Sample our Award Winning Spirits on our Tasting Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Hilton Head and enjoy discovering local flavors, a visit to the Beaufort Distillery offers a surprisingly engaging experience. This tasting tour, run by RLB Distillery Company, is designed to be more than just a sip-and-see. It’s about getting a genuine feel for the craft, the local ingredients, and the people behind the spirits.

What really stands out about this tour is the emphasis on conversation and learning. The guides, especially Janet, are not just talking heads—they’re passionate, knowledgeable, and eager to answer questions. Plus, the fact that everything is made locally using regional grains adds a layer of authenticity that many travelers appreciate.

That said, it’s a short, one-hour experience, so if you’re looking for an in-depth, lengthy tour, this might not satisfy your curiosity. It’s also a small group, capped at around 15 people, which lends a friendly, intimate atmosphere. This tour feels like a well-priced, personable stop that suits curious travelers who want to get a taste of Hilton Head’s craft spirit scene.

Key Points

• Authentic local experience: All spirits are made in-house with local grains.
• Knowledgeable guides: Guides like Janet bring energy and expertise, making the tour engaging.
• Interactive and conversational: Questions are encouraged, creating a personalized feel.
• Affordable price: At just $20, it offers good value for the experience and tastings.
• Small group size: Max of 15 travelers, ideal for a relaxed atmosphere.
• Includes a distillery tour: See the process firsthand, adding educational value to the tasting.

What to Expect from the Tour

This one-hour experience starts at the Rotten Little Bastard Distillery in Beaufort, SC. Right from the outset, it’s clear the focus is on creating an authentic and approachable atmosphere. For just $20 per person, you gain access to a full tasting of the distillery’s award-winning spirits, which include gin, vodka, whiskey, and bourbon.

A big highlight is the guided tasting by a knowledgeable brand ambassador—likely Janet if you’re lucky—who truly loves sharing their craft. We loved the way the guide explained the distilling process, local history, and flavor profiles, making the experience both educational and fun. The tours are designed to be more of a conversation than a lecture, so don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Following the tasting, you’ll partake in a full tour of the distillery, getting a behind-the-scenes look at how these spirits are made. Seeing the process adds depth to the tasting, especially if you’re a fan of craftsmanship. One reviewer mentioned doing a “premium tasting” and even bottling their own cask-strength bourbon, which highlights the interactive possibilities at this small distillery.

The Distillery and Location

Located at 2139 Boundary St #102 in Beaufort, the distillery is conveniently situated for visitors exploring Hilton Head and nearby areas. The setting is intimate, with a maximum group size of 15, creating a relaxed environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and engaging with the process.

The meeting point is straightforward, and the tour ends back at the starting location, so there’s no concern about logistics or transportation. Since the entire experience is about an hour, it’s easy to fit into a day of sightseeing or other activities.

The Spirit Tasting Experience

What makes this tour stand out is the variety of spirits you get to sample. From gin and vodka to whiskey and bourbon, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter something new or interesting. Reviews highlight a full lineup, with some guests enjoying the premium tastings or even bottling their own bourbon.

The spirits are produced entirely at the distillery, which adds a layer of pride and authenticity. The spirits are also award-winning—voted Best Regional Distillery in South Carolina for 2024—which attests to their quality.

You’ll learn to distinguish different flavor profiles, which can be unexpectedly fun, especially if you’re a spirits lover. The tasting is relaxed, with plenty of opportunity for questions, and guides are happy to share their expertise.

From the Reviews

Two recent reviews give a good sense of what to expect. One reviewer, describing their experience in August 2025, called it “a great experience, with a very knowledgeable guide,” mentioning they sampled the entire lineup and even bottled their own cask-strength bourbon. This indicates that beyond tasting, there’s an interactive element that can add to your visit.

Another reviewer from June 2025 praised Janet as “an absolute gem,” emphasizing how the tour exposed them to a variety of spirits, including gin, vodka, whiskey, and bourbon. They appreciated seeing how a small distillery operates and recommended adding this to your visit plan, especially if you’re a fan of spirits.

Pricing and Value

At just $20 per person, this tour offers significant value. Compared to larger or more commercialized distillery experiences, you’re paying for an intimate, guided, tasting experience with a strong educational component. Plus, the opportunity to see the distilling process firsthand makes it more than just a tasting—it’s a mini-lesson in craft spirits.

The affordability combined with the small group size creates a comfortable environment, so you’re encouraged to engage and learn. If you’re a spirits enthusiast or just curious about local craft distilling, this tour feels like a worthwhile investment.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This experience is a good fit for adults interested in spirits, local craft producers, or those wanting a relaxed, conversational tour. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy tasting different spirits and want a behind-the-scenes look at how they’re made.

Since the tour is about an hour and capped at 15 people, it’s suitable for most travelers who appreciate a small-group vibe. However, it’s not specifically geared toward families or children—though service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate, so it’s inclusive for those with service needs.

Final Thoughts

This tasting tour at Beaufort Distillery delivers a genuine taste of local craftsmanship combined with friendly, expert guidance. The small group size and interactive approach make it a memorable way to spend an hour, especially if you’re into spirits or curious about how they’re made.

The price point makes it accessible, and the award-winning spirits speak to the quality of what’s on offer. Whether you’re a seasoned spirits drinker or a curious novice, you’ll likely walk away with new knowledge—and maybe even your own custom bottle of bourbon.

If you’re visiting Hilton Head or nearby Beaufort, this tour is definitely worth considering. It’s a small, personal experience that supports local producers and offers a fun, educational break from your usual sightseeing.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for most travelers?
Yes, most travelers can participate. It’s a one-hour tasting and distillery tour designed to be accessible and engaging. Service animals are also allowed.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, making it a quick but meaningful addition to your day.

What spirits will I taste?
You’ll sample a variety of spirits including gin, vodka, whiskey, and bourbon. The distillery produces all their spirits locally with regional grains.

Can I buy spirits or bottled products?
While the reviews mention tasting and even bottling their own bourbon, the official details don’t specify purchasing options, but generally, small distilleries often sell their spirits on-site.

What is the price, and is it worth it?
At $20 per person, it’s a good deal considering the guided tasting, full distillery tour, and the chance to sample award-winning spirits. It’s a solid value for the experience and the education it offers.

How do I book the tour?
You can book via Viator, with confirmation received at booking. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour, making it flexible if your plans change.

If you’re into discovering local flavors and enjoy a relaxed, conversational approach, this tour offers a charming peek into Hilton Head’s spirits scene. With friendly guides, a variety of tastings, and a behind-the-scenes look at the distillery, it’s a memorable way to support small-scale craft production and satisfy your curiosity about spirits.