palmetto-distillery

Palmetto Distillery Ranks in the Top 10 Distilleries in SC

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 18:44:53 GMT

Tripadvisor ranks Palmetto Distillery in the top 3 Upstate SC distilleries in 2024

Are you looking to find the best places in South Carolina to try new spirits? Recently, Tripadvisor updated their list to show the best distilleries in South Carolina so far in 2024. On this list, two Beaufort County locales made the top five ranking. In first place overall as the best-ranked distillery in the Palmetto State, according to TripAdvisor, was Hilton Head Distillery.

Hilton Head Distillery, Hilton Head Island’s first craft distillery, offers a unique experience for guests. Offering a wide-variety of activities, the distillery gives patrons the opportunity to engage in a hands-on mixology experience, behind-the-scenes tours, tastings, signature cocktail classes and cocktail bar. Options given by the distillery are a much-talked-about affair among adults and ranked as a ‘must-do’ for many adult parties or gatherings. The distillery can be found at 14 Cardinal Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.

The second named distillery in Beaufort County landed in third place overall. Burnt Church Distillery features a sophisticated atmosphere, authentic Lowcountry spirits, a varietal menu, a 7,000-square-foot tasting room, gift shop, humidor and on-site manufacturing facility. The distillery can be found at 120 Bluffton Road and is open daily. The 10 overall best distilleries in the Palmetto State include:

Hilton Head Distillery
Twelve 33 Distillery
Burnt Church Distillery
Striped Pig Distillery
Sugar Tit Moonshine Distillery
Palmetto Distillery
Firefly Distillery
Six & Twenty Distillery
High Wire Distilling Company
Hollow Creek Distillery

Read more at: https://www.thestate.com/news/state/south-carolina/article286608465.html#storylink=cpy

An Upstate distillery makes germ-fighting hand sanitizer amid COVID-19

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 17:19:44 GMT

An Anderson County distillery is still busting out alcohol, but right now, it’s the kind we use on our hands.

ANDERSON, SC (WSPA)–An Anderson County distillery is still busting out alcohol, but right now, it’s the kind we use on our hands. Palmetto Distillery has been busy making hand sanitizer for people all over the Upstate.

On a typical day, you could go to Palmetto Distillery to tour and get a taste of Moonshine and Whiskey. However, with an increased need for hand sanitizer during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has turned to germ-fighting.

“I never imagined it would turn from Moonshine, to helping friends and families…which is where we started the sanitizer,” said Trey Boggs, Owner of Palmetto Distillery. Boggs said for nearly two weeks, they’ve been busy filling nationwide gallon bulk orders. They’re taking their Bootlegger Moonshine that includes corn, sugar, yeast, and water–to form ethanol. It’s then steamed in tin bins and used to kill bacteria.

“We have 80 percent alcohol. Glycerin, peroxide…everything you need to keep sanitized,” said Missy Boggs, Owner of Palmetto Distillery.

The Center for Disease Control only requires 60% of alcohol for a sanitizer to be effective. This means the company is way above requirements. They believe it’s the reason why many healthcare providers and big corporations are ringing their phones off its hook.

“It is FDA approved. They sent out FDA guidelines to all distilleries producing the hand sanitizer to make sure everyone knows we are FDA approved by what they sent out,” Missy said.

So the next time you see a Palmetto Moonshine jar or a bag of corn, know there are a number of Anderson County distillery employees, working tirelessly to help keep people safe and alive.

“It doesn’t look like we’re going to slow down anytime soon. As bad as this situation is effecting everybody, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you are, this is an opportunity to protect everybody and save lives,” Trey added.

Right now, a gallon bottle is selling at 55 cents per an ounce, which equals to about $70 per a gallon. The owners said, when you break this down, it’s actually cheaper than what you can buy in stores. They’re also looking at possibly sourcing smaller bottles for personal use, as well.

The owners said due to the high demand, they’re having to use both the alcohol they produce, and buying more ethanol from other distilleries to help make the product quickly. They also tell 7-News, they’re looking to hire more people to help with the mass production.

To apply for a position, you can email the company here: info@palmettodistillery.com.

If you would like to purchase a gallon or bulk, go to www.palmettodistillery.com and fill out the sanitizer form.

3 Ways to Enjoy Apple Pie Moonshine

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 18:50:20 GMT

The holidays are here – let’s eat, drink and be merry!

Nothing says Thanksgiving like a generous slice of pie. With Palmetto Moonshine’s Apple Pie flavor, you can enjoy that tasty apple pie flavor anytime.

