In this episode, we sit down with Phil and James, the founders of Aphlora Passion Flower Liqueur, a spirit distilled at Big Cypress Distillery that captures the wild, tropical soul of South Florida.

Childhood friends turned business partners, these two South Florida natives share the journey from growing up together to creating something truly original. What started as an idea rooted in curiosity and creativity became a beautifully crafted passion flower liqueur — floral, expressive, and unmistakably Floridian.

We talk about:

How Aphlora was born and why passion flower

The process of bringing a niche liqueur to life

Working with Big Cypress Distillery to refine and distill the product

The challenges of launching a spirits brand in today’s market

Redefining the “Florida Man” narrative through craftsmanship and intention

Phil and James prove that Florida isn’t just headlines and chaos — it’s innovation, culture, and artistry. This conversation is about friendship, risk, identity, and building something meaningful from the ground up.

South Florida roots. Real craftsmanship. A liqueur that tells a story.