separate barrels. We then blend them to achieve balance rather than extracting a finished product from one mash. That blended approach produces a more layered, component-built spirit. Calling it simply “bourbon” understate what the PureBlend® process actually produces.

For a full breakdown of how bourbon standards work and where Florida Whiskey fits within them, see What’s the Difference Between Whiskey and Bourbon?

The Grain-by-Grain Approach

Most bourbon distilleries combine all grains in a single mash tun, cook them together, ferment together, and distill the resulting wash in one run. That approach is efficient and consistent. However, it also forces a compromise — every grain in the mash gets treated at conditions optimized for the mash as a whole rather than for each individual grain.

At Timber Creek, we go grain by grain. Each grain gets its own cook, its own fermentation run, and its own distillation. Corn goes through conditions optimized for starch conversion and clean alcohol yield. Wheat ferments under conditions that preserve its soft, rounded character. Malted barley gets treated to maximize enzyme activity and capture the subtle malt and cereal notes that add depth to the blend.

After distillation, each component ages separately in new charred oak barrels. We then blend the aged components in proportions designed to achieve the finished whiskey’s target profile. That blending step is where the recipe actually gets built. It is also where our team makes the decisions that determine the character of each batch. For more on how the grain-by-grain method works, see our grain-to-glass distillation process and our mash bill guide.

What Is a Wheated Bourbon — and Why It Matters Here

A wheated bourbon is a bourbon-style whiskey that uses wheat as the secondary grain rather than rye. The secondary grain fills the portion of the mash bill not occupied by corn and malted barley. When that slot goes to rye, the result is a spicier, drier whiskey with pepper and herbal notes. When it goes to wheat, the result is softer, rounder, and sweeter-tasting on the palate.

This expression uses wheat in that secondary role. Wheat reduces the aggressive top notes that rye introduces. It also amplifies the perception of corn sweetness rather than competing with it. The effect is a whiskey that feels approachable and balanced from the first sip — not simple, but not challenging either. The corn-derived caramel and honey notes carry through cleanly without rye’s spice cutting in front of them.

That wheated structure makes this an ideal starting point for guests exploring whiskey for the first time, and it also makes it a benchmark expression for understanding how grain selection shapes flavor. Our Bourbon Blending Experience lets guests work with corn, wheat, rye, and barley components individually — so you can taste precisely what wheat contributes by removing it from the blend and adding it back.

Florida Whiskey Tasting Notes

These notes describe what the whiskey actually tastes like, not marketing shorthand. Florida Whiskey is sweet and approachable with clear grain expression throughout.

Nose

Warm caramel and honey lead on the nose, with corn sweetness at the center. Vanilla from oak aging adds softness underneath. There is no rye spice or sharp herbal note competing for attention — the wheat keeps the aromatic profile round and welcoming. A subtle butter note from the single malt barley component shows up with time in the glass.

Palate

Sweet corn character carries through the entry. Wheat adds a soft, creamy mid-palate texture that distinguishes this from rye-forward expressions. The barley component contributes a light cereal and malt note that adds depth without heaviness. Because the whiskey is unfiltered, there is more texture and body than in filtered expressions at the same proof. At 93 proof, the alcohol is present but integrated rather than aggressive.

Finish

The finish is smooth and moderately long. Oak warmth lingers after the primary corn and wheat flavors fade. There is no bitter or sharp edge — the finish stays sweet and clean, which makes this easy to return to. The absence of filtration means the finish has slightly more body and persistence than most comparable expressions at this proof point.

Overall Character

It is the sweetest and most approachable expression in the Timber Creek lineup. It is the grain-to-glass version of the classic wheated bourbon profile — familiar enough to appeal to people who know bourbon, distinctive enough to represent what Florida ingredients and climate actually produce. Gold Medal winner at the Whiskey & Barrel Consumer Choice Awards for American Whiskey.

How to Drink Florida Whiskey

Neat or on the Rocks

The sweet, smooth profile holds up well without dilution. Neat at room temperature lets the corn and wheat character come through fully. On the rocks, melting ice opens the nose and softens the proof slightly without losing the primary flavor notes.

Simple Cocktails

Wheated whiskeys work well in spirit-forward cocktails where the base needs to contribute sweetness without spice. An Old Fashioned made with Florida Whiskey stays on the sweeter, rounder side of the classic template. A Whiskey Sour benefits from the wheat’s soft texture. Because there is no rye spice to compete with, this whiskey also blends cleanly into longer, lighter drinks without asserting itself too aggressively.

With Food

The sweetness profile pairs naturally with smoked and grilled proteins, where the corn and caramel notes complement rather than clash with smoke and char. It also pairs well with mild cheeses, roasted nuts, and desserts built around caramel, vanilla, or apple. The absence of spice makes Florida Whiskey more food-flexible than rye-forward expressions.

Florida Whiskey vs. Southern Reserve: What’s the Difference?

