No doubt about it, Arkansas is one of the most beautiful states and places to visit in the country. The Natural State offers much more than its breathtaking natural wonders and captivating attractions. Nestled deep inside the enchanting picturesque attractions is a diverse array of distilleries offering a stunning blend of rich history, time-honored artistry, and the finest innovation. Whether you are a bourbon enthusiast, a craft beer devotee, a whiskey aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, here are the five best distillery tours to include in your next visit to Arkansas.

Best distillery adventures in Arkansas

Arkansas Distillery trail will take you across the entire state, from fascinating cities to small towns and villages. These tours usually include an array of exciting activities such as tastings, first-hand distillery processing, and opportunities to purchase the distilled products you just tasted. The following are the best distilleries to visit in Arkansas:

1. Rock Town Distillery

Rock Town Distillery is the first official legal distillery in Arkansas since the Prohibition period. The decade-old distillery produces some of the world’s most sought-after vodka, bourbon, whiskey, rum, and gin. The distillery also creates its own moonshine crafted from ingredients grown by local farmers. Rock Town Distillery offers behind the scene tours of its facility where visitors can witness first-hand how their favorite drinks are made. During these tours, visitors can sample locally made wine and beer at the onsite bar. You can also join the comprehensive cocktail-making classes. Be sure to grab yourself a bottle or two of your favorite beverage and enjoy these handmade spirits at home. The tours run are available at 2, 4, and 7 pm every Tuesday through Sunday.

Location: 1201 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202

2. Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery

Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery is known for many firsts. It is the only brewery in the country located deep inside a national park. The distillery is also widely acclaimed as the only distillery in the globe to use thermal spring water as the main ingredient. For centuries people flocked to the Hot Spring to bathe in and drink the “revered water,” which was believed to cure all sorts of maladies. The thermal waters are channeled through the distillery pipes at about 140 degrees, thus saving both the time and energy needed to brew your best drink. During their guided tours, you get ample opportunities to taste the “holy waters” and sample 18 craft beers made in-house. You can also enjoy a superior brew on their new patio or explore their seasonal menu, including a mouthwatering dog/smash burger, honey-roasted beet salad, soft pretzel, and a hummus plate. 

Location: 329 Central Ave Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901

3. Fox Trail Distillery 

Nestled deep in Northwest Arkansas is Fox Trail Distillery, a modern-day brewery that distills and ages small-batch spirits. Although known for its whiskeys, Fox Trail stretches its muscle beyond that. It is a proud producer of various other liquors, including craft beer, spirits, and bourbon. Since opening to the public three years ago, the distillery strives to offer guests memorable experiences. 

Fox Trail offers highly interactive tours to guarantee hands-on learning of how each Fox Trail spirit is produced. Visit the distillery today for a private tour and lab testing experience of their house handcrafted spirits. You can choose one of their two tour options: a spirits tour and a bourbon tour. The privately guided tours are available at 5 pm and 7 pm to groups of 10 or less. At the conclusion of your facility tour, you will get an opportunity to taste any of their spirits or whiskey. 

Location: 2121 S Bellview Rd, Rogers, AR 72758

4. Crystal Ridge Distillery

Located at the heart of downtown Hot Springs, Crystal Ridge Distillery offers a wide selection of liquors from moonshine, whiskey, and bourbon to vodka. The family-friendly craft distillery is housed inside a 100-year-old historic building hand-built with state-of-the-art craftsmanship for its time. Crystal Ridge Distillery offers guided tours showcasing modern distillery amenities and craft processes while keeping in with 1920s authenticity. You will get ample opportunities to sample their moonshines or enjoy a cocktail in their Lounge and Tasting Room. When you’ve finished, you can join the distillery experts for a Q&A session at the Tasting Bar.

Location: 455 Broadway St, Hot Springs, AR 71901

5. Delta Dirt Distillery

Delta Dirt Distillery is a family-owned craft distillery in Arkansas Delta. It sits in the middle of the richest farmland in the USA, enabling it to grow its own produce and grains used to distill in-house authentic spirits. The distillery crafts some of the finest handmade and locally inspired whiskeys, gin, vodka, and liqueurs. Take a sip-and-see tour of the distillery to experience how popular brands such as Sweet Blend Vodka are crafted from local sweet potatoes and corn sourced straight from the family farm. You will also discover the unique blend of family heritage and hospitality that has earned the distillery international attention, including special mentions in Forbes Magazine and PBS. At the tail end of your tours, sit back and relax in their spacious tasting room over a freshly made glass of your favorite drink. 

Location: 430 Cherry St, Helena, AR 72342

FAQs About Distillery Adventures in Arkansas

What should I expect during a distillery tour?

Distillery adventures allow visitors to have a behind-the-scenes happening on how their favorite spirit is made. The tours are guided by distillery employees knowledgeable about how the entire distillation. The experts will take you through a step-by-step guide to how different components work to deliver your favorite process. You will also get a Q&A session and opportunities to taste freshly made products. 

What is the right attire for an Arkansas distillery tour?

The rule of thumb is to wear casual and comfortable attire for your visit. Distilleries can be quite hot during summer. 

What is the oldest distillery in Arkansas?

Rock Town Distillery is the first of its kind in Arkansas since prohibition. It was founded in 2010 and produces some of the leading spirits in the US and UK.

Leverage Distillery Nearby’s customized directory for an epic experience

Arkansas is home to at least 14 active liqueur manufacturing facilities offering a variety of tastes and experiences for visitors. At Distillery Nearby, we are your ultimate distillery passport helping you explore distillery experiences near you. With our state-by-state directory, you can be part of the upcoming Arkansas distillery tours to sample a variety of beverages and learn how different processes, equipment, and ingredients affect flavors.