Sample our Award Winning Spirits on our Tasting Tour

If you’re visiting Hilton Head Island and you’re curious about spirits beyond the usual cocktails, a visit to the Beaufort Distillery offers a compelling way to learn, taste, and connect. This tour, hosted by RLB Distillery Company, has quickly gained a reputation for its friendly atmosphere, knowledgeable guides, and top-notch local spirits. With a modest price of $20, it’s an experience that balances quality and value, especially for those eager to discover authentic South Carolina distilling.

What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s their open invitation to ask questions — no canned presentation here. Second, the spirits are genuinely local, crafted entirely in Beaufort using locally sourced grains. Lastly, the guides, especially Janet, receive high praise for their warmth and expertise. The only consideration? The tour lasts just about an hour, so it’s a quick, but quite rich, snapshot of the distillery process and its finished products. This tour is perfect for curious travelers, spirits aficionados, or anyone wanting a more intimate look into small-batch distilling.

Good To Know

• Authentic Local Spirits: All spirits are made on-site using local grains, offering genuine tastes of Beaufort.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Expect engaging, friendly guides like Janet, who clearly love sharing their craft.
• Interactive Experience: The tour encourages questions and conversations, making it more personalized.
• Affordable Price: At $20, it provides a well-rounded experience including tastings and a full distillery tour.
• Limited Group Size: With a maximum of 15 travelers, it maintains an intimate, relaxed atmosphere.
• Free Cancellation: Flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund.

A Closer Look at the Distillery Tasting Tour

What’s Included in the Tour?

The tour begins at the Rotten Little Bastard Distillery located at 2139 Boundary St, Beaufort. For just $20 per person, you gain access to a full hour of insights and tastings. You’ll be guided by one of their knowledgeable brand Ambassadors, who is encouraged to answer questions and engage in conversation rather than deliver a scripted presentation. This creates a friendly environment where curiosity is welcomed and encouraged.

Throughout the tasting, you sample a variety of spirits — gin, vodka, whiskey, and bourbon. Reviewers have expressed appreciation for the full lineup, which includes premium options like cask strength bourbon. One visitor even bottled their own cask strength bourbon, highlighting the hands-on aspect that adds a memorable touch to the experience. The guided tasting helps you understand flavor profiles and the distillation process, making it more than just a sip-and-go event.

The Tour Itself

The full distillery tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at how this small operation functions. Visitors see the distillation equipment and observe the process from start to finish. As one review pointed out, it’s fascinating to witness how a small, independent distillery operates, with the personal touch that larger brands often lack. The guide, Janet, was described as “an absolute gem,” providing not only technical details but also sharing her passion for spirits, which makes the experience feel genuine and warm.

What You’ll Taste and Learn

The spirits are crafted entirely on-site, emphasizing local ingredients. The producer’s pride in their product shines through in the tasting notes, with descriptions of distinct flavor profiles that reflect their unique setup. Reviewers noted how engaging it was to taste a variety of spirits and ask questions about each — from the botanicals in gin to the aging process of bourbon. The guide’s explanations help you pick out subtle nuances, which can be eye-opening for those new to spirits or seasoned connoisseurs alike.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience caters to a diverse crowd, from whiskey lovers to those just curious about spirits. Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, making it accessible. The small group size (up to 15 people) fosters intimate conversations, so it’s especially suited for those who appreciate a personal touch.

The Authentic Touch

Unlike larger distilleries that might focus on mass production, this operation’s pride in handcrafted spirits shines through. The fact that they use local grains and produce everything in their Beaufort facility means you’re tasting something truly local and unique. The reviews mention the guides’ expertise and friendliness, which elevates the experience from a simple tasting to an engaging educational session.

Practical Details

The tour lasts approximately one hour, which fits well into a day of sightseeing without feeling rushed. The meeting point at the distillery is easy to find, and the tour ends right back at the start, making logistics simple. Booking is straightforward with a mobile ticket, and the ability to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours beforehand offers flexibility for travel plans.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At just $20, this tasting and tour combo packs a lot of value. You’re not just sampling spirits; you’re gaining insight into a craft that’s rooted in local ingredients and small-batch techniques. The opportunity to ask questions and engage with a passionate guide makes it feel more personalized. Plus, the chance to bottle your own bourbon is a memorable souvenir that adds an extra layer of fun.

What’s Missing?

While the experience is rich, it’s relatively brief — about an hour. For those craving more in-depth distillery visits, larger or more commercial tours may offer longer durations. However, the intimacy and authenticity here more than make up for it.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour suits travelers who enjoy spirits and want to learn about local distilling practices. It’s ideal if you’re seeking a relaxed, engaging activity that isn’t overly commercialized. Families with older children, groups of friends, or couples will all find value here. It’s especially good for those interested in small distilleries or seeking authentic, locally crafted spirits.

Final Thoughts

This tasting tour at Beaufort’s Rotten Little Bastard Distillery offers much more than just a sip of liquor. It’s an opportunity to connect with passionate artisans, learn about local ingredients, and taste a variety of handcrafted spirits that truly reflect the region’s character. The guides, notably Janet, make the experience friendly, approachable, and educational, creating a warm environment for questions and conversation.

While it’s only an hour long, the experience leaves a lasting impression — especially if you appreciate authentic, small-batch spirits made with care. The affordable price point combined with the personalized approach and high-quality tastings makes this a standout choice for anyone curious about the craft of distilling.

Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey lover or a curious traveler, this tour offers genuine insight and fun in equal measure. It’s a perfect addition to a day in Beaufort or Hilton Head, and the small group size ensures a relaxed, engaging atmosphere.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s designed to be accessible and engaging for a variety of ages and interests. Service animals are also allowed.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for approximately 1 hour, including the tasting and the distillery walk-through.

What kind of spirits will I taste?
You’ll sample a range of spirits including gin, vodka, whiskey, and bourbon, with some reviewers mentioning premium tastings like cask strength bourbon.

Can I ask questions during the tour?
Absolutely. The guides encourage questions and conversation, making it a welcoming, interactive experience.

How many people will be in the group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a personal and relaxed environment.

What’s the price?
The cost is $20 per person, offering a good value given the tastings, tour, and the opportunity to learn from experts.

Is there a way to cancel if plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

In brief, this distillery tour offers an authentic taste of Beaufort’s spirit-making craft with a friendly, guided approach. It’s perfect for those wanting a quick but meaningful look into small-batch distilling, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and enjoy high-quality local spirits.