The Southern Reserve Florida Whiskey is the four-grain version of the same grain-to-glass philosophy. It adds rye to the component blend alongside corn, wheat, and barley. That rye contribution shifts the profile toward more complexity and structure. Southern Reserve has more spice tension, a longer finish, and a deeper aromatic profile. It is deliberately simpler and sweeter — it’s the expression built for clean grain character and approachability rather than layered complexity.

If you’re exploring the lineup for the first time, Florida Whiskey is the right starting point. Southern Reserve rewards those who want more from a whiskey and are ready for the additional depth rye adds. Both are available for side-by-side comparison at the distillery.

Awards & Recognition

[AWARDS — Aaron to insert award badges and text here]

It has been recognized across multiple American whiskey competitions. Each award reflects the same production standards: Florida-grown grains, unfiltered bottling, and the grain-by-grain PureBlend® approach that produces the finished blend. For the full award history across all Timber Creek spirits, see the Awards page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Whiskey

Is Florida Whiskey a bourbon?

Yes. It meets all federal bourbon requirements: 51%+ corn (ours runs approximately 80%), distilled below 160 proof, entered into new charred oak below 125 proof, and no additives beyond water. We label it Florida Whiskey rather than Florida Bourbon because our grain-by-grain distillation and blending process produces a structurally different result than a traditional single-mash bourbon. Both labels are accurate — we choose the one that better describes how it is made.

What proof is Florida Whiskey?

It is bottled at 93 proof (46.5% ABV). That proof sits above the standard 80-proof baseline for American whiskey. It is high enough to deliver full flavor and body, but not so high that the alcohol dominates the palate. The 93-proof target was chosen specifically to match the expression’s character without diluting the grain-derived flavors the production process works to preserve.

Is Florida Whiskey filtered?

No. It is bottled unfiltered. Filtration — particularly chill filtration — removes some of the fatty acids and proteins that contribute to mouthfeel and flavor complexity. By skipping filtration, the whiskey retains more of the natural compounds produced during fermentation and aging. The trade-off is that the whiskey may show slight cloudiness when chilled, which is normal and indicates the absence of filtration rather than a product defect.

What does wheated bourbon taste like?

Wheated bourbons use wheat as the secondary grain instead of rye. Wheat produces a softer, rounder, and sweeter-tasting whiskey than rye-forward versions. Expect corn caramel and honey at the center, a smooth mid-palate texture, and a clean finish without the spice or dryness that rye introduces. It is a clear example of this style — sweet and approachable rather than spicy and assertive.

Where is Florida Whiskey made?

This whiskey is made at Timber Creek Distillery in Crestview, Florida, on the Florida Panhandle — about 45 miles north of Destin. The distillery sits on a 1,400-acre family farm and sources grains from within 45 miles of the production facility. Every step from grain delivery to bottling happens on site.

What grains are in Florida Whiskey?

It is made from corn, wheat, and malted barley — all Florida-grown. The mash bill is approximately 80% corn, with wheat as the secondary grain and malted barley providing enzymatic support and subtle malt character. Each grain is distilled separately rather than combined in a single mash, which allows each component to be optimized independently before blending.

How does Florida Whiskey compare to Kentucky bourbon?

The grains, production process, and proof are similar to many Kentucky wheated bourbons. The primary difference is climate. Florida’s consistently warm temperatures and coastal humidity accelerate wood interaction during aging. The spirit cycles in and out of the wood more actively than in Kentucky’s cooler winters. That faster maturation produces earlier color development and oak integration, which means the spirit reaches full character on a shorter aging timeline than comparable Kentucky expressions.

Can I visit the distillery and taste Florida Whiskey?

Yes. It is available for tasting at Timber Creek Distillery in Crestview. The full lineup — the full lineup — Florida Whiskey, Southern Reserve, Black Rye, and Single Malt — can be tasted side by side during a Distillery Tour and Tasting. The Bourbon Blending Experience goes further, letting guests blend their own version from single-grain components.

What is the PureBlend® process?

PureBlend® is Timber Creek’s grain-by-grain distillation and blending method. Each grain — corn, wheat, rye (for other expressions), and malted barley — is cooked, fermented, distilled, and aged separately. The aged components are then blended in proportions designed to produce the finished whiskey’s target flavor profile. That approach gives precise control over each grain’s contribution, rather than accepting whatever a combined mash produces.

Farm-to-Bottle PureBlend® Process

At Timber Creek, we take a natural, sustainable approach to crafting our spirits through our proprietary PureBlend® process. This method carefully brings out the rich, authentic flavors of each grain and ingredient, honoring their natural character. After aging, we thoughtfully blend these elements to create bold, balanced, and pure flavor profiles — delivering a true farm-to-bottle experience.

Download the Florida Whiskey Spec Sheet (PDF)

Explore the Whiskey Lineup

• Southern Reserve Florida Whiskey — Four-grain complexity with rye structure
• Florida Black Rye Whiskey — Single-grain rye focus, bold and dry
• Florida Single Malt Whiskey — 100% malted barley, oily and malt-forward
• What Is Whiskey? A Distiller’s Complete Guide
• Mash Bill Guide — How Grain Recipes Shape Whiskey
• What’s the Difference Between Whiskey and Bourbon?