Discover the Allure of Burnt Church Distillery: A Hidden Gem in Bluffton, S.C.

Discovering the Charm of Burnt Church Distillery in Bluffton, S.C.

Just a short drive from Savannah, Georgia, lies the vibrant town of Bluffton, South Carolina, where an exciting gem has emerged: Burnt Church Distillery. Since its opening in March 2021, Burnt Church has quickly captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike, standing tall as a testament to the rich antebellum history of this charming area.

A Warm Welcome

When I arrived at the distillery, I was immediately drawn in by the stunning architecture of the massive building, complete with a bricked herringbone-patterned courtyard that sets a warm and inviting tone. It was hard not to be amazed by the immaculate landscaping and how the entire venue oozed charm.

Once inside, I met with the friendly Distillery President, Chris Crowe. Together, we settled into the cozy Study, located right outside the tasting room and restaurant cleverly named The Sanctuary. With soaring vaulted ceilings decorated with reclaimed oak and exposed brick, the space felt both rustic and sophisticated. A beautiful circular stained-glass window featuring the distillery’s shield logo completed the ambiance.

A Taste of History

The name Burnt Church comes from a nearby road and serves as a nod to Bluffton’s storied past. Displayed throughout the Study, educational panels highlight the history of the town, making it an informative destination as well as a fun one. The doors to the Study, which come from a historic church, even have a captivating backstory of their own. You can imagine the Union troops passing through them back in 1863!

The founders, Billy and Sean Watterson, invested millions into both the distillery’s beautiful construction and extensive historical research. They also dedicated time to developing unique whiskey recipes before opening their doors, aiming to deliver a local experience that reflects the area’s heritage.

An Impressive Line-Up

During my visit, I was amazed not only by the aesthetic appeal of Burnt Church but also by the fascinating selection of spirits available. The Mercantile offers unique products like Confession Bourbon and the best-selling Anita’s Choice Bourbon, named after local suffragette and activist Anita Pollitzer.

The distillery creates an array of spirits, including whiskey, bourbon, and moonshine, as well as vodkas, gins, and liqueurs made from locally sourced ingredients. The craftsmanship speaks for itself, with accolades like the double platinum award for Palmer’s Stretch Rye from the 2023 American Spirits Council of Tasters.

Behind the Scenes

Next, Chris guided me on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of their distillery operations. Currently, they produce between 1,000 to 1,200 barrels a year, distributing to several states including South Carolina, Georgia, and even New York City. I found it fascinating to learn that all the grains used come from local farmers, reinforcing Burnt Church’s commitment to community.

They utilize a 500-gallon pot still for their agave and gin production, while a column still distills whiskey in a speedy four and a half hours. With five production runs a week, it’s evident that this distillery is on a mission to craft quality spirits!

Cocktails and Culinary Creations

After touring the distillery, I was thrilled to sit down with Kaylee Cunningham, the Food and Beverage Manager. She shared that the Sanctuary restaurant serves a variety of delightful options, including appetizers, tacos, salads, and pizzas! Kaylee mentioned that there’s also a lovely signature cocktail menu, updated quarterly, which includes innovative creations like the Floradora cocktail made with tequila and blood orange syrup.

One of the best-sellers is the Old Town Old Fashioned, made with Anita’s Choice Bourbon, a delicious mix of simple syrup and bitters, priced at just $14. I had the opportunity to try this cocktail and found it to be exceptionally smooth, perfectly balancing sweetness with bold flavors.

If you or your friends prefer a non-alcoholic option, you can’t miss out on the popular mocktail, The Watterson. Combining blueberry ginger mint and fresh juices, it’s a delightful and refreshing drink priced at $11. It was one of the most satisfying zero-proof drinks I’ve ever tasted.

More to Explore

Burnt Church Distillery is more than just a place to taste spirits; it’s a vibrant community hub. They’re planning to expand their offerings with a sports bar and a wider menu, providing even more reasons to visit. Additionally, the distillery chooses a charitable partner each month, contributing proceeds from select cocktail sales. This month highlights a delicious cocktail honoring Breast Cancer Awareness, showing how they intertwine community and fun.

Burnt Church Distillery is open every day at noon, and it’s definitely worth the 45-minute drive from Savannah. Whether you’re in the mood for spirited cocktails or a lovely meal with family, this delightful spot offers both history and experience that will surely enhance your outing.

For more information, check out their website and plan your visit to Burnt Church Distillery soon!