Fresh ingredients set this flavored moonshine apart from the crowd. Apple cider from pressed local apples, plus a cinnamon stick, bring out the pie flavor making this beverage a perfect addition to your holiday gathering. That extra hint of cinnamon brings out a crust flavor that is unlike any other Apple Pie moonshine you've tried.

Grab a jar and try out these Apple Pie infused recipes this holiday season!

1. Apple Crisp

Whiskey and Ginger Beer add nuanced flavors to this apple delight.

1.5 oz. Apple Pie Moonshine

1.5 oz. Palmetto Whiskey

2 oz. Ginger Beer

Lime and apple garnish

2. Apple Pie Mimosa

Here's a cocktail recipe that will take you all the way to the New Year with festive bubbles and cinnamon.

1.5 oz. Apple Pie Moonshine

3 oz. Champagne

Garnish with cinnamon sticks

3. Cinnamon Apple Harvest Punch

Serving a crowd? This concoction has you covered!

1 c. cranberry juice

1 c. orange juice

375 mL Apple Pie Moonshine

200 mL Cinnamon Moonshine

3 c. soda water

Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition Hails the Removal of U.S.-UK Retaliatory Tariffs on the U.S. Beverage Alcohol Sector

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 18:43:48 GMT

Press release originally written and shared by the Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition on March 23, 2022 at 10:23 am.

WASHINGTON – The Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition today raised a glass of gratitude to the Biden administration for negotiating a successful end to the harmful tariffs impacting the entire U.S. beverage alcohol sector.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and United Kingdom Secretary of State for International Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan announced the agreement to remove the retaliatory tariffs on American Whiskeys during a meeting yesterday afternoon at the U.S./UK Dialogue on the Future of Atlantic Trade in Baltimore, Maryland. Under the terms of the agreement, the UK’s retaliatory tariff on American Whiskey exports will be lifted on June 1, 2022.

“With yesterday’s momentous agreement with the UK, transatlantic trade in distilled spirits will once again flow tariff free, and American wines will no longer face the threat of debilitating retaliatory tariffs,” said the Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition. “Cheers to Secretary Raimondo and Ambassador Tai and their teams at the Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative for their dedication and persistence on behalf of the entire U.S. beverage alcohol industry.”

Since the imposition of the 25 percent retaliatory tariff on American Whiskeys in June 2018, exports to the UK, the U.S. spirits industry’s fourth-largest market, have declined by 42 percent, from $150 million to $88 million (2018-2021). With the removal of these tariffs on American Whiskey, no more retaliatory tariffs remain on U.S., UK and EU distilled spirits and wines.

The coalition added, “We deeply appreciate the administration’s steadfast focus on rebuilding relationships with our close trading partners and allies in the EU and UK. These significant agreements will benefit U.S. workers throughout the entire alcohol supply chain, including farmers, distillers and vintners as well as those who distribute and sell the products at restaurants, bars and spirits and wine stores.”

The Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition consists of 50 U.S. trade associations representing the entire three-tier chain of the U.S. beverage alcohol sector (i.e., at the producer, importer, wholesaler, retailer and on-premise levels) united in opposition to U.S., EU and UK tariffs on beverage alcohol products.

Additional background information and a timeline on EU, UK and U.S. retaliatory tariffs on distilled spirits and wines can be found Here.

Contact: Lisa Hawkins, Distilled Spirits Council (202) 682-8840

Palmetto Distillery’s 2021 Holiday Gift Guide for Everyone on your List

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 16:40:11 GMT

If there’s ever been a year that deserves a drink, it’s 2021. That’s why we put together the perfect boozy gift guide for everyone 21+ on your list – whether they’re a cocktail connoisseur or new to the world of spirits. Keep reading for our top picks to help you sip your way through the new year!

1. Apple Pie Moonshine

Baseball, fireworks, and apple pie; if you had to define ‘classic Americana,’ you couldn’t get much closer than that – unless you throw moonshine into the mix. Apple Pie Moonshine is one of Palmetto Distillery’s most-loved signature flavors since our doors opened in 2011, making it a must- have and not a must- regift . Our recipe is far from average, thanks to our master distillers. We pair an in-house cider with our White Lightning Moonshine and a few special ingredients to give you the complete apple pie experience – from filling to crust .

