Embark on an Adventure with Loaded Cannon Distillery: Crafting Spirits and Building Community
Embark on an Adventure with Loaded Cannon Distillery: Crafting Spirits and Building Community
Nestled in Bradenton, Florida, Loaded Cannon Distillery has quickly become a local gem since its grand opening in July 2019. Despite its relatively short timeline, this distillery has rapidly carved out its place in both the local and national spirits scene. Loaded Cannon was honored as one of USA Today’s Top 10 New Distilleries in the country and recently earned the prestigious title of "Best Of" Distillery in Florida for 2023 and 2024.
A Journey Just Beginning
Though Loaded Cannon’s story is still in its early chapters, it’s one full of notable accomplishments. From being recognized as a finalist for Small Business of the Year to taking home awards like Best Flavored Vodka in North America, this distillery packs a punch. In addition to its success in the spirits world, Loaded Cannon has played a vital role in the community, producing hand sanitizer during challenging times and supporting first responders. This isn’t just a distillery—it’s a community fixture, weaving itself into the fabric of Bradenton life.
Bringing Florida’s Pirate Past to Life
Loaded Cannon Distillery launched in late 2017 with a bold mission: to bring high-quality spirits to Florida while celebrating the state’s rich pirate history. Florida’s Sun Coast is steeped in stories of pirates and privateers, and Loaded Cannon seeks to capture that daring spirit in each bottle they craft.
At its core, Loaded Cannon is about more than just creating great rum or whiskey. Every bottle tells a story, one that hearkens back to the days of pirates sailing the Florida coast. With a passion for handcrafting unique spirits, Loaded Cannon delivers a taste of Florida’s swashbuckling past in every sip.
Flexibility and Innovation at Its Finest
Where many distilleries might rest on their laurels, Loaded Cannon is driven by a desire to innovate. Their state-of-the-art equipment is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing the team to craft a wide array of spirits. While their rum is a standout favorite, Loaded Cannon is constantly experimenting and pushing boundaries to bring new, exciting products to life.
The team’s philosophy is clear: "If you can’t be unique, why do it at all?" This adventurous approach is what makes Loaded Cannon stand out. The distillery lets its customers guide future product innovations, ensuring each creation is tailored to their preferences.
Community-Focused and Committed to Quality
One of Loaded Cannon’s core values is supporting the local community. They source many of their key ingredients—like corn, molasses, rye, sugar, and rice—from Florida farms, reinforcing their commitment to keeping it local. Even their natural flavorings are often sourced from nearby vendors, contributing to the local economy and ensuring top-notch quality.
Florida’s universities have been crucial in helping Loaded Cannon connect with reliable suppliers and high-quality ingredients. This dedication to sourcing locally guarantees that every bottle from Loaded Cannon is a true taste of Florida.
Award-Winning Craftsmanship
From gold medals at the East Coast Spirits Contest to being named Best Distillery on the Florida Gulf Coast, Loaded Cannon’s trophy cabinet is getting crowded. It’s no surprise that they’ve garnered such high praise in such a short amount of time.
In 2019, Loaded Cannon earned a spot in USA Today’s Top 10 New Distilleries in the United States. Since then, the accolades have continued to roll in, including being named Best Flavored Vodka in North America (2022) and the coveted "Best Of" title for distilleries in Florida in 2023 and 2024. Whether you’re savoring their vodka or enjoying a glass of their smooth bourbon, it’s clear that Loaded Cannon is dedicated to quality.
The Art of Distillation
At the heart of every exceptional spirit is the distillation process, and Loaded Cannon takes this art form to the next level. The process begins with fermentation, where sugars are broken down into ethyl alcohol. The team’s master distiller, with over 40 years of chemical engineering experience, oversees each step of the process, ensuring that every batch meets the distillery’s exacting standards.
The distillery’s equipment features copper stills, which play a crucial role in refining the spirits. Copper helps remove sulfur compounds that can negatively impact flavor, leaving behind only the purest, smoothest product. As the team likes to say, "Copper is more expensive, but you're worth it!"
