Vero Beach, FL – The city of Vero Beach, known for its picturesque beaches and vibrant community, is about to add another feather to its cap. A new distillery, the 21st Amendment Distillery, has seen a meteoric rise in popularity, with a staggering growth of over 4,000% in less than a month (according to Google Trends).
A Dream Turned Reality
Jeff Palleschi, the founder and owner of the 21st Amendment Distillery, has been a resident of Vero Beach for over a decade. His vision was to bring hand-crafted spirits to the city, filling a void that had been present for years. While Vero Beach and Indian River County have welcomed several beer breweries in recent times, there were no distilleries producing local spirits. That’s about to change.
The distillery, located at 2055 13th Ave., directly across from the downtown Vero Beach post office, is set to open its doors for tastings in late 2021. The on-site distilling operation and tasting room are expected to be fully operational in 2022, provided construction proceeds as planned.
A Diverse Range of Spirits
Palleschi has ambitious plans for the distillery. Beyond whiskey, the 21st Amendment Distillery will produce gin, vodka, agave, rum, and a specialty cello series. Given Vero Beach’s reputation as the citrus capital, Palleschi plans to introduce lemon cello, lime cello, orange cello, and grapefruit cello. Additionally, the distillery will offer canned ready-to-drink cocktails for the cellos.
One of the standout features of the distillery will be its rickhouse, a storage space for barrels, built on a floating barge in the Indian River Lagoon. This unique setup will impart distinct flavors to the whiskey and rum, making them impossible to replicate elsewhere.
A Boost to the Local Economy
Palleschi believes that the 21st Amendment Distillery will serve as an anchor for the city’s downtown economy, much like how Sailfish Brewing Co. did for Fort Pierce. The distillery, spanning 5,000-5,500 square feet, will feature a production area, taproom, bar area, education center, and retail store.
The 21st Amendment Distillery is not just a business venture for Palleschi. It’s a dream, a passion, and a tribute to the American spirit. The distillery’s name, inspired by the repeal of Prohibition, symbolizes freedom and the power of unity. As Palleschi puts it, “If you bind together like that as Americans, you can accomplish anything.”
Sources: Hometown News Treasure Coast and TCPalm.