2. Build-Your-Own Flavor Pack

The people on your gifting list deserve to have it all, so, why choose just one flavor of moonshine to keep them feeling merry & bright? And, like we said, 2021 has been full of ups and downs. Our Palmetto Moonshine mini masons are just what everyone needs this holiday season to mellow things out a little bit. Choose four of their favorite moonshine flavors, or get them out of their comfort zone (in true 2021 fashion), and gift a few new sips.

3. Bottled Cocktails

Want to know the secret to making a classic cocktail? Hint: it doesn’t involve shaking, stirring, mixing, or straining. Palmetto Distillery’s ready-to-drink cocktails only have two steps: open and pour. You & your loved ones can spend less time prepping the drinks and more time enjoying them with our Twisted Billionaire Margarita and Twisted Bloody Mary .

4. Aging Barrel Kit

If there’s one thing this year has taught us all, it’s that we’re more resourceful than ever. The countless pandemic purchases made this year have nothing on Palmetto Distillery’s aging barrel kits . Age your own whiskey from the comfort of home and impress all your spirit-loving friends. The best part? The barrel comes in three sizes, and you can add a customized plaque on the back for that special someone! We bet your bread maker doesn’t have that , does it?

5. Cooler Bag

Face it – whatever your spirit of choice is, it just tastes better cold. No matter the occasion, our cooler bag can accommodate your drinks while keeping them ice cold until the party starts. You can always count on our cooler bag to be the lightweight of the group, because dragging heavy coolers around can be a real buzzkill. Party on, gift-givers, and sip responsibly on whatever flavor of ‘shine you stock the cooler with.

Check out the rest of our spirits & gifts online! Order by 12/17/2021 at Noon EST. to get your order in time for Christmas!

Four Thanksgiving Cocktails to Pair with Dinner

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 18:48:03 GMT

1. Autumn Fizz

Pair this with: Turkey & Stuffing (or Dressing)

This refreshing cocktail is the perfect balance to a hearty meal, keeping you from the after-dinner slump that Thanksgiving normally brings. Because the Autumn Fizz is a light & bubbly drink, its herbal notes of rosemary enhance the spices used to prepare your holiday dinner without overwhelming your taste buds. Full Recipe

2. Mulled Apple Cider

Pair this with: Cranberries (or Cranberry Sauce)

If you’re a fan of heated beverages, our twist on the classic mulled apple cider is ideal to help you relax after spending most of your day in the kitchen. The mulling spices that make apple cider a comforting drink to sip work well with the natural tartness of cranberries – or cranberry sauce, depending on how you prepare this Thanksgiving staple! Full Recipe

3. Blackberry Margarita

Pair this with: Salad & Roasted Vegetables

You can never go wrong with a margarita, and the citrusy flavors in this cocktail balance out freshly prepared vegetables or the earthy notes in a salad. While a margarita may not be a traditional Thanksgiving beverage, it’s one that is surprisingly versatile enough to complement your favorite side dishes. Full Recipe

4. Eggnog with a Twist

Pair this with: Cookies & Pastries

Your sweet tooth will thank you after one sip of a cocktail made from eggnog, Bananas Foster Moonshine, and Cinnamon Moonshine . While this might sound like a sugary overload, Palmetto Moonshine is made using natural flavors, and our master distillers never use any added sweeteners during the distilling process. This allows the moonshine flavors to work well together, adding depth to your cocktail instead of becoming overwhelmingly sweet. Full Recipe

Moonshine flows out of the Dark Corner and into the spotlight

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 15:21:44 GMT

As featured by Greenville Journal, written by Alex Cooper

Most of those who grew up in the South have heard stories about bootleggers selling their illegal concoctions throughout the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains — especially in the area of northern Greenville County known as the Dark Corner . Now, though, instead of trying to find illicit beverages along creeks and rivers where the makers would put up their stills, you can hop on down to many ABC stores in South Carolina and find a strong selection of moonshine in every flavor imaginable.

In the Upstate, several distilleries have even popped up that specialize in the product itself.

Moonshine in the Upstate

The Dark Corner’s reputation comes from its history as an outlier in the region — in terms of economics as well as the individuals who came and settled there. Moonshine was not only a product to make some money, it was part of the region’s culture, said local author and Dark Corner expert Dean Campbell.

“The Appalachian mountainous area of the Dark Corner and northwestern corner of South Carolina was never part of the plantation economy of the state,” said Campbell in an email. “It was supported by a barter system in conjunction with western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee that fully depended upon the legal and illegal distillation of whiskey as its economic engine.”

To survive the region’s economic conditions, some families had to either produce whiskey for the government or for themselves to sell outside the corner in small towns and Greenville or Spartanburg, he said. Many needed to sell the moonshine for ready cash.

