Gamblers Bay Distillery
In the fast-paced world of emergency medicine, adrenaline-fueled pursuits typically dominate the off-duty hours of physicians, the stereo type often holding strong with high-speed sports and daredevil adventures. However for Dr. Mark Paun and his wife, Kerri Paun, their passion led them not to the race track or the mountaintop, but to the heart of their community, where they embarked on a journey that is beginning to scratch the surface of redefining the art of craft distilling. Drawing inspiration from their rural surroundings, the Paun’s set out to create a haven of authenticity and quality, without sacrificing a family’s generational craft. This is the story of how one couple, with a conviction to locally sourced ingredients and an unwavering youth about doing things differently, transformed a dream and family practice into the thriving distillery that stands today.
Gamblers Bay is a brand that draws on four generations of distilling expertise and the rich resources of Florida. Unlike many other spirits in the market, Gamblers Bay does not compromise on quality or authenticity. It follows the family recipes that have been passed down for over a century but were only discovered by the public almost a hundred years later in 2019. These recipes are not only tried and true, but also exceptional in taste and craftsmanship. Gamblers Bay knows that different people have different preferences when it comes to spirits. For instance, some may prefer vodka made from corn rather than potatoes, or vice versa. However, Gamblers Bay also knows that there is one thing that everyone can agree on: excellence.
Discovering beyond the confines of mainstream choices requires actively seeking out hidden treasures and understanding the careful craftsmanship that goes into them. To truly experience this, you need to find places where a hands-on, small-batch approach is still practiced. The best way to do that? Visit a distillery in person and witness the entire process unfold before your eyes. In these intimate spaces, the commitment to excellence becomes tangible in the air as you witness firsthand how the they take care of the ingredients, meticulously sourced, and in this case, always from the heart of Florida. It's a chance to go back in time and get a close look at every step, from how they gather the raw materials to the skilled art of distillation that ends up in one of the many glasses you will see if you decide to visit. What sets this experience apart is the chance to learn about the passionate artisans who openly share their enthusiasm for their craft. As they discuss their products, you can sense the genuine excitement that goes into each idea, deepening your appreciation for the final product. When you enter the heart of the distillery, one can not only enjoy the crafted cocktail but also gain an admiration for the true essence of the hard work, dedication, and innovation driving this unique craft.
Florida is known for its sunny beaches, juicy oranges, and sweet sugar cane. What is not commonly known is that it produces not only raw sugar but also molasses, which is the thick, dark liquid that remains after the sugar crystals are separated from the cane juice. Molasses is also a key ingredient in making rum, a distilled alcoholic beverage that originated in the Caribbean, made by fermenting and distilling molasses or other sugarcane by-products, such as cane juice or syrup, where the resulting spirit is then aged in oak barrels to give it color and flavor. One might think that Florida, being the largest producer of sugar and molasses in the US, would also be a major producer of rum. However, that is not the case. According to the American Distilling Institute, there are only about 20 craft distilleries in Florida that make rum, compared to over 200 in California and over 100 in New York. One possible reason being that Florida has strict laws and regulations that limit the production and distribution of liquor in the state. For example, distilleries can only sell up to six bottles of spirits per person per year at their premises, and they have to pay high taxes and fees to sell their products to wholesalers and retailers. Another possible reason is that Florida's rum market is dominated by large, established brands that have loyal customers and strong distribution networks that like to control every aspect of the market. These brands often source their molasses from other countries, such as Brazil or Jamaica, where it is cheaper and more abundant but often resulting in a lesser quality product. However, there are some signs of change in Florida's rum industry. Some craft distilleries such as Gamblers Bay are creating unique and high-quality rums that showcase the local flavors and ingredients of Florida, such as citrus, strawberries, and sugarcane. These distilleries, hoping to attract more customers who are looking for authentic and artisanal rums that reflect the culture and history of Florida find themselves in a sweet spot in history.
Realizing that the raw materials Florida could provide would be pinnacle to their success, it was an easy transition taking the recipes that started in Romania, were perfected in Canada, and then bring them full circle in Tampa, Florida. For Dr. Paun, there was never a moment he didn’t believe in the dream that is now a reality you can stand in today, but for Kerri Paun she had just wished they had started sooner. The Paun’s are not only passionate about their products, but also about their family. Embracing family as their core value, they've always seen a good drink as a timeless symbol of shared moments. Their commitment to quality and integrity reflected by the attention to detail of their work creating a friendly and supportive environment and extending a warm welcome to all who connect with their brand.
Gambers Bay Distillery being a “newcomer” in the world of spirits has already made a name for itself with it’s innovative and artisanal approach. Unlike many traditional distilleries that rely on mass production, and letting themselves be governed by business not craft, Gamblers Bay Distillery takes a more creative and distinct path. By using locally sourced ingredients, small batches, custom-made barrels and a variety of techniques they are able to create unique and flavorful expressions. By doing so, it not only pays homage to the craft of generational knowledge that was almost forgotten in the era of industrialization, but also challenges and redefines the conventions and expectations that have dominated the industry for centuries. Gamblers Bay Distillery is not afraid to break the rules and explore new possibilities, and in doing so, it delivers a shot across the bow to the old ways of doing things that are still practiced today.
