Events
JJ Grey Pours Florida Soul into Florida Colonel Bourbon
JJ Grey, A Florida Music Staple, Finds New Creative Ground in a Bourbon Built with St. Augustine Distillery.
June 16th, 2026
JJ Grey does not talk about music like a man chasing applause. He talks about it more like something cooking low and slow on a family stove, where lifting the lid too often ruins the magic.
For Grey, the goal is not to perform at people. It is to let the music break out, move through the band, move through the crowd and become something larger than the stage itself. That same instinct sits at the center of Florida Colonel, his second bourbon collaboration with St. Augustine Distillery.
It would be easy to treat Florida Colonel like another celebrity bottle, slap a famous name on the label and let collectors do the rest. That is not what this is. The spirit feels closer to one of Grey’s songs, shaped by place, memory, grit, patience and the kind of Florida identity that does not need to wave a flag because it already has dirt under its fingernails.
“I just want to share an honest moment,” Grey said when talking about what he hopes people feel at his shows. “I don’t want to perform at people. I frankly don’t even want to perform at all. I just want music to break out.”
That approach carries over to the bottle. Florida Colonel is less about image and more about feel. Grey sat down with the team at St. Augustine Distillery, talked through what worked, what needed to shift and what he wanted the second release to become. The first collaboration, Rolling Rooster, helped establish the relationship. Florida Colonel deepens it.
“Whiskey is just like anything,” Grey said. “It’s got a recipe, but any little thing can change it so drastically.”
For the second round, Grey wanted the profile to move in a smoother direction. He described the first release as having a touch more of a scotch-like quality, while Florida Colonel needed a little more sherry character, a little more sweetness, but never enough to drift into dessert territory. He wanted balance. He wanted something with warmth, weight and a finish that lingered without overstaying its welcome.
Credit: Jaden Mendoza
The blend that kept calling him back was a 70 to 30 combination, pairing Kentucky bourbon with Florida bourbon from St. Augustine Distillery. Grey sampled different versions and different proofs, but the full-strength option kept winning. In a funny twist, he found that the higher proof came across smoother to him, not harsher.
“Every time I came back to it, it kept winning,” Grey said.
From the distillery side, the collaboration did not appear out of nowhere. JJ Grey has been part of St. Augustine Distillery’s story for years, long before Florida Colonel had a name or a pour. Inside the distillery office, there has long been a framed photo from the first cane harvest dating back to the early days of the company. Grey is there in the middle of it, standing near the former CEO after performing at the event.
In other words, he was not brought in as a marketing idea. He was already on the wall.
Over time, the idea began floating around the distillery that they should do something with him. The connection made too much sense. Grey is Florida through and through. St. Augustine Distillery proudly leans into its own Spirit of Florida identity. The collaboration was not a stretch. It was more like finally noticing the song that had been playing in the room the whole time.
During the first collaboration, the distillery worked with Grey to understand what he liked. He may not consider himself a bourbon connoisseur, but he knows what lands with him. That mattered more. He gravitated toward barrels with root like cinnamon notes and a toasted profile carrying marshmallow sweetness. Those elements helped shape Rolling Rooster.
Florida Colonel, however, pushed the distillery into new territory. After Grey was named an honorary Kentucky Colonel, he began thinking about a spirit that would pull Kentucky and Florida into the same conversation. For St. Augustine Distillery, that meant considering something they had not done before: bringing in bourbon from another place and blending it with their own Florida product.
They sourced Kentucky barrels, married them with the toasted profile of their own bourbon and worked toward the middle ground that Grey was chasing. Four different blends were presented. One kept bringing him back.
“I knew early on that when he took the second sip of it, before he even got to some of the others, that was going to be the one,” the distillery shared. “He really loved it, and that’s exactly what’s in the bottle.”
Credit: Jaden Mendoza
There is something fitting about Grey creating a bourbon by blending worlds, because that is also how his music seems to breathe. His songs have never lived comfortably inside one genre. They carry country storytelling, swamp soul, blues ache, funk movement, Southern rock muscle, church heat and punk energy, all without sounding like they are trying to impress a playlist algorithm.
Grey traces that openness back to the sounds around him growing up. His father played a giant Grand Ole Opry eight track box set. His sister brought in disco 45s from artists like the Bee Gees and The Main Ingredient. Lynyrd Skynyrd entered the picture as a Christmas gift. His mother listened mostly to classical music in the car. Skateboarding introduced him to punk and hardcore. School and community brought him into contact with funk, soul and the Commodores.