Once the fermentation is complete, the distillation process begins. The master distiller carefully selects what elements stay and what gets recycled, resulting in a truly handcrafted spirit that reflects Loaded Cannon’s commitment to quality.
Sipping on History: Carlota Bourbon and Kaminari Whiskey
Loaded Cannon’s bourbon and whiskey selections are not just award-winning—they’re steeped in Florida’s rich history. Their signature bourbon pays tribute to the tale of Carlota, a young woman who met a tragic fate at the hands of pirate Miguel Pascal. According to legend, Carlota sank Miguel’s ship in an act of revenge, and her spirit is said to haunt the Manatee River to this day. This smooth, melodious bourbon, made from Florida corn and rye, is crafted to be as unforgettable as the story that inspired it.
For something a bit more unique, Kaminari rice whiskey offers a distinctive flavor. Named after the Japanese word for "Thunder and Lightning," this rice whiskey has a buttery, smooth taste that’s ideal for sipping. Made from Florida-grown rice and aged to perfection, Kaminari is a shining example of Loaded Cannon’s innovative approach to spirits.
The Spirit of Adventure: White Dog Whiskey
Not every spirit needs years in a barrel to make an impact. Loaded Cannon’s White Dog whiskey, an unaged offering, is a tribute to the distillery’s beloved mascot, Cannon. With a sharp, bold flavor, White Dog is perfect for mixing or sipping straight. It may be young, but it has plenty of bite! Made from Florida corn, this unaged whiskey is a true testament to the adventurous spirit that defines Loaded Cannon.
Honoring First Responders with Lost Legends
Loaded Cannon’s Lost Legends spirits are a heartfelt tribute to first responders, who risk their lives to keep our communities safe. Each bottle of Lost Legends serves as a reminder of the bravery and dedication shown by these everyday heroes. Raise a glass to them next time you’re at Loaded Cannon, whether you're enjoying a cocktail in the tasting room or toasting at home.
Learn the Craft: Cocktail and Whiskey Classes
For those looking to take their appreciation of spirits to the next level, Loaded Cannon offers interactive cocktail and whiskey classes. These hands-on sessions are perfect for groups or special events, allowing participants to dive into the history and fundamentals of mixology while sampling some of the distillery’s finest creations.
For a more immersive experience, the Whiskey Immersion course offers a multi-day deep dive into the art of whiskey production. Participants will learn every aspect of the process, from fermentation and distillation to barrel aging. This experience makes an excellent gift for the whiskey aficionado in your life, offering the chance to create, age, and bottle a personal batch of whiskey.
If time is tight, the 3-hour Whiskey Experience gives participants a crash course in whiskey production, blending, and tasting. It’s a fantastic way to gain a deeper appreciation for the craft behind your favorite spirits.
A Visit You Won’t Forget
When you step through the doors of Loaded Cannon Distillery, you’re not just visiting a distillery—you’re entering a place where passion for craftsmanship and community meet. The tasting room offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere, complete with a copper bar and large viewing windows into the production area. From seasonal specialties to crowd favorites, there’s always something new to try.
Loaded Cannon’s commitment to quality extends beyond their spirits. The distillery’s pristine layout, stringent safety protocols, and welcoming environment make it a standout destination in Bradenton. Every visit is a reminder of their dedication to both their craft and their community.
Drink Local, Support Local
At Loaded Cannon, the philosophy is simple: buy local, support local. By sourcing ingredients from Florida farms and working with nearby businesses, the distillery strengthens the local economy while ensuring its spirits are of the highest quality. Imagine the impact of more restaurants and bars stocked locally produced spirits. Every bottle of Loaded Cannon represents a commitment to supporting the community that supports them.
So, next time you’re in Bradenton, make sure to stop by Loaded Cannon Distillery. Whether you’re taking a tour, sampling their award-winning spirits, or picking up some locally made merch, you’ll be supporting a business that’s committed to quality, community, and adventure.
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