South Carolina has become a popular destination for spirit enthusiasts in recent years due to the state’s ever-growing talented community of craft distillers. From low country to upstate, numerous small-batch distilleries are working tirelessly to produce high-quality, unique spirits showcasing different flavors in the region. Below is a comprehensive guide to top distilleries you should check out in beautiful South Carolina for a proper introduction to the South Carolina distillery craft spirit scene.

1. Firefly Distillery

Two friends, Scott and Jim, met while working in the wine industry. After a while, they had an idea of starting a business together, a spirited venture to be more precise. And after long deliberations and planning, Firefly Distillery came to life. Firefly’s head distiller Jay Macmurphy says they always aim to refine their process to produce only top-level drinks. The distillery makes bourbon, moonshine, vodka, and rum.

The most popular bottles are; Firefly Apple Pie Moonshine, Firefly Pink Lemonade, Sea Island Gold Rum, and Southern Accents. For cocktail lovers, the distillery has numerous cocktails to wow your taste buds, like Java Colada, Watermelon Sugar, Apple Strudel, Pineapple Upside-down cake, Country Sour, etc.

The distillery regularly hosts live music festivals and listening sessions where they invite local and international artists to perform.

Location: 4201 Spruill Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
Phone: +1 843-557-1405

2. Burnt Church Distillery 

Billy J. Watterson arrived in Lowcountry back in 2002. The hospitality, deep-rooted traditions, and inherent beauty quickly enamored him. Being a serial entrepreneur, Billy decided to open a distillery to make excellent spirits and help the disenfranchised local population.

To take the distillery to new levels, Billy brought in his brother Sean Watterson, a man dedicated to achieving perfection and excellence in all his endeavors. Sean Watterson balances the art of distilling with a need to meet a consumer’s taste needs. The result is spirits that impress even the most uptight connoisseurs.

The two brothers deeply believe in making spirits to honor South Carolinas low country’s rich history. In line with this aim, the distillery has numerous spirits, including Johhny Fever Bourbon, Palmers Stretch Rye Whiskey, Devil’s Elbow Gin, and Sippin Saint Moonshine.

Location: 120 Bluffton Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910
Phone: +1 843-872-0158

3. High Wire Distilling Co.

In downtown Charleston, High Wire Distilling’s sole aim is to make small batch-premium spirits. The company has a simple approach; source the finest ingredients in the market and create recipes using innovative culinary methods. Scott Blackwell, the founder, is a trained baker from the Culinary Institute of America. Scott applies his deep knowledge of culinary techniques and artisanal grains to all the spirits he produces. Mainly focusing on unique local ingredients, High Wire has an apothecary area where they test new formulas on a small-scale basis.

The distillery is housed in a rustic warehouse measuring 23000 square feet with a 22ft high ceiling and industrial feel. The tasting room has a large window giving you a clear view of the production area. 

While on a distillery tour, you will learn the formula creation methods, the type of ingredients used, and the complete distilling process. According to locals, High Wire’s top products are; Jimmy Red Straight Bourbon Whiskey, New Southern Revival Brand Rye Whiskey, Hometown Vodka, and Southern Amaro Liqueur.

Location: 311 Huger St, Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: +1 843-755-4664

4. Palmetto Distillery

Palmetto Distillery is owned by Bryan and Trey Boggs, two brothers from upstate South Carolina with a taste for excellent whiskey. The brothers are passionately dedicated to their craft, hoping to keep their family heritage alive through the drinks they create.

In 2011, Bryan and Trey opened Palmetto, the first legal moonshine producer in South Carolina. The two draw their inspiration from a famous relative, Dock Boggs, who began making moonshine during the prohibition era to supplement his music income. Even though the brothers appreciate the old ways of making moonshine, they also have a keen eye for new methods. So, they set out to form a team of highly motivated distillers to create a new and innovative line of spirits. 

Today, the distillery produces a collection of award-winning spirits like; Palmetto Whiskey, cocktails, and Palmetto Moonshine.

Palmetto combines older recipes handed down to generations for more than a century to make its spirits. The distillery also has a 1000-gallon custom-made copper still, and it ages all its spirits in-house using French oak barrels. According to Trey Boggs, all their products are carefully crafted and hand-labeled. Visit their premises to enjoy authentic Southern spirits.

Location: 200 W Benson St, Anderson, SC 29624
Phone: +1 864-226-9917

5. Striped Pig Distillery

The founders of Striped Pig Distillery pride themselves in making their products the “Southern Way.” The artisans in the distillery all aim to push innovative boundaries while still honoring the traditional methods of making spirits to share with friends.

Launched in the famous Charleston area, the Striped Pig brand represents a sense of humor and critical thinking. Their intriguing products, mainly vodkas, are designed to celebrate the witty nature of spirit lovers and the deep history the industry has experienced.

Location: 2225 Old School Drive A, North Charleston, SC 29405
Phone: +1 843-276-3201

6. Twelve 33 Distillery

In the Little River area, twelve 33 is a mid-sized distillery that envisions “producing premium craft whiskeys that will fuel incredible family and friend interactions.” The company uses local ingredients and has stringent quality assurance steps to ensure that only the best product lands on the shelves.

Some of Twelve 33 Distillery bottles include; 3 Peppers Vodka, Big Six Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Restitution Rye Whiskey, Mullet Creek Rum, and Crusader Spiced Rum. The distillery offers tastings all days of the week, but you must book a slot on their website for tours.

Location: 593 SC-90 Little River, SC 29566
Phone: +1 843-663-3344

7. Hollow Creek Distillery 

Hollow Creek is a family-owned distillery run by husband and wife Craig and Meredith Amick. Craig says the company’s main driving force is constantly pursuing excellence in every step to produce premium spirits.

If you stop by their facility, you can sample spirits only available at the distillery, like; Copper Parrot, Sea Salt & Caramel, Carolina Honey, Hell Fire, and more.

Location: 112 Rocky Ridge Rd, Leesville, SC 29070
Phone: +1 803-470-6010

Frequently Asked Questions About the South Carolina Distillery Scene

What are the major cities in South Carolina to start exploring craft spirits?

They include:

• Charleston
• Columbia
• North Charleston
• Mount Pleasant
• Rock Hill 
• Greenville 

What other places can I visit in South Carolina?

• Caesars Head State Park
• Pawleys Island
• Congaree National Park
• Mount Pleasant
• Beaufort

Final Words About South Carolina Distillery Adventures

Apart from its subtropical beaches and magnificent sea islands, South Carolina has numerous craft distilleries making exceptional spirits. Visit the distilleries listed above for a memorable experience.

To learn more about your favorite drink and its history, whether it’s bourbon, gin, moonshine, or vodka, check out Distillery Nearby. We also have plenty of articles on whiskey trails and upcoming spirit festivals you can’t miss.