The craft distillery scene in South Dakota may be small, but the best distilleries in the state are passionate about what they do. Most of the operations are a family affair, with multiple generations working together to farm, distill, and sell their craft spirits. While not all offer a distillery tour, you can still taste and buy unique craft spirits to bring home as a souvenir. This is the ultimate guide and roadmap to the best distilleries in the Mount Rushmore state for your next trip. 

BlackFork Farms

BlackFork Farms is a sixth-generation operating farm located on the Prairie Coteau. Each small batch craft spirit uses locally grown oats, barley, rye, wheat, and corn. The small batch approach results in each batch having its own unique flavor profile. The farm is expanding its craft spirits lineup to include vodka and gin. The farm and facilities do not have regular operating hours. However, you can book a stay or hunting excursion, and they will open up the distillery, barrel house, and tasting room for you. You can also book an event or visit to tour and taste. The farm has a tasting room with indoor and outdoor seating, a gift shop, an event space, a barrel house, a smokehouse, and a distillery. 

Black Hills Contraband Distillery

The Black Hills Contraband Distillery claims to be the first licensed full distillery in South Dakota. It is the brainchild of a Rapid City, SD, local using his family’s seventh-generation flavored liquor recipe. Its craft spirit lineup includes bourbon, vodka, and amaretto. They also are one of the best distilleries at adding flavor to their spirits. Some of the flavors include peach, root beer, orange, coconut, cinnamon, coffee, gingerbread, watermelon, and black currant. Visit the tasting room, and you can sample the many flavors or try them in a signature cocktail. A food menu is also available to order a bite while you drink. In addition, the distillery hosts several events throughout the year that are worth checking out. 

Badlands Distillery

Taste craft spirits that are from the ground to the glass at the Badlands Distillery. Grains grown on the family farm are used in the distillation process. In addition, locally grown produce is used to distill various flavored craft spirits, from bourbon to vodka. Visit the tasting room to sample the wide variety of craft spirits and coffee. Taste the complex flavors of the Cinn-sister Apple with notes of apple, cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar. The Badlands Maple is distilled with real Wisconsin maple syrup. The Badlands Caramel has all of the flavor and sweetness without the syrupy texture. Finally, the Badlands Honey is distilled with real honey and aged in oak barrels. 

Glacial Lakes Distillery and Brewhouse

If you are looking for small-batch craft spirits, you have found them in Glacial Lakes Distillery and Brewhouse. They are one of the best distilleries in the area specializing in making one mason jar of spirit at a time. They use locally grown wheat and freshwater from the Glacial Lakes Region. Their lineup of craft spirits includes vodka, rum, gin, and brandy. They have had success in the craft distillery scene with their award-winning vodka. If you want to take a distillery tour and learn about the process, you will need to visit the Watertown location. There are no tours offered at the Sioux Falls location. Another great and relaxing option is to head to the tasting room, which operates like a full bar. There are several themed nights and events hosted throughout the month. 

Valiant Vineyards Winery & Distillery

One of the best distilleries in South Dakota is the Valiant Vineyards Winery & Distillery. As South Dakota’s first winery, they have extensive experience in crafting complex flavor profiles that translate well to their distillery operations. In addition, the founder was actively involved in crafting the state legislation that made opening a winery, brewery, or distillery possible in South Dakota. In addition to regular events, you can book a room or a private event at the winery. One notable event is their bourbon, beer, and barbecue event. You can taste over fifty bourbons, rums, beers, and ryes while enjoying the state’s best barbecue. 

West River Whiskey Co.

The people behind the famous Madame Peacock’s Beer & Bling decided to expand their operations to include the West River Whiskey Co. A trip to Deadwood isn’t complete without a visit to these two locations. By focusing on just whiskey, they are able to craft a unique craft spirit. Corn is sourced from a local fourth-generation farm. Instead of the typical yellow #2 corn, Indian Corn is used, making it one of the best distilleries in the area. You will also enjoy notes of smoked apple and cherry wood. While you can’t tour the facility, you can stop by to taste and shop. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a brewery and a distillery?

A brewery ferments grains to turn them into alcohol that is in the beer or mead category. A distillery uses a different distillation process to turn grains into spirits. Distillation separates the alcohol from the fermented grain. As a result, this product is a higher-proof alcohol. 

What do you wear to a distillery tour?

You can dress casually yet comfortably for a distillery tour. Don’t wear anything that would be overly revealing or offensive. Consider the weather when getting dressed for your distillery tour. You don’t want to be uncomfortably cold or too hot during your tour. It is also smart to wear comfortable shoes. The majority of distillery tours require a lot of walking and require closed-toed shoes.

What do you call a distillery owner?

Some distillery owners will simply refer to themselves as “the owner,” while others will take on the title of “master distiller.” In smaller distilleries, the owner is also the distilling expert and lead of the distilling team. The title of master signifies their experience with distilling. 

What alcohol is at a distillery?

A distillery makes hard alcohol, liquor, or craft spirits. For example, vodka, rum, whiskey, bourbon, and gin are all made at a distillery. 

Discover the vibrant craft distillery scene in South Dakota with Distillery Nearby.