Hilton Head Distillery is at 14 Cardinal Road, and it is the only distillery on Hilton Head. It makes rum, with a Spiced Rum and a Bananas Foster Rum among the bottles, and it blends West Indies rum traditions with Carolina whiskey distilling. You can watch the copper stills work, taste what comes out of them and buy a bottle before you leave.

The Tour and Tasting

The Hilton Head Distillery tour walks through the working still house, covers how rum is made and the story behind the company, and ends with a tasting of the spirits at the bar. It runs about an hour, tours leave through the afternoon, and the last one departs at 5 p.m. Reviewers rave about the guides, who are funny, know the material and teach you how to sip rum, and several mention that even people who are not big drinkers enjoyed it. Tours are open to all ages, but you have to be 21 to taste.

The Bar and the Shop

The tasting room doubles as a small cocktail bar, and you do not need a tour to sit down. Reviewers single out the key lime pie and banana pudding cocktails, and a few came back several times in one week. There is a house cat, Hogo, who wanders through, and a shop with bottles and shirts, open a little past the last tour.

Booking and Getting There

Walk-ins are welcome, but the distillery lets you book tours ahead, so reserve through its site or call (843) 686-4443 to check. Times shift with the season, so confirm before you drive over. The distillery is closed Sunday. For food to go with the rum, see the Hilton Head restaurants or the Hilton Head dining guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a reservation for a Hilton Head Distillery tour?

Walk-ins are welcome, and tours can also be booked ahead on the distillery’s experiences page or by calling (843) 686-4443.

How long is the tour and what is included?

About an hour: a walk through the working still house, the story of the distillery and how rum is made, and a tasting of the spirits.

Can kids go on the tour?

The tours are open to all ages, but you must be 21 to taste.

Is there a bar at Hilton Head Distillery?

Yes. The tasting room has a cocktail bar, and reviewers recommend the key lime pie and banana pudding cocktails.

What days is the distillery open?

Monday through Saturday, from noon, and closed Sunday. The last tour leaves at 5 p.m. Call (843) 686-4443 to confirm current hours.

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