The 15 Best Distilleries in the U.S.

Distilleries in the U.S. have a rich history that began with early settlers bringing stills for personal use, serving both social and economic purposes. Initially, spirits were not aged and often flavored with fruits and sugar. The production of aged bourbon, distinct for its aging in charred barrels, emerged in the 1820s.

The industry evolved with technological advancements like steam power and the column still in the 19th century. However, it faced challenges during Prohibition, leading to a temporary shutdown of distilleries.

The post-Prohibition era saw new regulations and a resurgence in bourbon popularity, particularly with the introduction of premium bourbons in the late 20th century.

The 21st century saw a remarkable resurgence in bourbon’s popularity, with a growing appreciation for the quality and taste of well-crafted bourbon from both long-established and new craft distillers​.

Best Distilleries in the U.S.

MurLarkey in Bristow, Virginia

MurLarkey Distilled Spirits, based in Bristow, Virginia, was founded in January 2016 by cousins Thomas Murray and Mike Larkin. Embracing their Irish heritage, the name ‘MurLarkey’ is a playful combination of their family names and reflects the Irish word ‘malarkey’, symbolizing a festive and fun spirit.

The distillery quickly gained recognition for its quality and variety of spirits. Their approach is both serious and playful, offering a diverse range of spirits including whiskey, gin, vodka, and an array of cocktails.

The distillery is known for its interactive and educational tours, where Head Distiller Jesse Puckett emphasizes the importance of quality ingredients and the “farm to flask” values. MurLarkey’s dedication to quality is evident in every aspect of their production, from the sourcing of ingredients to the final product.

The Barrel Run in Chicago, Illinois

The Barrel Run in Chicago, Illinois, offers a unique and immersive way to explore the city’s thriving brewery, winery, and distillery scene. This experience goes beyond the typical tour by providing an entertaining and educational journey through Chicago’s Prohibition-era mobster history.

The Barrel Run stands out for its custom-engineered Barrel Bus, designed with real curved wood and leather seats, enhancing the authenticity and comfort of the tour. Participants get the opportunity to visit some of the best breweries and distilleries in the area, making it a memorable experience for both locals and tourists alike.

The tours are known for their interactive and fun approach, combining historical insights with tastings of various craft beverages.

Dragon Distillery in Frederick, Maryland

Dragon Distillery, located in Frederick, Maryland, holds the distinction of being the city’s first distillery. This woman-owned business has deep roots in the local community, tracing back to the mid-1700s when the founder’s family settled on a nearby tract of land.

Embracing their love for all things geeky, from Dungeons & Dragons to science fiction and fantasy, Dragon Distillery’s name reflects its owners’ passions. The founder, a Navy veteran, contributes his rich experience to the distillery’s operations. Dragon Distillery specializes in crafting small-batch artisan spirits using locally-sourced, natural ingredients.

They are committed to producing their spirits in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner, embodying a blend of individuality, creativity, and innovation. The distillery offers a unique experience for visitors, combining high-quality spirit production with a quirky and eccentric atmosphere​​.

Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey in Denver, Colorado

Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey, established in Denver in 2004 by Jess Graber and George Stranahan, is a trailblazer in the American whiskey industry. This distillery, the first modern microdistillery in Colorado, sparked the state’s craft distilling movement. The founders’ shared passion for whiskey and Colorado’s great outdoors led to the creation of a uniquely smooth and flavorful American Single Malt whiskey.

The first batch of Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey was distilled in 2004 and bottled in 2006, marking the start of a legacy that continues to grow. The distillery uses a blend of 2, 3, and 5-year-old whiskeys aged in new charred oak barrels, with malt barley sourced locally in Colorado.

Stranahan’s whiskey is known for its hand-bottling process where each bottle label is hand-signed, often with notes about the music listened to during production. Their volunteer bottling program, where participants receive a tour and a bottle of whiskey, has a waiting list of over 20,000 people.

Limestone Branch Distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky

Limestone Branch Distillery, nestled in the heart of Lebanon, Kentucky, boasts a rich heritage deeply rooted in the state’s bourbon-making tradition. Founded by the Beam family, renowned for their contributions to the industry, the distillery exudes a blend of time-honored craftsmanship and innovative techniques.

