Craft distilleries have a charm all their own. They’re the hidden gems of the spirits world, where passion and precision come together to create unique, unforgettable flavors. These cozy spots often blend artistry and local ingredients, resulting in bottles you won’t find on every shelf. Plus, a visit to these distilleries offers more than just drinks—think intimate tours, behind-the-scenes stories, and the kind of hospitality that only comes from a hands-on team. If you’re ready to swap generic labels for something truly special, you’re in for a treat.
Contents
- 1 High West Distillery – Park City, Utah
- 2 Widow Jane – Brooklyn, New York
- 3 Balcones Distilling – Waco, Texas
- 4 Greenbar Distillery – Los Angeles, California
- 5 St. George Spirits – Alameda, California
- 6 Koval Distillery – Chicago, Illinois
- 7 Wyoming Whiskey – Kirby, Wyoming
- 8 Bardstown Bourbon Company – Bardstown, Kentucky
- 9 Copperworks Distilling – Seattle, Washington
- 10 Catoctin Creek Distillery – Purcellville, Virginia
- 11 Old Forester Distillery – Louisville, Kentucky
- 12 Cedar Ridge Distillery – Swisher, Iowa
- 13 More From RetailShout
- 14 14 Must-Have Kirkland Deals to Snag at Costco This Month
- 15 13 Reddit-Recommended Trader Joe’s Finds for a Perfect Thanksgiving
High West Distillery – Park City, Utah
Nestled in the heart of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, High West Distillery is known for its innovative approach to whiskey-making. Their Winter Whiskey Series, featuring limited releases like the “Bourye” blend, is perfect for those seeking a cozy, flavorful experience. The distillery uses a blend of bourbons and ryes aged in oak casks, which imparts a rich, complex flavor. Visitors can tour the rustic facility, which offers scenic mountain views and a cozy tasting room. High West also produces a range of cocktails, and its renowned “Campfire” whiskey brings a smoky touch to the table. This winter, the distillery is offering seasonal tastings and exclusive bottlings that make for a memorable experience.
Widow Jane – Brooklyn, New York
Widow Jane Distillery is gaining acclaim for its distinctive, high-proof bourbons that feature a unique water source: the limestone-rich waters of the Widow Jane Mine in Rosendale, NY. The distillery’s commitment to quality and craft shines through in its small-batch production, which combines meticulously aged bourbon with innovative blends. One of their standout products, the Widow Jane 10-Year-Old Bourbon, is aged in American oak barrels with a rich, nutty flavor profile. Winter visitors can enjoy private tours and tastings in the distillery’s sleek, contemporary space, where they’ll learn about the distilling process and the company’s commitment to using only the best ingredients.
Balcones Distilling – Waco, Texas
Distilling is a Texas gem that has gained national attention for its bold, character-rich spirits. Their winter offerings include unique expressions of bourbon, single malts, and ryes that showcase the innovative flavors of the Lone Star State. The distillery’s use of locally sourced grains and barrels from American cooperages gives its whiskies a distinct southern touch. Balcones’ Texas Single Malt and Brimstone Bourbon are particularly sought after for their smoky, spicy flavors. Visitors to the distillery can take a guided tour of the facility and enjoy tastings of their award-winning spirits, with a cozy atmosphere perfect for winter sipping.
Greenbar Distillery – Los Angeles, California
Greenbar Distillery is a pioneer in the California craft spirits scene, producing an array of organic, small-batch liquors. Their line of craft whiskeys, rums, and gins stand out for their environmental sustainability and exceptional quality. The distillery’s whiskeys are made using locally sourced grains and aged in American oak barrels. In winter, Greenbar’s seasonal releases, such as their bourbon and rye whiskeys, offer a perfect warmth for the colder months. Greenbar offers intimate tours and tastings, where guests can see firsthand how they’re blending old-world techniques with modern, eco-conscious practices to create unique spirits.
St. George Spirits – Alameda, California
St. George Spirits is a must-visit for fans of artisanal spirits and innovative flavor profiles. Known for their distinctive small-batch distilling techniques, St. George produces an impressive range of spirits, from gin and vodka to unique whiskeys and brandies. Their “Single Malt Whiskey” is a winter favorite, showcasing rich caramel and spice notes that are perfect for sipping on chilly evenings. Visitors can explore their spacious distillery, learn about the craft of distilling, and sample seasonal releases, including exclusive limited-edition whiskeys that are only available during the colder months.