Now, those who make it at home tend to do so for medicinal or social reasons. Campbell said that sometimes a large distillery is still found, but — more often than not — those who used to rely on moonshine for money have pivoted to selling drugs.

Moonshine production becomes legal

Moonshine production and selling are very different than they once were. Distilleries have popped up in recent years thanks to a 2009 state law allowing licensing of small distilleries. Palmetto Distillery was the first to make legal moonshine in South Carolina, says its co-founder Trey Boggs.

Boggs and his brother, Bryan Boggs, founded Palmetto Distillery in Anderson behind Anderson Courthouse in 2011. Boggs said the issue authorities had with moonshine came from the lack of taxing it.

“I was reading about a Spartanburg County moonshine still bust,” said Boggs. In the news article he read, there was an image of police and copper still. “I wondered, ‘Why does the government hate moonshine so bad?’ And it hit me right then, it was like the light bulb went off: They don’t hate moonshine, they’re just not getting the taxes on it.”

Moonshine’s popularity in South Carolina has continued to grow. Boggs said he’s sold Palmetto Distillery’s moonshine to former Gov. Nikki Haley and he has partnered with musician Darius Rucker, producing Rucker’s Backstage Whiskey. Haley and her husband were fond of the blackberry flavor, according to Boggs.

Smaller moonshine distilleries across the state provide local products. Copperhead Mountain Distillery in Travelers Rest, owned by John Connelly, makes about 3,500 bottles of moonshine a year with a recipe he’s experimented with based on bootlegger lore.

“Moonshine is actually just a term for when they made liquor illegally by the light of the moon,” said Connelly. “But 99% of them were making that clear corn whiskey, and then the other 1% were making like a rum or a brandy.”

Connelly said that while hiking along the Saluda River, he’ll often run into broken-down stills hiding in the brush beside trails along creeks and streams. “Sometimes there’ll be a couple dozen, just sitting there frozen in time, rusting and rotting away,” he said.

Flavored moonshines are becoming popular among mainstream consumers. But there are still the holdouts who will trade your birthday-cake-flavored moonshine for some homemade elixir.

“Moonshine purists (who drink it socially and use it medicinally) are not as keen on the new craft moonshine,” said Campbell. To those purists, the production of moonshine could be compared to the making of a work of art. “They might even consider many of the booming craft moonshiners to be a little counterfeit, much like the new wave of slicker singers and musicians being touted as real country music folks.”

Distilleries have also worked with law enforcement agencies that were counterparts to the state and federal agents that arrested their predecessors. Boggs, for instance, has provided hand sanitizer to the Anderson police department.

View the full article on Greenville Journal here.

How Palmetto Distillery Paved the Way for Legal Moonshine

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 15:00:32 GMT

"Moonshine faced an uphill battle on its road to legalization – but now, it’s the trending spirit that’s bold enough to satisfy any alcohol enthusiast."

Moonshine faced an uphill battle on its road to legalization – but now, it’s the trending spirit that’s bold enough to satisfy any alcohol enthusiast and versatile enough to replace even your most loved bar cart staples.

Palmetto Distillery, makers of South Carolina’s first legal moonshine, opened their doors in 2011 in Anderson, South Carolina, but the family behind the ‘shine didn’t start there; they began making history in the early 1900s.

Our moonshine recipe begins with Dock Boggs, an American folk singer looking for new ways to fund his music career – income that a 9-5 in the coal mines couldn’t provide. So, Dock became an original bootlegger making Palmetto Moonshine during Prohibition, and his modern day descendants, Bryan and Trey Boggs have breathed new life into Dock’s recipe that was kept in the family for several generations. After diving into laws surrounding alcohol, they found a way to pay applicable taxes and launch the state’s first legal moonshine distillery in the Palmetto state.

What would have seemed impossible to Dock Boggs, our fearless leaders have grown into an empire that has reached markets as far as the UK. The opening of Palmetto Distillery sparked a change in the alcoholic beverage industry, and moonshine made its way out of the rural south and into the hearts of urban areas.We’ve changed the distilling game, and the future of moonshine is brighter than ever. With a vision that rivals every other spirit in the competition, we’re shedding the stereotypical reputation moonshine had during Prohibition.

Get to know the classics from Palmetto Distillery, like our award winning White Lightning Moonshine and Bootlegger Proof Moonshine, or try our lineup of bold flavors, like watermelon, piña colada, or salted caramel.