The Outer Banks is a wonderful place, filled with delicious food, incredible history, and pristine beaches that are sure to elevate any vacation. But it's not just all fun in the sun here! The OBX is also home to a thriving craft distillery scene that play on the area's unique nautical (and Prohibition Era) history for a sweet spirits experience that will give you something to talk about for years to come. Whether you're a spirits aficionado who checks out every distillery you can or you're looking for a new, exciting way to embrace the coastal vibes of the area, these two distilleries offer an amazing experience with handcrafted spirits, a rich regional history, and amazing tastings that are sure to have you coming back for more!
The Distillery Experience
The craft distillery movement has certainly exploded over the past few years, as connoisseurs have started to prioritize unique products made with local ingredients in smaller batches that allow for higher-quality spirits. Smaller batches allow the distilleries to focus on subtle flavors, small details, and increased creativity in their drinks. The craft distilling, distilleries are able to source local ingredients that incorporate regional flavors and more traditional distilling methods that create a unique flavor in every bottle!
Why Visit a Distillery on Vacation?
While your Outer Banks vacation is undoubtedly about the beach to some degree, there are plenty of reasons to include a distillery tour on your next vacation!
Enjoy Tastings with a Local Twist
Taking a tour of a local distillery will not only give you the opportunity to enjoy some delicious whiskey, rum, vodka, or gin, but these unique and local flavors also often provide insight into the local history. Find out more about the unique local ingredients and landscapes that contribute to the spirit scene.
Learn About the Distillation Process
There's so much more that goes into a rum and coke than just grabbing it from the store! Guided tours at local distilleries offer a fascinating glimpse into the combination of art and science that is distillation. Each distillery is going to have its own unique process, from the fermentation methods to barrel aging. No two distilleries are going to be the same, meaning you can enjoy a unique experience wherever you're vacationing.
Get Unique Souvenirs
When you go on a distillery tour during your vacation, you're bound to come home with more than just good memories! Bring home bottles of your favorite spirits, branded glassware, or a t-shirt or sweatshirt! All these things make for perfect keepsakes - and even better gifts for the folks back home who couldn't come with you! Attending a distillery tour is more than just trying a delicious drink. It's about connecting you to your destination in a whole new unexpected way!
Top Distilleries to Visit on the Outer Banks
Outer Banks Distilling
510 Budleigh St., Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 423-3011
Located in the heart of Manteo, Outer Banks Distilling is the first legal distillery on the Outer Banks! Specializing in small-batch rum, Outer Banks Distilling captures the history of the Outer Banks and the mystery of the Graveyard of the Atlantic to bring unique flavors to the beach in an award-winning spirits experience. They are most famous for the Kill Devil Rum, named for the historic phrase that sailors once used for rum in the area that was strong enough to kill the Devil!
What to Expect
Come take a tour of the distillery and get the chance to sample some of their delicious un-aged Kill Devil Rum with its delicious pecan overtones! Tours are available Monday-Saturday, called ahead to book. Find out about this historic venture from the locals who created it while you find out more about the distilling process! They pride themselves as being "a hybridization of time-honored traditions and contemporary innovation." The result is a unique process that uses local produce where available to create a sensory experience that will transport you back to the Outer Banks from wherever you are.
Don't Miss Out
Be sure not to miss their seasonal offerings that are perfect for light sipping or crafting a unique holiday cocktail. Kill Devil Spiced, Kill Devil Silver, and Kill Devil Pecan are their regular staples while their Shipwreck Series offers periodical unique tastings and their Winter Solspice Rum is something special to look forward to every year!
In this episode of Outer Banks Podcast, Bryn Pittman sits down with Scott Smith from Outer Banks Distilling, the first legal distillery on the Outer Banks, to explore the fascinating blend of local history and craftsmanship behind their Kill Devil Rum. From shipwreck legends of the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" to the innovative flavors of their Shipwreck Series, discover how Outer Banks Distilling brings the rich maritime heritage of North Carolina straight to the glass. Whether you're a history buff, a rum enthusiast, or love a good story, this episode is sure to captivate.