Visitors are greeted with the scent of aging barrels and the sight of gleaming copper stills, evoking a sense of reverence for the whiskey-making process. Guided tours offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the artistry of bourbon production, from grain to bottle.

The distillery’s commitment to quality is evident in each sip of their meticulously crafted spirits, reflecting the passion and expertise of its creators.

Ko Hana Distillers in Kunia, Hawaii

Ko Hana Distillers, located in Kunia, Hawaii, is renowned for its unique approach to rum production. Established by Robert Dawson and Jason Brand, the distillery launched in 2011 with a focus on using local sugar cane varietals. Their commitment to showcasing Hawaiian sugarcane heritage is evident in their farm-to-bottle philosophy.

Ko Hana Distillers stands out for its dedication to using single heirloom sugarcane varietals, each offering distinct flavors. The distillery meticulously crafts each batch, ensuring the essence of each cane type is captured. They also age their rum in first-use American oak barrels, adding depth to the rum’s flavor profile.

The distillery’s unique Koa wood finished rum, which undergoes a two-year aging process, is a testament to their innovative approach and respect for Hawaiian traditions.

Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky

Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, is a story of revival and restoration. Originally built in 1887 by Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr., the distillery was inspired by European architecture, featuring a castle, a classical springhouse, and a sunken garden.

After Prohibition led to its closure, the distillery fell into ruin. In 2014, Will Arvin and Wes Murray took on the ambitious task of restoring the historic site. Their efforts have transformed it into a modern distillery while preserving its historical essence.

The distillery now offers a variety of spirits, including vodka, gin, and rye whiskey, with bourbon set to join the lineup. The site has been restored to its former glory and includes the Sunken Garden, Boiler Room retail space, and an aging warehouse, Warehouse B, known for its unique environment. Castle & Key has reimagined how Kentucky spirits are presented, combining the preservation of historical elements with modern distilling techniques​​​.

Outer Banks Distilling in Manteo, North Carolina

Nestled in the picturesque coastal town of Manteo, North Carolina, Outer Banks Distilling embodies the spirit of the region’s maritime heritage.

Established with a vision to capture the essence of the Outer Banks in each bottle, the distillery prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients to craft small-batch, artisanal spirits. From their flagship Kill Devil Rum to unique flavored varieties, every offering reflects a dedication to quality and authenticity.

Visitors are treated to immersive tasting experiences that showcase the rich flavors and stories behind each creation. With a nod to the area’s seafaring past, Outer Banks Distilling invites guests to embark on a journey of discovery through the art of distillation.

Hillrock Estate Distillery in Ancram, New York

Tucked away in the tranquil countryside of Ancram, New York, Hillrock Estate Distillery stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability in the world of whiskey-making.

Set amidst rolling hills and pristine farmland, the distillery embraces a farm-to-glass philosophy, cultivating its own grains and utilizing traditional floor malting techniques to ensure unparalleled quality and flavor. Meticulously crafted spirits, including bourbon, rye, and single malt whiskey, are aged in the estate’s unique Solera aging system, imparting depth and complexity to each expression.

Visitors are invited to explore the historic grounds, from the majestic Victorian mansion to the state-of-the-art production facilities, gaining insight into the distillery’s meticulous approach to craft and heritage. At Hillrock Estate Distillery, the pursuit of excellence is not just a goal but a way of life.

Leiper’s Fork Distillery in Franklin, Tennessee

Leiper’s Fork Distillery, located in Williamson County, Tennessee, is dedicated to reviving the tradition of small-batch whiskey production. Using mainly local ingredients and limestone-filtered water, the distillery creates premium spirits with a signature taste.

They emphasize a low volume and low impact production process. The distillery is housed in a historic log home built in 1829, offering a blend of history and modern whiskey production.

Leiper’s Fork Distillery marks a renaissance in whiskey production in the area, reminiscent of the distilling practices of the 1850s. Tours and tastings are available for visitors to experience their unique whiskey offerings.

Sagamore Spirit Distillery in Baltimore, Maryland

Sagamore Spirit Distillery, located in Baltimore, Maryland, embodies the rich heritage of Maryland’s distilling tradition. Founded with a passion for crafting the world’s best rye whiskey, the distillery has become a symbol of Maryland’s distilling history.

