From Ohio to Floridian Cheers: The Spirited Journey of Red Horse Distillery
The clinking of glasses, the rich aroma of spirits being distilled, and the hushed reverence of patrons taking their first sip - these are common scenes at the Red Horse Distillery in Ft. Myers, Florida. Central to its allure is its staunch commitment to small batch hand crafted spirits. In a time where mass production is the norm, Red Horse champions the meticulous care and precision of spirits crafting.
Red Horse Distillery’s triumph at the 2023 Best Florida Awards is a nod to their exquisite spirits and a legacy of passion, collaboration, and the American entrepreneurial spirit.
Now, what would lead a brand to be celebrated with such a prestigious accolade? The answer lies in the passion, expertise, and zest for life of one man: Joe Semansky, the Owner, and Head Distiller of Red Horse Distillery.
Every bottle stands as a testament to Joe’s foundational years of being in the craft where attention to detail is paramount. This handcrafted approach allows each batch to be a distinct experience, capturing both old-world charm and contemporary flair in each sip.
Imagine a young man spending summers in Hungary, absorbing the old-world charm, and mastering the nuances of wine making and distilling with his family. That very young man grew up to be the spirit maestro, Joe. With over 40 years of wine and spirit making experience, Joe’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Home winemaking, distilling, and planning for his winery and distillery in Ohio, every chapter of his story is infused with dedication, which also includes his wife Kelly, who is also a Certified Distiller.
Retirement brought Joe and his wife Kelly from Ohio to the sunny realms of Fort Myers, Florida in June of 2021. But as they say, you can’t keep a passionate soul from his muse for long. Florida wasn’t just a retirement destination; it was a new chapter. Missing the allure of distillation, Joe opened Red Horse Distillery, Fort Myers in July of 2022.
But what also makes the Red Horse scenario even more captivating is Joe’s alliance with Bob Golic, a former Pro-Football player turned radio personality. Together they crafted the brand name “Dos Gringos Agave Spirits” for their Award-Winning Tequila. The name itself evokes curiosity, a playful nod to their collaborative journey.
Other Award-Winning spirits currently being produced at the Red Horse are: Fort Myers Beach Vodka, Sanibel Island Vodka, Rum, Just Peachy Brandy, and the Moonshine Line includes Corn Likker, Sugar Shine, Salted Caramel Moonshine, Pumpkin Pie Moonshine and Ginger Snap Moonshine. These products are available at Total Wine & More in Florida and other retail outlets.
When asked about the recent “Best of Florida 2023” accolade, Joe remarked, “This is a true testament to our patrons who’ve believed in the quality of our spirits and the rich legacy behind them. Winning this, especially through votes from our customers, feels like a heartwarming pat on the back.”
Here’s to many more years of distilling dreams and toasting successes. Cheers!!
Contact: 239-888-9262
Website: Www.redhorsedistillery.com
Location: 11000 Metro Parkway #23
Fort Myers, FL 33966
