Winter Park Distilling Company

The Winter Park Distilling Company was founded in 2010 by Paul Twyford and Andrew Asher. Both hometown boys, raised in Winter Park, they were later joined by Andrew’s wife, Francesca, a transplant from Palm Beach County. Starting with just a handmade 50-gallon still and a few old recipes for whiskey, they established the Winter Park Distilling Company as the first and finest craft distillery in Orange County, Florida.
A little community tucked away just north of Orlando, Winter Park is more known for its tree-lined lakes, Venetian canals and mossy live-oaks planted over a century ago than anything else. It is a place far removed both in distance and state of mind from the beach lifestyle traditionally associated with Florida. And, as it turns out, Winter Park also has the perfect climate for barrel aging Florida’s first bourbons and its finest dark rum.
Andrew, Paul and Francesca know that their reputations ride in each bottle of whiskey, rum and vodka that gets served to friends and neighbors they see every day. Consequently, they only make and sell the very best quality spirits whether it’s for neighbors down the street or across the country. And yes,we have black bears in Central Florida… Lots of them.

Author: Caroline Porsiel

Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.