Meet the Distiller of St. Augustine’s Flavored Spirits

The Man Behind the Still

Since the doors to City Gate Spirits, St. Augustine’s newest micro-distillery, have opened, visitors flock to the tasting bar each day to sample smooth-sipping spirits inspired by the flavors of Florida. As guests cheers and sip with smiles on their faces, we know who to thank.

Our Lead Distiller and Production Manager, Ric, has worked tirelessly to make the City Gate Spirits product line a reality. From carefully refining recipes to bottling each spirit by hand, his efforts behind the still create unique St. Augustine memories for our visitors.

Meet Ric deMontmollin

Hailing from Tallahassee, Florida, Ric landed in St. Augustine in March of 2019. Lucky for us, he brought his passion for distilling with him to our old city. When he started his bar tending career in 2005, he always felt drawn to the bottles on the back bar. “Distilling spoke to me in a way beer or wine never quite did,” shared Ric. Spirits were intriguing, distinguished and mysterious to him. Perhaps it was from watching family members craft their own brandy and whiskey growing up, or maybe his passion for spirits lies in the process itself.

Ric’s favorite part of distilling is the ever-changing job description and the opportunity to work with his hands. Some days he’s a self-proclaimed janitor, some days a mechanic, and some days he’s channeling his finely tuned senses to create the most balanced spirits possible. “It’s wild, and the changes keep me on my toes,” says Ric.

A Taste for Quality

Our Lead Distiller’s appreciation for quality reaches beyond the still. Quite simply, he values good craftsmanship when he sees it. When prompted about his favorite food, his response was all-encompassing and spoke to his perspective. “I like so many things. I just appreciate when it’s really well made. It can be a bowl of chili, a salad, or a three-course meal… I just love when it’s undeniably great.”

When he’s not at work, you can find Ric exploring his new city, hanging out with his dog Dim, or studying up on whatever subject interests him most at the moment.

Lucky for us, Ric’s pursuit of knowledge has led him to become undeniably great at his craft. Come on by to City Gate Spirits to say hello to Ric and taste the smooth, easy-sipping spirits he creates.