All of those sounds still swirl around in his head.
“I don’t really think about it,” Grey said. “I just do music, and wherever it lands, it lands.”
That sense of not forcing the moment is a recurring theme with Grey. He prefers collaborations that happen naturally, especially when someone is standing side stage, caught up in the moment, and gets pulled into the music because the timing feels right. The overly planned “spontaneous jam” is where trouble starts.
“If I’ve got time to think about it, we may be in trouble,” he joked.
That looseness is also why his concerts can feel less like shows and more like shared weather systems. There are party moments, sad moments, happy moments and beautiful moments that drift into something almost orchestral. Grey wants the whole story to unfold on its own. Fans respond to that because it feels lived in, not lacquered over.
The distillery sees that same authenticity in him away from the stage.
“Most musicians, their onstage presence is very different from who they actually are, but JJ, it’s not that at all,” Ric deMontmollin of the St. Augustine Distillery shared. “The guy that you see on stage is exactly the guy that he is off the stage. He is authentic through and through. He’s Mr. Florida.”
Credit: Jaden Mendoza
Florida Colonel also seems to have opened creative doors for St. Augustine Distillery. While the company remains rooted in Florida ingredients, Florida distillation and the terroir of the state, this blend showed that going beyond state lines can create new flavors without abandoning identity. Sometimes, honoring home means knowing what to bring back to the table.
The distillery described the project as a learning experience and admitted the Kentucky barrels were impressive. That may be the bigger point of Florida Colonel. It is not Kentucky taking over Florida, or Florida pretending Kentucky is not part of bourbon’s mythology. It is a handshake. Or maybe more accurately, a porch pour.
When asked what three JJ Grey songs would belong on the soundtrack for someone’s first sip of Florida Colonel, Grey chose “Lochloosa,” “Rooster” and “Top of the World.” In his mind, “Lochloosa” represents the woodiness and flavor of the barrel. “Rooster” carries the zip, zing and bubbling energy of the mash. “Top of the World” becomes the finish, that smooth fading note after everything has settled.
That answer may be the cleanest bridge between Grey the musician and Grey the bourbon collaborator. He does not separate the creative process into neat little boxes. Songs age. Whiskey ages. Both change after they leave the person who made them. Both can reveal meanings the creator did not fully understand at the beginning.
Grey spoke about how many of his songs have shifted meaning over time. The ones that came through him naturally, the ones that felt like they wrote themselves, often became deeper years later. Looking back, he realized some of them were telling him to wake up, step out of his head and truly experience the world.
“The songs were telling me to do that over and over and over again,” Grey said.
That kind of reflection does not sound far removed from the patience of a barrel. You make your best effort, put it away and let time do what time does. deMontmollin described whiskey making in similar terms, joking that good distillers have to live in the future and have a poor memory. You cannot obsess over one barrel for five years. You do the work; let it rest and return when it is ready to speak.
Florida Colonel is currently available online through the distillery’s retail shop for those in eligible shipping states. Earlier, fans also had the chance to attend an in-person presale event at the distillery, meet Grey and have bottles signed. For St. Augustine Distillery, the partnership is already carrying the brand into new places, including festival opportunities outside Florida that might not have happened without Grey’s reach.
As for whether there will be a third bottle, nothing has been officially set. Still, nobody seems ready to close the book.
“He’s a real creative dude,” deMontmollin shared. “I bet somewhere in the back of his mind he’s already got plans on number three.”
Until then, Florida Colonel stands as a fitting second chapter, one that tastes like a conversation between front porch Florida and bourbon country tradition. It carries heat, sweetness, wood, memory and just enough danger to make it interesting.
Asked what Florida Colonel would be like if the bottle came to life backstage before a show, Grey did not hesitate long. He said he would not trust it to introduce him.
Its personality?
Val Kilmer’s Doc Holliday from Tombstone.
Honestly, that checks out. Smooth enough to charm the room. Hot enough to start trouble. Florida enough to mean it.
From vampire bartenders and a neon coffin photo op to Halloween cocktails and waterfront dancing, Regatta Grove’s Fangtasia was a bloody good time.
November 2, 2026
Halloween in Miami just hits differently. While the rest of the country is bundling up for spooky season, we’re sipping cocktails by the water, dancing under the stars, and apparently hanging out with vampires.
And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.
Regatta Grove in Coconut Grove went all in for Halloween weekend with Fangtasia, a two-night vampire-inspired celebration on October 30 and 31 that turned the waterfront hotspot into a spooky little paradise.
