10 Highly Rated Distilleries In Philadelphia Worth A Visit
So, you’ve got plans to go to Philly? No doubt, you’ll have the absolute best time. You’ll also have plenty of different bars and restaurants to choose from. However, if you truly appreciate the taste of your booze, then you will have to stop by one of the many great local distilleries in Philadelphia.
There is just something about the drinks from a distillery that just can’t be replicated anywhere else. And plus, it’s so much more than just a quick drink – it’s a whole experience.
You can enjoy a tour of the distillery and learn wonderful facts about the drink-making process, and then, of course, there’s everyone’s favorite part – the tasting rooms.
Honestly, distilleries are such fun, enjoyable, and unique days out. I can’t recommend them enough! The only thing you’ll want to take caution with is ensuring that you choose the right distillery to visit.
And that’s where I come in. Having tried and tested pretty much every distillery in Philly, I can guide you through the best places to go to ensure that you have an awesome time! So, let’s get straight to it and take a look at my top 10 favorite distilleries!
Top 10 Philadelphia Distilleries
Philadelphia Distilling
215 671-0346
If you’re looking for an experienced distillery, then Philadelphia Distilling has you covered. It was founded back in 2005 and was the very first craft distillery in Philadelphia ever since Prohibition.
If you’re a fan of spirits you’ll be very happy here. That is what they do and it’s what they do well. Shots of spirits go down smooth – you need to try the bay-seasoned vodka (see also ‘How Many Shots In A Fifth?’). And you’ll have to try a signature cocktail with their spirits. You can find the recipe for these on their website.
You can pop in for just a drink if you’re short on time, but if you’ve got a couple of hours to spare I would definitely recommend opting for their guided tours that give you tons of behind-the-scenes action.
New Liberty Distillery
267 982-4650
If your go-to drink is whiskey it would be criminal to come to Philadelphia without visiting New Liberty Distillery. It’s fairly central, located just outside of the city center but what is so unique about this pick is that it is actually housed within an old stable.
It’s actually such a pretty and different place to stop for a sip of whiskey, so be sure to check it out. You can also take a tour where you’ll learn more about how the drinks at the bar are made, you’ll have access to tasting rooms, and that beautiful bar area.
Red Brick Craft Distillery
267 603-3790
For those who enjoy all kinds of delicious-tasting spirits, Red Brick Craft Distillery will be the spot for you. Using all local ingredients, the distillery creates a plethora of small-batch spirits that are absolutely to die for.
There are tons of different drinks to sample from malt whisk to rum. You need to give the pineapple rum a try – it’s so tangy and tropical. They also do a very decent simple shine sugar wash rum too!
The tours are super informative, they have tasting sessions, sales on bottles, and some great cocktails to try!
Stateside Vodka
215 425-4200
If vodka is your tipple of choice then you’re going to fall head over heels for this distillery. It’s a love affair I’ve been involved in for years. And it’s no surprise why, considering the distillery has won awards for the quality of the alcohol it produces.
And while you’re at the distillery, it would be rude not to give their cocktail bar a visit, right?You’ll find so much on offer at this distillery – the canned vodka sodas are my favorite.
And what’s great is that pretty much anyone can enjoy their vodka considering that it’s kosher, gluten-free, mineral-enhanced, carb and sugar-free, cold-filtered, and then distilled seven times. Wow.
Palmer Distilling Co.
215 588-5108
This distillery seems to fly under the radar undetected by most, and for the life of me, I do not understand how or why. Sure it’s a little smaller than some of the others on the list, but it really is a hidden gem.
You get such a personal and more intimate experience because the distillery is run by a local couple. And boy do they know their alcohol.
There’s plenty to choose from; beers, whiskey, and gin. Though I would argue that the multiple award-winning gin is the real shining star that you have to try.
City Distilling
610 500-1004
This is another fairly small but still great distillery to go visit. It’s relatively new to the whole distillery business having opened in just 2019, but a singular sip of any of their drinks on offer and you’ll be sure that they know how to create decent booze.
This distillery is primarily vodka-based and they do it well. The vodka is gluten-free and tastes amazing. They also make to-go cocktails that are so delicious I think I bought about 10 when I last went!
Bluebird Distilling
610 933-7827
This grain-to-glass distillery is honestly amazing. You’ll find it located in Phoenixville, and one short stay here and you’ll never want to leave. The hybrid spirits created here are unlike no other.
You’ll have your choice of several spirits and tons of delicious cocktails that can all be sampled in their tasting room. Enter this room with caution, you will leave wanting to purchase everything that you taste. Trust me, been there and done that.
Cool Cool Cool, vice city, and bluebird are the drinks you’ll need to sample.
1675 Spirits
215 645-1445
You wouldn’t actually ever believe that drinks could taste so good! This is probably one of the best distilleries around. The atmosphere matches the drinks – it’s perfect. It’s cozy and homey and you’ll definitely shed a tear or two when it’s time to leave.
You can opt for a tour of the distillery, enjoy the tasting rooms, or pop yourself down by the bar and sip away. Whether you prefer whiskey, vodka, or cocktails 1675 Spirits have you covered.
And if you live close to the area, definitely check out their website where you can order their beautiful booze with fully customizable labels and spirits!
Manatawny Still Works Craft Spirits Shop & Tasting Room
267 687-8772
What could be better than a distillery? Maybe a distillery that sells food too? Um, yes, please. Be sure to check out the bar and the tasting rooms at Mantawny Still Works. It’s amazing.
So sip away at the delicious gin, smooth whiskey, divine vodka, and the many other drinks offer. And then once you start to feel a little peckish, engorge on smoked muscles, seasonal pickle bowls, or any of the other mouthwatering meals on the menu.
Four Humours
610 324-3915
And then last, but by no means least, we have Four Humours. If you enjoy a perfectly balanced and pure beverage, and let’s face it who doesn’t, you’ll be right at home here.
All ingredients included in these drinks are completely pure and the company prides themselves on the perfect ratios and aging timings of the spirits and drinks on offer.
It’ll come as no surprise that they all taste unbelievable.
The company is most famous for its whisky selection but you will find several other drinks on offer too such as wine, beer, and cocktails. You can also help yourself to a few tasty treats since they serve snacks too.
There’s so much to choose from here but you definitely can’t leave Four Humours without trying the bacon old fashioned! The sour, black and blue, bramble and flight all taste delicious too but the bacon old fashioned is definitely a personal favorite.
Final Thoughts
There are so many great distilleries in Philly that even just trying to whittle it down to my top 10 picks was super difficult.
And sure, there are tons of great bars with good vibes scattered across Philadelphia, but why go there when you can go directly to the source where the alcohol is made?
I can promise you that it takes much nicer.
I’d definitely take the time to go visit at least one of these amazing distilleries. Take the tour, learn a bit more about the process and enjoy the day. And of course, don’t forget about the main event.
Take your time around those tasting rooms and savor every last sip – it’ll be unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before.
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