Buffalo City Distillery
8821 Caratoke Hwy, Point Harbor, NC 27964
(252) 491-7255
Buffalo City Distillery gets its name from the legendary moonshine operations in Buffalo City, once the Prohibition-Era hub for illicit alcohol production in Dare County! Now a (very legal) distillery on the OBX mainland, Buffalo City Distillery honors that time-honored tradition and rich heritage of crafting premium spirits with a story! With a state-of-the-art distillation process and premium farm-to-bottle spirits, the drinks you get from Buffalo City Distillery are sure to tickle your tastebuds while providing a rich visitor experience!
What to Expect
Come enjoy delicious cocktails in the Dare Forest Lounge, and take a tour of the distillery where you will get the chance to taste their delicious drinks and learn more about this unique history of the Outer Banks! This tour includes a complimentary tasting of 6 of their products, including their Famous East Lake Whiskey, and a souvenir shot glass. And be sure to check out their retail store not only for amazing Buffalo City Distillery spirits but merchandise and history books, as well.
Don't Miss Out
Along with regular weekly and seasonal events, check out trivia on Wednesdays and live music on Fridays and Sundays! Buffalo City Distillery is dog-friendly and kid-friendly, meaning an unforgettable good time for the whole family!
Enjoy a 35% Discount on Buffalo City's Taste of History Tour with Club Seaside!
Seaside Vacations guests can receive a 35% discount on Buffalo City Distillery's Taste of History Tour. To redeem this promotional offer, guests must call the distillery directly and reference this offer as part of Club Seaside. his tour is approximately 45 minutes and includes a review of the history of Buffalo City, a walk through the production room and how the production process works, 6 liquor tasting samples, and a FREE Buffalo City logo shot glass. Tours are available Wednesday & Friday -Sunday.
Tips for Visiting Outer Banks Distilleries
Plan Ahead
Especially during peak season here on the Outer Banks (i.e. summer), tours can book up pretty quickly, so consider calling ahead or booking online to ensure your reservation for the date you want. Hours can fluctuate during the off-season, so keep that in mind when planning your tour. It can also be helpful to think about seasonal events or offerings. Buffalo City, for example, sometimes hosts themed cocktail classes for Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas while Outer Banks Distilling has special releases for seasonal drinks, so keep these things in mind when planning your trip.
Transportation
Safety is ALWAYS a priority - so plan ahead and think about transportation before booking your tour. Think about whether you want to have a designated driver or work with a local ride-share service like Atlantic Cab or Coastal Transportation Company. If several people in your party want to participate, consider sharing transportation and booking together for a fun family experience.
Savor the Experience
Part of the fun of a distillery tour and tasting is to take your time! Enjoy a variety of spirits, even if it's not something you normally drink, and be open to exploring different flavors and styles. Also be ready to engage with your tour guide! They're doing this because they love their product, so don't be afraid to ask for pairings or recipes to go along with your favorite spirit.
Shop Local
Whether you're looking for that perfect gift or want something special to remember your vacation by, shopping from a local distillery is always a great option. Bring the taste of the Outer Banks back home with you with bottles of your favorite spirit and have access back home to spirits that you probably won't be able to get! Also be sure to look for branded glassware and shot glasses, apparel, and even books to remind you of your experience!
Stay Hydrated & Snack Smart
Plan ahead for your tour! Drink water in between tastings to cleanse your palate and truly get the full flavor experience. If you're planning to stay a while, think about snacks before and/or after. Buffalo City Distillery sometimes brings in food trucks on live music days - making it a full afternoon affair!
Book Now and Explore the Spirits of the Outer Banks!
Distilleries and distillery tours are fun wherever you are, but there's something special about enjoying some locally distilled spirits in the place where distilling is such a huge part of the local history. Take this opportunity during your next vacation to enjoy a deeper connection to the lore and culture of the cherished Outer Banks and tap into the local craftsmanship of our incredible local distillers who are using their love of spirits to provide you with an unforgettable drinking experience. Whether distillery tours are a part of your vacation repertoire or you're just wanting to try something new, you won't want to miss these unforgettable adventures. Get ready for the ultimate pair with a distillery tour and a Seaside stay today!
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About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, trained historian, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
