Taste testing Beaufort County’s distilleries just got better thanks to this state law change

A new state law is making some samples a bit tastier when you visit distilleries in Beaufort County.

The law allows distilleries to serve cocktails out of their tasting rooms, something previously prohibited.

The law, passed in May, went into effect Friday. Jillian Stephens, Hilton Head Distillery business manager, said her distillery has already changed how it does business.

Patrons of the distillery now can add a cocktail with the $10 purchase of six tastings, Stephens said. Patrons also could decide to skip the tastings and receive a flight of three cocktails instead, she said.

A tour of the distillery, including a souvenir shot glass, can be added to the tasting for an additional $10.

Daufuskie Island Rum Co. also has changed its routine with the new law.

Kristi Chase, distillery vice president, said visitors now have the option to buy a cocktail during the tasting portion of the tour.

Costs of the cocktails will vary, Chase said. The tour is $7, which includes the tasting.

Hilton Head Distillery

Hilton Head Distillery at 14 Cardinal Road is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday from March 1 to Sept. 31.

Winter hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday from Oct. 1 to Feb. 28.

For more information, call 843-686-4443.

Daufuskie Island Rum Company

Daufuskie Island Rum Company at 270 Haig Point Road is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

For more information, call 843-342-4786.

This story was originally published June 27, 2017 at 11:53 AM with the headline "Taste testing Beaufort County’s distilleries just got better thanks to this state law change."