Aaron Barnes

About

Aaron Barnes Aaron Barnes is the co-founder, owner, and Master Distiller of Timber Creek Distillery in Crestview, Florida. Since founding the distillery in 2014 alongside Camden Ford, Aaron has become one of the leading voices in Florida craft spirits, earning recognition for his commitment to traditional methods, innovation, and grain-to-glass production. Under Aaron's leadership, Timber Creek Distillery has grown into one of Florida's most awarded craft distilleries, producing whiskey, bourbon, rye, rum, gin, vodka, and specialty spirits entirely on a 240-acre family farm in the Florida Panhandle. His approach emphasizes complete control over every stage of production, from milling and mashing to fermentation, distillation, barrel aging, and blending. Aaron is particularly known for developing Timber Creek's separate-grain aging philosophy, where corn, rye, wheat, and barley are distilled and matured independently before being blended. This uncommon method allows for precise flavor control and has become a defining characteristic of the distillery's award-winning spirits. Drawing on years of hands-on experience, Aaron personally oversees production, barrel selection, recipe development, and educational experiences at the distillery. He has guided thousands of guests through tours, tastings, and Timber Creek's signature Bourbon Blending Experience, helping visitors better understand the science and craftsmanship behind premium spirits. Beyond distilling, Aaron is deeply involved in sustainable agricultural practices. Timber Creek operates largely off-grid through a substantial solar power system, utilizes a private limestone aquifer for production water, recycles cooling water, and provides spent grains to local farmers. Aaron frequently writes and speaks about whiskey production, barrel aging, fermentation, distillation, and the unique impact Florida's climate has on spirits maturation. His expertise has been featured through educational content, industry collaborations, and consumer experiences designed to make craft distilling accessible and engaging. Today, Aaron continues to lead Timber Creek Distillery's growth while pursuing new innovations in whiskey production, private-label spirits, custom bourbon blending, and Florida-grown grain programs.