Guided Liquor and Beer Tasting Tour in Beaufort

If you’re the type of traveler who loves to combine a little local culture with a fun, social outing, the Guided Liquor and Beer Tasting Tour in Beaufort might just be your next favorite thing. This tour promises an engaging look into the area’s popular drinking spots, all while soaking up some of the town’s scenic charm.

What I really appreciate about this experience is how it balances tastings with a bit of history—so you’re not just drinking away, but also learning about Beaufort’s relationship with alcohol and Native American shell rings. Plus, the small group size (capped at 14) ensures a more personal, relaxed atmosphere.

On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour is centered around alcohol consumption, so it’s not suitable if you’re not into spirits or beer. Also, since it’s a 2.5-hour commitment starting at 3:30 pm, it’s best suited for those looking for an afternoon activity rather than a full day.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy sampling local beverages, want to learn some history along the way, and are up for a lively, social afternoon. If that sounds like your kind of vibe, read on for a detailed look at what to expect.

• Focused on adult fun: No family or kids’ activities, just tasty drinks and good company.
• Includes local history: Learn about Beaufort’s drinking culture and Native American shell rings.
• Taste a variety of favorites: 7 spirits at RLB distillery and a flagship beer at Shellring Ale Works.
• Small, intimate group: Max 14 travelers for a more personalized experience.
• Flexible cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Good value: For $58.85, you get expert guides, tastings, and local insights.

Starting Point in Beaufort

The tour kicks off at Kelly Tours Beaufort, located at 928 1/2 Bay St. It’s a convenient spot in town, easy to find, with the tour beginning at 3:30 pm. Meeting here gets you right into the heart of Beaufort’s historic district, so if you arrive early, you can enjoy a bit of the town beforehand.

Exploring Beaufort’s Drinking Heritage

The first stop is a quick 20-minute drive through Beaufort, where your guide will share snippets about the town’s connection to alcohol and its history. This short introduction sets the tone and gives context for the tastings ahead. It’s a great way to get your bearings and hear about the local drinking culture.

RLB Distillery: Grain-to-Glass Artistry

The highlight for many will be the visit to RLB Distillery, a craft local operation. Here, you’ll spend about an hour sampling seven different spirits—vodka, moonshine, bourbon, gin, and rum. The samples are included in your ticket price, which makes this a very good value considering the variety.

What’s cool about RLB is seeing how spirits are made from scratch. The guide explains the grain-to-glass process, giving you insight into what makes their products unique. As one reviewer enthusiastically put it, “Loved the distillery tour!!! Beautiful day and great weather. Great tour guide and wonderful history.” So, if you’re into spirits or just curious about how they’re crafted, this part of the tour hits the right notes.

A Scenic Drive to Port Royal

Next, you’ll get a 25-minute ride to Port Royal. Your guide will share more about the island’s history, especially its relationship with Native American shell rings, which is a fascinating connection to local indigenous culture. This part of the tour is free of charge but enriches your understanding of the area’s deeper background.

Shellring Ale Works: Beer with a View

The final stop is at Shellring Ale Works, right on Battery Creek. Here, you’ll sample one of their flagship beers, included in your ticket. The ambiance is inviting, with views of the creek that make it a relaxing spot to unwind. The guide will also tell you about the Native American shell rings the brewery is named after, adding a layer of cultural significance.

Spending about 45 minutes here allows you to savor your beer while soaking up the scenic surroundings. The large windows and creekside setting make for a memorable close to the tour.

Tour Wrap-Up

The tour ends back at Kelly Tours Beaufort, so everything stays conveniently close to where you started. You can choose to stay in town for more exploring or head to your next activity.

For the ticket price of $58.85 per person, you get quite a bit. The included tastings—7 spirits at RLB Distillery and a flagship beer at Shellring—are an excellent deal, especially considering the personal attention and guided insights. The tour itself, lasting about 2.5 hours, offers a relaxed pace that’s perfect for chatting and taking in the scenery.

However, alcohol isn’t included beyond the tastings, so if you want more drinks, you’ll need to pay extra. That said, the focus here is on quality sampling and learning, rather than a full bar crawl.

Practical Tips

• Confirmations are received immediately after booking, making planning easy.
• The tour operates rain or shine, but poor weather might lead to rescheduling or a full refund.
• Service animals are welcome, which is helpful if you’re traveling with a furry friend.
• Since the group is limited to 14, booking in advance (about 16 days ahead on average) is recommended to secure your spot.

One reviewer sums it up nicely: “Had a great time! Loved the distillery tour!!! Beautiful day and great weather. Great tour guide and wonderful history.” This highlights how the guide’s knowledge and the overall vibe make the experience memorable. The small group size seems to enhance the friendly, personal atmosphere, allowing for more interaction and questions.

If you’re someone who enjoys sampling local spirits and beers, appreciates learning a bit about the area’s culture, and likes a manageable, social experience, this tour is a strong choice. It’s especially appealing if you’re keen on discovering new drinks and want an approachable way to understand Beaufort’s local scene.

Travelers who prefer more active or daytime sightseeing might find this a perfect afternoon activity, especially since it offers a leisurely pace with plenty of opportunities to chat and relax. It’s not suited for kids or non-drinkers, but that’s not the target audience, so it remains a great pick for adults looking for a fun, flavorful experience.

This Guided Liquor and Beer Tasting Tour in Beaufort offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. The combination of expert guides, tasty samples, and scenic stops makes it a compelling choice for anyone wanting to get a taste of the local beverage scene while soaking in the charm of Beaufort.

The intimate group size and knowledgeable storytelling make it feel more like a laid-back gathering among friends rather than a crowded tourist trap. If you’re open to trying new spirits and beers, and want to learn about the area’s history in a relaxed setting, this tour checks all the boxes.

While it’s primarily geared towards adults who enjoy a good drink, the authentic insight into local culture and craftsmanship elevates it beyond just a tasting event. Whether you’re a seasoned spirits enthusiast or just looking to add some local flavor to your trip, this tour might just surprise you with its warmth and authenticity.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
No, this experience is designed specifically for adults. It focuses on liquor and beer tastings, so it’s best suited for travelers of legal drinking age.

What’s included in the ticket price?
You’ll enjoy 7 samples at RLB distillery, one flagship beer at Shellring Ale Works, and a guided tour lasting around 2.5 hours.

Can I buy additional drinks during the tour?
Additional beverages are not included, so if you want more drinks beyond the tastings, you’ll need to purchase them separately.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 3:30 pm, making it an ideal activity for an afternoon outing.

How many people are in each group?
The group is capped at 14 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
While it’s held rain or shine, poor weather might lead to rescheduling or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 16 days ahead, so it’s wise to reserve early to secure your spot.

This tour offers a genuine chance to enjoy Beaufort’s local craftsmanship, scenic views, and lively atmosphere—all in a format that’s both relaxed and informative. If that sounds like your kind of afternoon, it’s well worth considering.