Sagamore Spirit uses a unique process that includes high-quality ingredients, triple distillation, and the use of pure limestone-filtered spring water from Sagamore Farm. This water is essential to their whiskey, as it cuts the rich spice of their rye, creating a spirit that resonates with the spirit of thoroughbred racing and the heritage of Sagamore Farm.

The distillery boasts more than 200 international awards, including being named the World’s Best Rye Whiskey in 2019. Their core offerings, like the Signature Rye Whiskey, Cask Strength Rye Whiskey, and Double Oak Rye Whiskey, are crafted with care and precision, proofed with this unique spring water, and distributed globally.

Kalifornia Distilleries in Murrieta, California

Kalifornia Distilleries, based in Murrieta, California, has a rich heritage that traces back to the 18th century. The distillery’s roots are deeply entwined with Irish traditions, originating from County Cork, Ireland, before making its way to the East Coast of the United States in the late 1700s and eventually moving toward California.

This family-operated distillery has been influential in the spirits industry across the United States, passing down historical family recipes from generation to generation. Kalifornia Distilleries prides itself on preserving these time-honored recipes and is excited to share them with the public.

Their range of spirits includes corn whiskey, vodka, bourbon whiskey, and unique flavors like apple pie and peach pie. The distillery offers a walk-in tasting room open on Fridays and Saturdays, providing an immersive experience for visitors to sample and purchase their distinct spirits.

Philadelphia Distilling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia Distilling, founded in March 2005, holds the distinction of being the first craft distillery in Pennsylvania since Prohibition. Located originally in the Byberry neighborhood of Philadelphia, the distillery was the brainchild of Robert Cassell, Andrew Auwerda, and Timothy Yarnall.

Cassell, inspired to start distilling while working at Victory Brewing Company, pursued education in distilling at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. The distillery uses a hand-hammered copper still from A. Forsythe & Son, Scotland, reflecting their commitment to traditional distilling methods.

Philadelphia Distilling is known for its innovative and quality spirits, including Bluecoat American Dry Gin, Penn 1681 Vodka, and Vieux Carré Absinthe Supérieure. Their Bluecoat American Dry Gin, emphasizing citrus over juniper berries, has gained significant acclaim, winning awards like a double Gold Medal at the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Desert Door in Driftwood, Texas

Desert Door Distillery in Driftwood, Texas, presents a unique story in the world of distilleries. Founded by three veterans who met at the University of Texas, the distillery focuses on crafting sotol, a spirit native to Texas. The founders stumbled upon sotol, a plant with a rich history and cultural significance, during a business class project.

They developed a novel process for creating this spirit, initially experimenting with various methods before settling on a unique approach involving steam and a wood chipper. Their commitment extends to sustainability, as they practice wild harvesting, only taking what nature provides and ensuring the sustainability of the sotol plant.

The distillery offers tours, tastings, live music, and food from the Lo Salvaje food truck, making it a destination for those seeking a unique experience​​​​.

Adventurous Stills in Tempe, Arizona

Adventurous Stills, located in Tempe, Arizona, was established by friends/distillers, who share a passion for crafting high-quality spirits. Founded in 2013, the distillery is known for its innovative approach to distillation, combining traditional methods with modern techniques.

They pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, adding a unique touch to their spirits. Adventurous Stills offers a variety of handcrafted products, including vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, and specialty liqueurs. Their commitment to quality and craftsmanship has earned them recognition in the local and national distilling community.

Visitors to the distillery can enjoy tours, tastings, and interactive experiences, immersing themselves in the world of craft spirits and the art of distillation. Adventurous Stills continues to push boundaries and experiment with new flavors, making them a standout in Arizona’s craft distillery scene.

Final Thoughts

The diverse landscape of distilleries across the United States reflects a rich tapestry of tradition, innovation, and craftsmanship. Whether it’s embracing local ingredients, reviving centuries-old techniques, or pushing the boundaries of flavor exploration, these distilleries contribute to the vibrant tapestry of American spirits culture.

As the industry continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the unwavering commitment to quality and the relentless pursuit of excellence in every bottle crafted.