We stopped by to see what all the fang-tastic fun was about, and between the elaborate costumes, DJ, festive cocktails, and vampire staff, there was plenty to love.
The first thing we noticed? Regatta Grove was fully committed to the theme.
Red Halloween decorations transformed the open-air venue, creating a moody atmosphere against the backdrop of Biscayne Bay. Guests showed up in elaborate costumes, bringing plenty of Halloween personality to an already lively setting.
But our favorite detail might have been the staff.
Every staff member was dressed as a vampire.
Yes, even the people making your drinks were embracing their undead era. It’s those little details that make themed events so much more fun, and Regatta Grove definitely understood the assignment.
And then there was the neon coffin photo op, because what’s a vampire party without somewhere to take a ridiculously good Halloween picture?
Let’s just say the photo opportunities were not lacking.
Now, obviously, we need to talk about the drinks.
Fangtasia featured three Halloween specialty cocktails made with Ketel One vodka, each with its own spooky personality.
The Ghoul’s Mule was a Halloween twist on the classic Moscow Mule, made with Ketel One vodka, ginger beer, strawberry, and lime. Fruity, refreshing, and just the right kind of festive for a warm Miami evening.
The Black Widow was one for the espresso martini lovers, combining Ketel One Espresso vodka, cold brew, and coffee liqueur. Dark, coffee-forward, and appropriately named for the occasion. We love a cocktail that matches the dress code.
And finally, the Bloody Good Martini mixed Ketel One vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and strawberry for a citrusy, fruity take on a Halloween martini.
Honestly, who needs a cauldron when the cocktail menu is already this fun?
One of the best things about Regatta Grove is its location. Set right along Biscayne Bay, the Coconut Grove venue already has that laid-back, tropical atmosphere that makes Miami nights so much fun.
But for Fangtasia, things got a little darker.
The red decorations, vampire costumes, and Halloween details gave the venue a completely different personality, while a great DJ kept the energy going throughout the celebration.
And the guests definitely brought their A-game. From elaborate costumes to all-out Halloween looks, the crowd was clearly having fun with the theme.
There was something especially entertaining about seeing such an eerie Halloween atmosphere mixed with palm trees, waterfront views, and Miami’s warm evening breeze.
A little spooky, a little glamorous, and very Miami.
Between the costumed crowd, vampire staff, themed cocktails, and neon coffin photo op, Fangtasia at Regatta Grove was such a fun way to celebrate Halloween in Coconut Grove.
What made the night memorable wasn’t just one big attraction. It was how all the details came together, from the music and decor to the staff getting in on the fun.
And really, a Halloween party where you can dance by Biscayne Bay, sip a Bloody Good Martini, and take photos in a glowing coffin? That’s pretty hard to beat.
Fangtasia may be over for this year, but we’re already curious to see what Regatta Grove has planned next.
Until then, we’ll be keeping our fangs crossed for another round next Halloween.
Regatta Grove | Coconut Grove, Miami
3415 Pan American Drive, Miami, FL 33133
Event: Fangtasia Halloween Celebration
Dates: October 30–31, 2026
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Horror movie villains on Friday, disco skeletons on Saturday, and two nights of Halloween chaos we absolutely cannot miss.
October 14, 2026
Okay, Fort Lauderdale, Halloween weekend is looking GOOD.
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is giving us not one, but TWO completely different Halloween parties this year, and honestly, choosing between them feels unfair. One night we’re running from horror movie villains, and the next we’re dancing under disco balls with skeletons. What more could we possibly want?
Whether you’re the type who lives for a good scare or just wants an excuse to wear something outrageous and dance all night, The Wharf has plans for you.
And yes, we’re already thinking about costumes.
Friday, October 30: Slasher Drive-In
Remember when horror movies were all about creepy drive-in theaters, questionable decisions, and someone inevitably running in the wrong direction?
Well, The Wharf is bringing that energy back with Slasher Drive-In, an old-school horror-inspired Halloween party that sounds equal parts terrifying and ridiculously fun.
The venue is transforming into a vintage-style drive-in movie theater, complete with a throwback concession stand serving movie-night snacks.
Cute, right?
Except there’s one tiny problem.
Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Ghostface, and Leatherface are all on the guest list.
Yes, the horror icons themselves will be roaming around the venue throughout the night, so maybe think twice before wandering off alone.
We love a good Halloween theme, but this one sounds like you’re stepping straight into your favorite slasher movie. Except instead of screaming at the characters on screen, you might actually be the one doing the screaming.