Koval Distillery – Chicago, Illinois
Koval Distillery, located in Chicago, is one of the city’s most prominent craft distillers, specializing in small-batch, organic spirits. Known for their rye whiskey, Koval’s products are made using ancient techniques combined with modern innovation. Their Rye Whiskey and Oat Whiskey are perfect for those looking for a bold, flavorful spirit this winter. Koval’s products are aged in unique, custom barrels, giving their spirits an extra layer of depth and complexity. The distillery offers tours where guests can see the process firsthand, from the grain-to-glass journey to the final product, while enjoying a tasting of their signature spirits.
Wyoming Whiskey – Kirby, Wyoming
Wyoming Whiskey is crafted in small batches using locally sourced ingredients, with a focus on creating a smooth, rich flavor profile. The distillery’s flagship bourbon is aged for a minimum of five years in American oak barrels, imparting deep notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. With the cold Wyoming winters, the bourbon takes on an even more nuanced character, making it a perfect winter drink. The distillery offers guided tours of its production process, showcasing the company’s commitment to traditional craftsmanship while embracing the rugged spirit of the West.
Bardstown Bourbon Company – Bardstown, Kentucky
Located in the heart of bourbon country, Bardstown Bourbon Company is renowned for its award-winning bourbons and ryes. The distillery produces small-batch and limited-edition expressions that are perfect for winter sipping. One of their standout products is the “Fusion Series,” which blends aged bourbons with younger stocks, creating a balanced, rich flavor profile. Guests can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the distillery and enjoy tastings of their signature bourbons, including seasonal releases and collaborations with other craft distillers. The beautiful Kentucky countryside, combined with the warmth of a good bourbon, makes Bardstown a top winter destination.
Copperworks Distilling – Seattle, Washington
Copperworks Distilling is a Seattle-based distillery that specializes in small-batch whiskey and gin. Their American Single Malt Whiskey is a fan favorite, with a smooth, malty character that comes from using high-quality barley and custom copper stills. Copperworks is particularly known for their commitment to craftsmanship, with every batch distilled by hand. In the winter months, the distillery releases special-edition whiskies that are perfect for cozying up by the fire. Visitors to the distillery can enjoy intimate tastings and tours, gaining insight into the distilling process and the artistry behind each spirit.
Catoctin Creek Distillery – Purcellville, Virginia
Catoctin Creek Distillery is a family-owned business that produces some of Virginia’s finest craft spirits. Their flagship product, Roundstone Rye, is known for its smooth, rich flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel. During the winter months, Catoctin Creek releases limited-edition rye expressions that are ideal for sipping on chilly nights. The distillery is located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, and their tasting room offers a cozy environment for guests to enjoy their spirits. Visitors can take a tour and enjoy the distillery’s signature cocktails made with their award-winning products.
Old Forester Distillery – Louisville, Kentucky
Old Forester is one of the oldest distilleries in Kentucky, with a history that dates back to 1870. Known for producing high-quality bourbons, Old Forester’s small-batch releases like the “Birthday Bourbon” and “Statesman” are especially popular in the winter months. These limited-edition bourbons are rich and complex, with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and spice. Old Forester’s distillery in Louisville offers immersive tours where guests can explore the history of bourbon and enjoy tastings of their finest spirits. The distillery also has a cozy bar area, perfect for enjoying a winter cocktail made with their renowned whiskey.
Cedar Ridge Distillery – Swisher, Iowa
Cedar Ridge Distillery is known for producing Iowa’s first bourbon and their commitment to small-batch production. Their flagship “Cedar Ridge Bourbon” is aged to perfection, offering notes of caramel, oak, and vanilla. The distillery’s cozy tasting room is perfect for a winter visit, where guests can enjoy a range of spirits, from their signature bourbon to their award-winning Iowa Single Malt. The Cedar Ridge facility offers an immersive tour experience, where guests can see the distillation process up close and learn about the family’s dedication to crafting spirits with a distinct local flavor.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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