Big Cypress Distillery

Big Cypress Distillery was founded as a family affair. Over the years, cousins Fernando and Mark and in-law Danny spent many a holiday together, sharing experiences over cold drinks. Inspired by today’s craft movement and a glass of Triple Smoke Malt Whiskey from Corsair Distillery, Big Cypress was founded in 2015 as a Miami, FL-based craft distillery focused on distilling innovative and high-quality spirits.
The name Big Cypress name derives from an appreciation for the outdoors and an affinity for Everglades backcountry fishing. We plan to impart the same passion we share for the outdoors into our spirits. Our mission is to:
Support our communities by being environmentally responsible and sourcing our ingredients from similarly-minded local vendors;
Never compromise on quality;
Strive for innovation while respecting the tradition of American distilling;
Be transparent with respect to our process and our ingredients.
We hope that the love we have for where we’re from comes through in our craft spirits.

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.