And honestly? We’re kind of into it.
Saturday, October 31: ‘Til Death Do Us Party
Now THIS is our kind of afterlife.
On Halloween night, The Wharf is trading horror movie scares for a full-blown disco takeover with ‘Til Death Do Us Party, where Studio 54 meets the great beyond.
Think glitter, mirror balls, disco skeletons, fabulous costumes, and a dance floor that refuses to rest in peace.
It’s spooky, it’s glamorous, and it’s giving us every reason to break out the sequins.
There will also be a costume contest, plenty of photo opportunities, and a special menu of $12 Halloween cocktails, because what’s a disco in the afterlife without a little something spooky to sip?
We’re picturing outrageous outfits, sparkly accessories, and a whole lot of dancing. If you’ve been saving a dramatic Halloween look for the perfect occasion, this might be it.
And can we just appreciate a Halloween party that doesn’t make us choose between looking fabulous and embracing the spooky season?
So, Which Night Are We Going?
Here’s the thing. We genuinely cannot decide.
Friday is for horror movie lovers who want to hang out with the villains they’ve spent years being terrified of.
Saturday is for the disco queens, costume enthusiasts, and anyone who believes Halloween should involve a little glitter and a lot of dancing.
Our solution? Both. Obviously.
Halloween only comes around once a year, and The Wharf Fort Lauderdale is making a pretty convincing case for clearing the entire weekend.
So call your friends, start planning those costumes, and prepare for two nights that sound way too fun to stay home for.
Because whether you’re running from Ghostface or dancing with the dead, one thing’s for sure: Fort Lauderdale isn’t going to be boring this Halloween.
The Halloween Weekend Details
Where: The Wharf Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Friday, October 30: Slasher Drive-In, featuring horror movie characters, drive-in theater vibes, and movie-night snacks.
Saturday, October 31: ‘Til Death Do Us Party, featuring a Halloween disco, costume contest, photo ops, and $12 specialty cocktails.
The vibe: A little spooky, a little fabulous, and absolutely worth getting dressed up for.
Vampire vibes, waterfront cocktails, and two nights of Halloween fun on Biscayne Bay? We’re so in.
Okay, Miami, THIS is the kind of Halloween we’re talking about.
Picture this: you’re sipping a cocktail by the water, the sun is setting over Biscayne Bay, there’s a breeze coming off the water, and suddenly your favorite waterfront hangout has entered its vampire era.
Welcome to Fangtasia at Regatta Grove, where Halloween meets Miami’s favorite kind of night out.
Taking over Regatta Grove on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, Fangtasia is bringing a darker, moodier twist to the waterfront spot we already love. And honestly, vampires and cocktails by the bay? We’re listening.
There’s something about Regatta Grove that makes an ordinary night feel like a mini vacation. The waterfront views, the open air, the tropical atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you show up for a drink and somehow lose track of time.
Now imagine all of that with a spooky Halloween twist.
Fangtasia is bringing the Halloween spirit to Coconut Grove without losing the laid-back coastal charm that makes Regatta Grove so much fun in the first place.
Think mysterious waterfront vibes, wicked cocktails, and the perfect excuse to embrace your dark side for the evening.
And can we talk about how good a vampire-inspired Halloween party sounds against a Miami sunset?
We’re already obsessed with the idea.
Listen, we love a haunted house. We love a good Halloween party. But there’s something especially appealing about celebrating spooky season with a cocktail in hand and Biscayne Bay as your backdrop.
No need to choose between your favorite Miami waterfront hangout and getting into the Halloween spirit. Fangtasia is giving us both.
Whether you’re going all out with your costume or just looking for somewhere fun to spend Halloween weekend, this is the kind of plan that’s easy to get excited about.
And with two nights to choose from, there’s really no excuse not to get a little fang-tastic.
If your Halloween group chat is still full of “What are we doing?” messages, consider this your answer.
Regatta Grove is already one of those places we love finding an excuse to visit, and throwing a vampire-inspired celebration into the mix just makes it better.
Grab your favorite people, embrace the spooky season, and make your way to Coconut Grove for a Halloween weekend with a little bite.
Because really, who wouldn’t want to spend Halloween sipping cocktails by the bay?
Where: Regatta Grove, Coconut Grove, Miami
When: Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, 2026
The Vibe: Moody waterfront Halloween fun, wicked cocktails, and a vampire-inspired twist on a Miami favorite.
Our take? Halloween by the water with a little vampire energy sounds like a pretty perfect night to us.
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