This family venture not only builds upon generations of foundational knowledge but also allows the next generation to flourish and explore new and daring avenues. This is evident in their wildly successful Strawberry Rum, which their young daughter credits to her first strawberries picked at our annual Strawberry Fest hosted in Tampa, FL. Although it sounds like a topic that might spark ongoing family debates, one thing that isn't up for discussion is the exceptional quality of the product, as reflected in the numerous awards garnered by Gamblers Bay Distillery. Most recently, a Double Gold Star was awarded for their vodka—an unexpected entry from a bottle the Paun family grabbed off their retail shelf on the way to another engagement. This achievement is something to be incredibly proud of, not only for the product itself but also as validation of a family's generational craft—a stamp of approval to some degree. While some distillers may get caught up in the nuances of the craft, Gamblers Bay maintains a commitment to consistency, balance, and intrigue on the palate, whether enjoyed on its own or in a cocktail.
Enter the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), one of the most prestigious events in the spirits industry. Founded in 2000 by Anthony Dias Blue, a renowned wine and spirits expert, the competition has grown to become the largest and most respected spirits competition globally. Attracting over 4,000 entries from around the world, ranging from established brands to craft distillers and new innovations, the judging panel of over 50 experts, including bartenders, journalists, educators, and buyers, evaluate entries through blind tastings. The SFWSC awards medals of bronze, silver, gold, and double gold, as well as special awards for best in class, best in show, and portfolio of the year. Gamblers Bay proudly stands among the best in the world, having received five awards in2023, along with 16 other awards from competitions such as the US Open Spirits Championship and The New York International Spirits Competition, further bolstering their impressive portfolio.
Attaining this accomplishment is something to truly respect, particularly after enduring generations entrenched in a seemingly endless cycle of crafting batch after batch, all in a relentless pursuit of a satisfaction that can only be truly validated at the highest level. When we envision high-level spirits, a significant portion of the population remains unfamiliar until this craft and instead lean on the mainstream. Their recognition, often confined to the well-known brands they've grown up hearing about or have been inundated with through product placement, campaigns, and saturating pop culture. Unfortunately, this prevailing familiarity creates a misconstrued image of something that is genuinely intended to be celebrated — responsibly, of course.
Gamblers Bay Distillery is dedicated to exceptional craft and a lead by example approach, empowering them to craft innovative and delightful spirits that align with evolving consumer tastes. Fearless in their approach, Gamblers Bay embraces experimentation with new ingredients, techniques, and flavors, challenging industry conventions. An example of their visionary stance is the reinvention of the espresso martini, a cocktail traditionally blending coffee, vodka, liqueur, simple syrup, and cream in a harmonious blend of sweetness, bitterness, and smoothness. Derived from Dr. Paun's time in Miami, the influence of Cuban coffee is proudly evident in every sip of their espresso martini. What sets their martini apart? It's the meticulously crafted Cuban coffee rum, perfected over a year, that truly revolutionizes the game in a market where espresso martinis are a major trend that is here to stay for the next four to five years. Transforming the cocktail from a complex five-ingredient recipe into a bartender-friendly simplicity, where the basic components of vodka and Cuban coffee rum suffice, eliminating the need for brewing coffee or juggling multiple bottles. This bartender's dream is rooted in the desire for a high-quality spirit that can shine on its own, without relying on unnecessary syrups and ingredients, resulting in a cocktail that is both easy to build and easy to sell. Under the distillery's innovative touch, the espresso martini not only stands out as a favored drink for social occasions but also serves as a testament to Gamblers Bay's expertise in distilling top-notch spirits that enhance the natural aroma and taste of coffee. Gamblers Bay stays ahead of future trends by anticipating and satisfying the evolving needs and desires of its customers who are perpetually seeking new and exciting experiences, often times before they know what they want. Positioned as the brand for those who relish exploration and the finer things in life, Gamblers Bay invites enthusiasts to discover and savor the best life has to offer.
If we were to liken the prominent spirit brands to a brand say like Old Navy, relentlessly pursuing financial gains, then skillfully executed craft distillers could be seen as the refined equivalents of Dior. What sets Gamblers Bay Distillery apart from the rest is the rarity of finding libations that can resonate across the emotional spectrum, and it is this uniqueness that renders this craft distillery so genuinely special. Every facet of this experience, from ground to gimlet, is carefully considered and fastidiously nurtured to not just elevate the drink itself but to enhance any conversation it graces. In essence, the artistry of craft distillers extends beyond the liquid in the glass by creating an immersive and enriching narrative that goes beyond the mere act of ordering a rum and coke.
Join us for an exclusive event on location of Gamblers Bay Distillery July 14th 2024!
