Charleston: Striped Pig Distillery Tour and Tasting

If you’re heading to Charleston and want a taste of its local spirit scene, the Striped Pig Distillery Tour and Tasting might just be a highlight. This experience offers a chance to learn about Charleston’s first distillery since Prohibition, right in the heart of the city. With a friendly guide, you can peek behind the scenes of how award-winning spirits are made, then settle in for a tasting of some real craft creations.

What really catches our eye about this tour? First, its local, small-batch vibe — it’s a family-run, woman-owned business that feels genuine and personal. Second, the value for the price — at just $22 per person, it’s a fairly accessible way to enjoy a local specialty and learn its story. That said, it’s a short experience, with only about 45 minutes of tour time, which might leave some wanting a bit more depth. But overall, this is a solid pick for those interested in spirits, history buffs, or just curious travelers looking for an authentic Charleston story.

One thing to keep in mind: since the tour is for those over 21, it’s not suitable for children or teens. Also, transportation isn’t included, so plan accordingly if you’re relying on public transport or rideshares. If you’re up for a quick, engaging peek into Charleston’s craft spirit scene, it’s likely to be worth your time.

This tour is especially good if you value knowledgeable guides, enjoy local craftsmanship, or want an experience that’s both fun and educational. It’s a straightforward tour that offers more than just tasting — it’s about understanding the story behind each spirit and supporting a local business.

Key Points

• Historically significant: The first distillery in Charleston since Prohibition.
• Affordable: A well-priced experience at $22 per person.
• Educational: Learn about the distillery’s history and process.
• Flavorful tasting: Sample a variety of award-winning spirits.
• Flexible: After the tour, you can stay for cocktails or buy bottles.
• Accessible: Wheelchair friendly and live-guided in English.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

When you arrive behind Duvall Catering off Azalea Drive, you’ll step into what’s described as Charleston’s first distillery since Prohibition — a notable milestone that adds a layer of local pride. The guide will walk you through the history of the distillery, sharing how it’s grown as a family-owned, woman-led business. This personal touch makes it feel less like a commercial stop and more like meeting friends who happen to make spirits.

The facility tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at how their spirits are crafted. You’ll see the equipment and process that turn raw ingredients into vodka, rum, gin, bourbon, tequila, and other specialties. While the specifics of the process aren’t detailed in the info, the emphasis on craftsmanship and award-winning results suggests they take pride in quality.

Following the tour, the tasting session is the main event. You’ll sample a selection of spirits that have earned over 500 five-star reviews, which speaks to their popularity and quality. The tasting is described as informative and enjoyable, giving you a chance to savor the craft flavors and appreciate the skill involved.

If you’re tempted to bring home a souvenir, bottles of spirits are available for purchase. You can also linger at the full bar afterward for craft cocktails, making this experience more than just a quick stop.

The Experience in Detail

The Tour Itself

The 45-minute experience is guided by a live English-speaking guide, who will share insights about the history and process of the distillery. Laurel, one recent reviewer, called it an “informative & enjoyable tour,” highlighting the personal touch of the guide. Having a knowledgeable guide is a real plus, especially if you’re interested in the craft behind the spirits rather than just tasting.

The Facility

The tour takes you through the distillery, showing you the equipment and the steps involved in producing spirits. Seeing how spirits are made can be surprisingly fascinating — it’s one thing to sip a drink, quite another to understand the craftsmanship behind it. This behind-the-scenes glimpse is especially meaningful in a city where drinking spirits is part of the local culture, and it adds a layer of appreciation for what you’re tasting.

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The Tasting

This is arguably the highlight for most visitors. The spirits are described as award-winning, which is no small feat considering the competition. The tasting includes vodka, rum, gin, bourbon, tequila, and other specialty products. Each spirit offers a unique flavor profile, and the experience allows you to taste what makes each one special.

Post-Tour Options

After the tour, you’re free to stay and enjoy craft cocktails at the bar, or buy bottles to take home. Many reviews mention the friendly bar staff and the quality of the drinks. It’s well worth lingering if you want to relax and soak in the atmosphere.

The Price and Its Value

At $22 per person, this tour provides a lot of value. For just under the price of a fancy coffee, you get a behind-the-scenes look, a guided experience, and tastings of multiple spirits. Considering the 500+ five-star reviews, it seems that most visitors find this experience well worth the cost. It’s an intimate, authentic look at a local business rather than a large commercial operation, which adds to the overall value.

What’s Included

• A guided tour of the distillery
• A brief history of the Striped Pig
• Tasting of diverse spirits

What’s Not

• Transportation to and from the distillery
• Additional drinks or meals during the visit
• Bottles or merchandise (though available for purchase)
• Gratuity (which is customary for guides)

Accessibility and Practical Tips

The distillery is wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for travelers with mobility needs. Remember to bring a valid ID or passport, as this is a legal alcohol-related activity. Since the tour lasts about 45 minutes, it fits well into most afternoon plans.

Since transportation isn’t included, plan your arrival accordingly. If you’re staying in Charleston, a rideshare or walking might be your best bet. The meeting spot is behind Duvall Catering, so check your maps ahead of time if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits adults over 21 who enjoy spirits and want to learn about local craft production. It’s perfect for curious travelers who appreciate a personal story and a taste of local entrepreneurship. The tour’s manageable length makes it accessible for most schedules, and the quality of the guide can really elevate it — as one review notes, the guide “Remy was great.”

If you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group looking for a relaxed, engaging activity, this fits the bill. It’s not a party-heavy or boozy tour, so if you’re after a fun, educational experience that doesn’t involve heavy drinking, it’s a good choice.

Final Thoughts

The Striped Pig Distillery Tour and Tasting offers an authentic, affordable way to get to know Charleston’s local spirits scene. It’s a short but meaningful peek into the craftsmanship behind award-winning craft spirits, led by guides who clearly know their stuff. The experience’s warmth and personal touch make it stand out, especially if you’re interested in the stories behind your drinks.

While it’s not a lengthy or exhaustive tour, the value is in its intimacy and authenticity. If you’re into spirits or just want a fun, relaxed activity that supports a local business, this tour is likely to please. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate knowledgeable guides, good storytelling, and quality tastings.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to add some local flavor to your trip, the Striped Pig Distillery delivers a memorable little taste of Charleston’s modern craft spirit scene.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this tour is only for people over 21 due to alcohol regulations.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 45 minutes, making it a quick but comprehensive experience.

Is transportation included?
No, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the distillery, which is behind Duvall Catering off Azalea Drive.

Can I buy spirits after the tour?
Yes, bottles of the spirits you taste are available for purchase, so you can take a piece of the experience home.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the distillery is wheelchair friendly.

What should I bring?
Bring a valid ID or passport to verify your age.

Is the experience family-friendly?
No, it’s intended for adults over 21.

What kinds of spirits are sampled?
You’ll taste vodka, rum, gin, bourbon, tequila, and other specialty products.

Can I stay afterward for cocktails?
Absolutely; the full bar is available before or after the tour for craft cocktails.

If you’re interested in Charleston’s craft spirit scene and want a taste of its history and flavor, this tour hits the right notes. It’s a great way to support a local business and walk away with a new appreciation for what goes into crafting your favorite spirits.

You can check availability for your dates here: