You’ve heard of wine tastings, and, perhaps, whiskey tastings. But what about sips of flavored moonshine in an attraction that transports you to the Caribbean?
1. Caribbean Moonshine is a brand new attraction in Orlando that introduces locals and tourists to a taste that’s not common around here. Even Hilbert Osborne, who bottles the stuff, admits that the liquid goodness is a rare find. He is from Wisconsin. “Our big thing was beer,” Hilbret said with a laugh, while bottling a banana-flavored moonshine for us.
2. Hilbert is now known as the “The Shine Boss.” He took us around the mom ‘n’ pop’s front-of-house, and even “backstage,” where he can bottle 240 flavored moonshines an hour (with the help of a teammate).
3. First, though, the shine starts as 190 proof in Puerto Rico. It’s then sent to a New Port Richey distillery. The huge totes arrives here in 50-proof, rum-based form.
4. Hilbert bottles in the back, but the process is also visible to guests. Caribbean Moonshine is located at the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets (8200 Vineland Ave.).
5. Passers-by can stop in for tastings in the main showroom. The bartenders are armed with stories that expose the history of moonshine in the Sunshine State.