With Halloween approaching, you’re probably looking for spooky fun things to do near you, like haunted house attractions and costume parties. But you might also consider visiting authentic haunted distilleries or brewery locations for spirit fun with craft spirits! Distillery Nearby is always here to help you locate “distilleries near me.” And today, we’ll share some of the spooky hotspot distilleries near you that have all the best craft spirits, along with a few ghostly tales and histories to go with them.

1. Bourbon Boos at the James B. Beam Distilling Co.

James B. Beam is one of the largest Kentucky Bourbon makers in the world. And it’s one of the absolute oldest, with whiskey-making origins dating back to 1795. That kind of history also translates to some reports of hauntings, ghostly sightings, and disembodied spirit sounds. 

Spooky Spirits:

Visitors, over the decades, have reported seeing apparitions at the James B. Beam American Outpost. It’s believed there is a former guard who still roams the grounds at night, screaming at the moon. On nights with a full moon, visitors have reported hearing such howling sounds. Other distillery guests report seeing a woman on the stairs and an overalled man among the barrels. This hotspot was also investigated by the TV show ghost hunters of Paranormal Lockdown.

Tasty Spirits:

Visit James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont, Kentucky, to sample some of the most iconic bourbons in the country. Check out the full menu of Beam brands here.

2. Wild Turkey Spooks in Lawrenceburg

Fans of Wild Turkey can tell you all about this iconic bourbon. But you may not know that Wild Turkey as a distillery has been around since 1869 and represented the Kentucky flavor at the Chicago World’s Fair back in 1893. That kind of rich history contributes to the legendary notes and hues of Wild Turkey. It also lends to a few ghostly encounters.

Spooky Spirits:

There’s a still captured photo, taken in 2015, of a man leaning up against a pole. The SyFy Channel’s Ghost Hunters show featured this Wild Turkey Distillery ghost hunt, too. Other spooky spirit phenomena include dishes moving, cabinet doors swinging, doors opening, footsteps, and voices. 

Tasty Spirits:

The flagship spirit worth experiencing on this distillery tour adventure is, of course, Wild Turkey Bourbon. But there are other bourbon blends to sample, too. These include Wild Turkey Rye, Rare Breed Bourbon, Kentucky Spirit single-barrel bourbon, and others.

3. Orbs at the Phoenix Brewing Company in Ohio

Plan a trip to Mansfield, Ohio, to visit the Phoenix Brewing Company. This legendary location was once a mortuary back in 1914, making it a paranormal hotspot. It’s a spooky, fun place to visit, with historic architecture, tasty drinks, and a chance encounter with a resident ghost.

Spooky Spirits:

Brewery customers and staff alike continue to report encounters with the spirit world. Many have even claimed to have been touched, pushed, or bumped by an unseen force. Other paranormal gurus have captured images of mysterious orbs throughout the building. And there are sounds and voices that appear mysteriously on EMF recorders.

Tasty Spirits:

Visit the Phoenix Brewing Company for an incredible variety of craft beers, ciders, wines, and cocktails! Check out their “on-tap” list and make a day of it!

4. Brave the Ghosts of the Buffalo Trace Distillery

It’s the oldest continuously operating distillery in the nation. It’s also one of the most popular distillery tour attractions. And if you’re looking for a spooky craft spirit encounter, it’s THE hotspot to visit. We’re talking about Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfurt, Kentucky.

Spooky Spirits:

There is no shortage of visitor and staff stories about mysterious voices and eerie spirit sightings at Buffalo Trace Distillery. It’s another hotspot for the TV show Ghost Hunters, who investigated the property back in 2011. One of the most notorious ghosts is believed to be Colonel Albert Blanted, who died in the mansion that now houses the distillery’s office.

Tasty Spirits:

Buffalo Trace is known most for its award-winning bourbons and whiskey blends. And the craft spirit menu is long and distinguished. Take a look and be sure to add Buffalo Trace Distillery to your must-visit distillery bucket list.

5. Visit the ‘Whiskey Prison’ at Southern Grace Distilleries

Southern Grace Distilleries in North Carolina is a wildly popular experience for both craft spirit enthusiasts and amateur ghost hunters alike. 

Spooky Spirits:

Visitors, ghost tour guests, and staff all report strange encounters here. There are eerie footstep sounds, disappearing keys, and disheartening thuds. The dorm bathrooms are especially unsettling, as is the “whiskey prison” situated onsite.

Tasty Spirits:

Sip and sample to find your new favorite whiskey, bourbon, or pink lemonade! Carefully crafted with mixologists and bartenders in mind, the Southern Grace Distilleries crew creates incredible flavors perfect for mixing and cocktails. 

7 More Haunted Distilleries and Brewery Honorable Mentions

You can find tales of hauntings and paranormal encounters in nearly every corner of the US. Here are a few honorable haunted distilleries and brewery mentions to add to your Halloween spooky fun agenda this year.

• NewSylum Brewing Company in Newton, Connecticut
• Belvoir Winery in Liberty, Missouri
• Moon River Brewing Company in Savannah, Georgia
• Portland Haunted Brewery Crawl in Portland, Oregon
• Wolfden Brewing in Bloomingdale, Illinois
• Wynkoop Brewery in Denver, Colorado
• Lemp Mansion & Brewery in St. Louis, Missouri

FAQs About Haunted Distilleries and Breweries

Have more questions about haunted craft spirits and spooky distillery locations? Check out these FAQs.

What’s the oldest US distillery?

In Kentucky, the Buffalo Trace Distillery has been creating legendary whiskey for more than 200 years, marking it the oldest distillery in the country.

Where can you find whiskey ghost stories?

Check out some of the spooky whisky tales from the Whiskey Raiders or the Master of Malt.

Is the Moss Beach Distillery haunted?

The Moss Beach Distillery, eerily overlooking the San Francisco Bay, just north of Half Moon Bay in California, is reported to be haunted by the “Blue Lady” ghost.

Come this Halloween season, or for year-round spooky encounters, be sure to visit these haunted distilleries and breweries! And always find incredible distillery tour adventures and craft spirit trends right here at Distillery Nearby!