Loaded Cannon Distillery Adventure

An Authentic Florida Spirit Experience with a Pirate Twist

If you’re seeking a unique taste of Florida’s craft spirits combined with a playful pirate theme, the Loaded Cannon Distillery Adventure offers just that. Located in Bradenton, this engaging 2-hour tour costs around $25 per person and is led by friendly guides like Steve and Alanna, who keep the experience lively and informative. The tour includes a visit to the pirate-themed tasting room, a behind-the-scenes look at the grain-to-glass production process, and an opportunity to sample some award-winning spirits.

What we love most about this experience is the personalized approach—the hosts are not only knowledgeable but also humorous, making the tour feel like a fun gathering among friends. The fact that the distillery has received accolades like being voted Best Flavored Vodka in North America and ranked among the Top 10 New Distilleries by USA Today speaks to its quality and innovation. Plus, the pirate-themed ambiance and lively Friday events—featuring food trucks and live music—add a festive touch that makes this more than just a tasting session.

One thing to consider is that you must be 21+ to drink alcohol, though soda and juice are available for those who prefer non-alcoholic options. The tour is small, with a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a relaxed, intimate experience. It’s well-suited for spirited adults who enjoy learning about the craft and having a bit of fun, especially if you’re a fan of lively, informal tours that combine education with entertainment.

If you’re looking for a Florida activity that blends local craftsmanship, engaging storytelling, and a playful pirate vibe, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially ideal for those who want a casual, authentic experience with excellent spirits, friendly guides, and a memorable atmosphere.

Key Points

• Unique Pirate Theme: The entire experience is infused with a playful pirate atmosphere, from the greeting to the decor.
• High-Quality Spirits: Sample award-winning vodka and spirits, with the distillery having received multiple accolades.
• Behind-the-Scenes Access: Tour the grain storage, distillation process, water purification, and quality control labs.
• Personalized, Fun Guides: Guides like Steve and Alanna are both knowledgeable and humorous, making the tour engaging.
• Lively Fridays: Food trucks and live music add a festive vibe to the regular tasting experience.
• Limited Group Size: Max 8 travelers, ensuring a relaxed, intimate setting.

In-Depth Review: What to Expect and Why It Matters

The Setting: A Pirate-Themed Tasting Room

As soon as you arrive at 3115 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, you’re welcomed into a pirate-themed space that immediately sets a playful tone. The decor is fun and thematic, making it clear that this isn’t your typical bland distillery. The staff greets you with an “Ahoy Matey,” and the atmosphere encourages you to let your guard down and enjoy the experience.

The Tour: A Mix of Education and Entertainment

The distillery tour itself is about 40 minutes, during which you’ll visit multiple areas: the silo, barrel storage, bottling line, and water purification system. Unlike many distillery visits that focus solely on production, Loaded Cannon makes a point of showing how Florida raw materials are used from grain to glass. This approach gives you a sense of local pride and craftsmanship that adds value to your tasting experience.

Your guides, especially those like Steve and Alanna, are praised for their friendly demeanor and knowledge. They walk you through the process step-by-step, explaining how the spirits are distilled, aged, and bottled—each part of the process is a small lesson in craftsmanship. Visitors have shared that Steve’s humor and trivia questions add a light-hearted touch, making the tour memorable beyond the spirits.

The Tasting Room: Sampling Award-Winning Spirits

Back in the tasting room, you’re encouraged to sample several of the distillery’s 36 award-winning spirits. The flavor profile of their vodka, which has earned accolades across North America, is especially notable. The tasting includes full-sized shots, so plan accordingly—many reviewers suggest having a designated driver or Uber in mind if you plan to indulge in multiple samples plus the complimentary cocktail.

The Pirate Trivia and Cocktails

One-of-a-kind to this tour is the pirate-themed trivia—a fun way to test your knowledge and keep you engaged. After the tour, you can enjoy a freshly made cocktail (included in the price), and if you visit on a Friday, you can also enjoy food trucks and live music, creating a lively, festival-like atmosphere.

Authenticity and Value

What truly sets this experience apart is its authenticity. The owners are proud of their craft, and guides like Steve and Alanna are committed to sharing their passion. Visitors often comment on how informative and humorous the guides are, making the time fly by.

At $25, this tour offers excellent value—you get a behind-the-scenes look, multiple spirits to try, a lively atmosphere, and local flavor all wrapped into a compact, 2-hour experience. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the inclusion of a cocktail makes it feel like a proper Florida fun night out.

A Few Considerations

While the experience is lively and engaging, remember that you must be 21+ to consume alcohol. The tour’s small size (max 8 people) might not suit larger groups, but it enhances the intimacy and personalized feel. Also, check the opening hours if you’re planning an afternoon visit—Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. are the usual times.

Who Will Love This?

This tour is perfect for adults who appreciate good spirits, enjoy a bit of humor and playfulness, and want a local, authentic experience. It’s especially suitable for those interested in learning about craft distilling and who enjoy lively atmospheres, especially on Fridays with extra entertainment. If you’re traveling with friends or a couple looking for a memorable, fun outing, this will definitely hit the spot.

The Sum Up

The Loaded Cannon Distillery Adventure offers a refreshing blend of craft education, spirited tasting, and playful fun. The pirate theme adds a distinctive touch that makes the experience feel special without feeling cheesy, thanks to the knowledgeable and humorous guides. The highlight for many is the high-quality spirits and the opportunity to see the process from grain to glass—something that makes the tasting all the more meaningful.

For travelers craving an authentic Florida experience that combines local craftsmanship with a lively, friendly atmosphere, this tour delivers excellent value. It’s particularly well-suited for adult groups, spirits enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a fun, memorable outing with a twist.

The small group setting and focus on quality ensure you’re not just another face in the crowd, but part of the crew. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just someone looking to enjoy a bit of Florida’s burgeoning craft spirit scene, Loaded Cannon Distillery is a stop worth making.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children or minors?
No, only travelers 21+ can drink alcohol. However, soda and juice are available for non-drinkers, and children are welcome if they’re not participating in the tasting.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 2 hours, including the behind-the-scenes tour and tasting.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
Yes, non-alcoholic options like soda and juice are available, and the tour itself is educational and fun regardless of drinking.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing works well. If you plan to sample multiple spirits, dress appropriately and consider transportation options.

Are pets allowed?
Yes, the distillery is dog-friendly, so well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Is advance booking necessary?
While you might find walk-in availability, booking in advance is recommended—especially for Fridays when additional events like food trucks and live music take place.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

What makes this distillery special?
It’s Florida’s premier craft distillery, known for its award-winning spirits and the innovative, fun pirate-themed presentation that makes learning about spirits enjoyable.