How Distilleries in the Southeast Are Fostering Community in the Wake of Hurricane Milton and Helene

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The dual impact of Hurricane Milton and Helene — each recognized as a "generational event" in their own right — has devastated distilleries across the American Southeast. Florida, Tennessee and the Carolinas boast some of the highest densities of craft alcohol production in the country. As is unfortunately so often the case, mom-and-pop businesses suffered the brunt of the storms as many were forced to evacuate and stand by while damages swept the region. Those who came out the other side are now contributing a splash of good spirits to the relief effort. Taking a look at the before, during and after, here's a play-by-play of how local spirits producers weathered and persevered through this year's tumultuous hurricane season. Copper Bottom Spirits in Holly Hill, Florida, was one of several distilleries documenting preparation efforts in the days before Milton's landfall. Distillers Jeremy and Jenni Craig took viewers through the process as sandbags were lugged outside and barrels placed on the highest racks. Tanks lying around the warehouse floor were filled with water — a preventive measure in case flooding knocked them astray.

 

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While some prepped, others partied — or, more accurately, encouraged others to stock up on their hurricane party reserves. Outposts like Yalaha Bootlegging and Sugar Sand Distillery invited locals to replenish their booze supplies in the days and hours before landfall. In one of the final signs of what was to come, storm chaser Mike Boylan was forced at the last minute to cancel a meet and greet scheduled with Tampa Bay Brewing Company. Ironically, he intended to promote a hurricane-themed "Spaghetti Model IPA" that depicted storms sweeping across the U.S. Known for his popular Instagram account Mike's Weather Page, Boylan's near-constant updates throughout the storm would later prove crucial in keeping the community up to date on developments. At approximately 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday night, Hurricane Milton touched down. Sarasota's Siesta Key Rum, located mere minutes from the western coast, was one of the first to get hit. In a post shared on Facebook, the eye of the storm was documented passing directly over the distillery; a moment of brief respite amid the surging winds. Though Siesta Key lost power, the distiller says that all remained safe within the facilities. [caption id="attachment_87645" align="aligncenter" width="350"]Image may be NSFW.
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"The distillery has some minor damage but after getting a brand new roof after Hurricane Ian, we faired surprisingly well," Siesta Key wrote. "Our distiller Shane spent the night in the distillery battling 115mph winds keeping the large bay doors secured! A true hero! Most importantly, ALL THE RUM IS SAVED! We did lose power but are confident the heroic linemen will restore it quickly."

As the storm carved east, distilleries, breweries and bars shuttered their doors and battened down the hatches. For many, updates have been few and far between. Power is still lost for nearly 3 million Floridians in the wake of Hurricane Milton. Apart from the occasional image of a cuddly dog seeking high ground, most locations will likely remain closed through the weekend. Venues that have managed to recover, however, have been swift to pick up pace and gather community. Fort Myers' Millennial Brewing Co. set up shop on Thursday with free electricity, water refilling, Wi-Fi and food trucks. Local support organizations were brought into the fold for supply disbursement to those on site. Tampas's 82°West Distilling took a more spirited approach, offering locals free sips all day — so long as they didn't mind drinking without ice or power. More support efforts will crop up in days to come as businesses assess the damages. If you'd like to check in with your local distillery, find the Florida Distillery Trail directory here.

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In the wake of Milton, we should remember that countless communities in the Appalachia region are still recovering from the aftershocks of Hurricane Helene. As businesses and families in the Florida area find their footing, those further up the coast continue to rebuild from a storm that dumped nearly 40 trillion gallons of water on the area at the end of September. South Carolina's Great Wagon Road Distilling, North Carolina's Oaklore and Tennesses's Brewstillery are all holding fundraising events and food drop-offs to aid in the effort. Fainting Goat Spirits has partnered with the Greensboro Service Industry Workers for WNC Relief Coalition to donate a portion of cocktail proceeds toward home, health, equity and opportunity initiatives. If you have the means, feel free to pay it forward to any of the above-mentioned businesses or make donations through the Direct Relief fund or World Health Kitchen.

 

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This isn't the first time distilleries and breweries have banded together in the wake of a hurricane. Ahead of 2022's Hurricane Ian, Florida rum distilleries prepared prep kits, offered special deals and more. A Tallahassee craft brewery, meanwhile, provided its community with free water. [callout-app-promo]