Fernandina Beach distillery plans to expand, open bier garden

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — Inside Marlin & Barrel, workers are distilling rum while other craft spirits age in wood barrels.

The idea -- use local ingredients to create unique flavors that showcase Florida agriculture.

“We started with Florida sugar cane that we get from a local sugar cane farm just south of here and we do all the work here,” Brand Director Abbas Shoraka said. “When we say craft to us that means that we’re very hands on, all the products really come from scratch.”

The operation started with one still and one staff member, founder Roger Morenc.

Four years and a dozen new spirits later, the business has outgrown its space.

That’s why it is moving to a building triple the size on 8th Street, and the company is investing $1 million in the expansion.

“The new space will almost triple our production size, capability. Especially with the new still coming on, we’ll be able to produce a lot more and have more space for everything,” Shoraka said.

TRENDING: 

Among the plans for the old automobile dealership – a bier garden with space for food trucks, live music and games.

The goal is to share the story of Marlin & Barrel's craft spirits with more families and attract new visitors to downtown Fernandina Beach.

Management hopes to open the bier garden by October with production at the new facility beginning shortly after.​

STAY UPDATED: Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories

Cox Media Group