There are plenty of distilleries in the south, but none offer truly unique tours to individuals with the most refined tastes than Palmetto Distillery in downtown Anderson, SC. Palmetto Distillery takes distillery tours to a whole new level. Forget simply sampling whiskey. Visitors can have exclusive meetings with master distillers, taste some of the finest southern spirits and see firsthand the distilling process from mash to jar.

The tour begins with a welcome drink in the bar, followed by a trip to the tasting room that houses stud wood framing and family memorabilia highlighting the story of the brand and its deep southern heritage. The smell of wet wood hangs in the air setting the tone for the family history lesson ahead.

A tour guide takes you through craft spirits’ journey- from each ingredient’s role to the three-piece copper stills’ functions and distilling. The entire process happens under one roof. 

Visitors are offered a taste of a fresh batch of 130-proof moonshine, fresh off the still. When Trey and his brother Bryan Boggs founded Palmetto Distillery in 2011, they wanted to create a space that pays tribute to their southern heritage and family tradition. You can tell they have succeeded with every sip of their signature White Lightning Moonshine, which, interestingly, is South Carolina’s first legal moonshine. Their Palmetto Moonshine restores a time-honored recipe from their ancestor, Dock Boggs.

Tour guests also get to sample other Palmetto Distillery spirits, including Cinnamon, Lemon Drop, Apple Pie, and Bananas Forster. Next is the Palmetto Whiskey sampling – made from the classic recipe that the Boggs have perfected over the years.

Sippin’ Craft Spirits at Palmetto Distillery 

Palmetto Distillery is one of the best distilleries in South Carolina offering an intimate moonshine tasting experience. Palmetto distillery tours are free (no reservations required). However, tastings start at $10 per person for nine flavors plus a $5 credit for whatever you decide to take home). Other options include flight ($5) or a single sample ($1).

In their tasting room, which also doubles as a bar, guests can sample a broad range of Palmetto Moonshine, Palmetto Whiskey, and ready-to-drink cocktails.

Bootlegger Proof

This 130 proof Bootlegger Proof is the highest proof moonshine in South Carolina. If in doubt, you can always set it aflame. Bootlegger Proof Moonshine features a well-balanced flavor profile of spicy white pepper and rich notes of buttery corn. It can be enjoyed straight, as a shot, or mixed in a cocktail. 

Aroma: Sweet, corn, white pepper

Taste: Spicy, White pepper and menthol, buttery corn, and lemon zest

Finish: Smooth, warming sweet corn

White Lightning Moonshine

Crafted from the legendary family ‘shine recipe passed down through generations, Palmetto White Lightning preserves the bootlegging legacy of southern moonshiners. It provides an excellent introduction to moonshine with its sweet, grainy flavor profile of un-aged corn and sugarcane. Palmetto is proud to call this South Carolina’s first legal moonshine.

Aroma: Grainy, sweet corn

Taste: Sweet notes of corn and sugarcane

Finish: Smooth, lingering, sweet corn

Apple Pie Moonshine

With Apple Pie Moonshine, Palmetto Distillery honors America’s rebellious character by merging two iconic symbols of American tradition: moonshine and apple pie. The apple pie cider is a unique combination of locally-sourced apples and White Lightning moonshine. A cinnamon stick is added as the final flourish, providing the ideal balance of sweetness and heat. 

Aroma: Sweet, apple, notes of cinnamon, cloves

Taste: Fresh baked apples with a warm cinnamon glaze

Finish: Buttery pie crust, long-lasting

Pina Colada Moonshine

Palmetto Pina Colada Moonshine blends the luscious creaminess of coconut with the tangy sweetness of pineapple. Enjoy bursts of exotic flavors with every sip. This drink will make you feel like you’re on the beachfront with your toes in the sand.

Taste: Coconut, fruity, pineapple, tropical fruit

Bananas Foster Moonshine

This Bananas Foster moonshine uses all-natural ingredients to create a delightful fusion of flavors. Each sip bursts with notes of banana, caramel, sweet cream, and brown sugar. With such delightful flavors, this moonshine doubles as a dessert.

Lemon Drop Moonshine

Lemon Drop Moonshine takes a unique take on the classic citrusy drink. It is made using all-natural flavors for a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors. Enjoy it as a cocktail spiked with lemonade, or savor it over ice.

Cinnamon Moonshine

This naturally-flavored Cinnamon Moonshine offers a genuine and bold taste. This drink begins with a sweet taste and finishes with just enough heat.

Salted Caramel Moonshine

Palmetto Salted Caramel has a rich, buttery caramel flavor and a pinch of salt for a sweet and savory flavor. Add it to your coffee or hot chocolate or simply sipping it neat for a delightful taste.

Palmetto Whiskey

Palmetto Whiskey boasts an unmatched taste and quality, thanks to its recipe of 21% rye and aging in new French oak barrels. Its attractive amber color, infused with hints of caramel and vanilla, is irresistible. And the silky, smoky finish leaves a lasting impression. Palmetto Whiskey is produced in small batches at 89.3 proof. It has been recognized as South Carolina’s most decorated craft whiskey, thus establishing a unique Southern tradition. Whether you prefer scotch or bourbon, Palmetto Whiskey has something that will captivate your palate. 

Aroma: Sweet, caramel, vanilla, hint of butter

Taste: Sweet hints of oak, caramel, vanilla

Finish: Caramel, vanilla, smoky

Other Things to Do in Anderson, SC

With Palmetto Distillery tours, there’s always a supply of activities in Anderson, SC. If not sippin’ moonshine at their bar, you can listen to live music or indulge in tasty local cuisine. If outdoor fun is your fancy, spend quality time on Lake Hartwell catching catfish, kayaking, or riding hydro bikes. You can also explore the bustling 16-block Historic District for an eclectic mix of locally owned specialty shops, boutiques, breweries, and restaurants. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns Palmetto Distillery?

Trey and Bryan Boggs own Palmetto Distillery. The two brothers from Upstate SC have poured their hearts and souls into spirits making since 2011.

When is Palmetto Distillery open?

Palmetto Distillery is open Monday – Wednesday,10:00 am – 6:00 pm and Thu – Saturday,10:00 am – 8:00 pm. Closed on Sunday.

What is the highest proof of moonshine?

Palmetto Bootlegger Proof has the highest proof of moonshine at 130 proof. 

Find out more about DistilleryNearby and local distilleries nearby here.