Where to Find the Best Craft Beer & Local Distilleries in Destin
Destin, Florida, isn’t just famous for its stunning beaches and clear waters; it’s also a hotspot for craft beer lovers and those curious about local breweries.
At the heart of this scene is Timber Creek Distillery, a place where love for local ingredients and the craft of distilling come together to produce spirits that truly capture the spirit of the Florida Panhandle.
Created by two friends, Camden Ford and Aaron Barnes, who dreamed of making something special, Timber Creek Distillery shows what’s possible when passion meets local farming.
Their commitment to a grain-to-glass approach and their varied lineup of handcrafted rums, vodkas, whiskeys, and gins showcase their dedication to quality and their community.
This introduction opens the door to the rich craft beer culture in Destin, spotlighting places like The Craft Bar, 1835 Porch Bar, Tapworks, and Salty Duck. Each offers its own unique experiences and selections, appealing to both serious aficionados and those just looking to enjoy a good brew.
Craft Beer Bars
The Craft Bar Destin
The Craft Bar in Destin is a cozy spot tucked away in the Paradise Key Shopping Center, drawing in both locals and visitors with its incredible selection of craft beers and artisanal food. With a focus on local ingredients, their menu spans delicious burgers, satisfying salads, and fresh seafood, all made from scratch.
What really brings people back, though, are their lively weekly events and happy hour deals. Imagine kicking off your week with Burger Night on Monday, finding local camaraderie on Tuesday’s Local’s Night, and sipping through Whiskey Wednesday with select $5 specials.
Patrons rave about their perfectly prepared dishes like the standout chicken sandwich and the comforting meatloaf, not to mention the carefully curated beer selection that features a mix of local gems and international favorites.
The welcoming vibe of The Craft Bar, combined with its dedication to quality and variety, firmly establishes it as a go-to destination for anyone eager to dive into Destin’s craft beer culture.
1835 Porch Bar
Right in the heart of Destin, 1835 Porch Bar shines as a go-to spot for craft beer lovers looking for a mix of local flavors and unique brews.
This charming establishment takes great care in selecting a variety of craft beers, with a strong focus on local and regional breweries that bring out the true spirit of the Florida Panhandle. The bar’s inviting porch provides a perfect, laid-back setting where guests can relax and enjoy their drinks at their own pace.
The staff, friendly and full of knowledge, are always ready to help navigate the extensive beer menu, offering suggestions that cater to everyone’s tastes.
1835 Porch Bar is also known for its lively tap takeovers and beer tasting events, securing its place as a key player in Destin’s craft beer community for both seasoned aficionados and those new to the craft beer world.
This commitment to local breweries not only enriches its selection of beers but also builds a strong community vibe among its visitors. It’s a spot where you can exchange stories over a glass of the finest ale, lager, or stout, and where every trip might lead you to your next favorite drink.
In short, 1835 Porch Bar is an essential stop for anyone keen to dive into the vibrant world of craft beer in Destin.
Tapworks
Right in the heart of Destin, Tapworks stands out as a top spot for craft beer lovers. This brewery shines with its vast selection of both home-brewed and handpicked craft beers from around the country.
It’s all about offering a wide and constantly changing lineup of small-batch, artisanal beers, inviting customers to explore a world of flavors with each visit. The vibe at Tapworks is intentionally relaxed and friendly, creating the perfect environment for sharing stories and laughs over a quality pint.
What really makes Tapworks special is its team of beer experts. They’re always ready to walk you through the beer menu, tailoring recommendations to your tastes and introducing you to new, thrilling options.
This focus on helping customers discover new favorites makes Tapworks more than just a place to grab a beer; it’s a center for craft beer appreciation in Destin.
Additionally, Tapworks is deeply connected to the local scene, often featuring beers made with local ingredients or in collaboration with other nearby breweries.
This dedication to local partnerships not only boosts the area’s craft beer ecosystem but also gives visitors a genuine taste of Destin. If you’re eager to dive into the best of craft beer, Tapworks is definitely a spot you shouldn’t miss.
Salty Duck
In the heart of Destin, Salty Duck is a beloved destination for craft beer aficionados. This local brewery stands out for its dedication to creating unique and flavorful beers.
With an ever-rotating selection of brews, Salty Duck ensures there’s always something new and exciting on tap. The atmosphere here is as inviting as the drinks are diverse.
From the moment you step in, you’re greeted with a warm welcome that feels like you’re visiting an old friend. The staff’s passion for craft beer is infectious, making it the perfect spot for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to the craft beer scene.
Salty Duck is more than just a place to enjoy a pint. It’s a community hub where locals and visitors alike gather to share stories, laughs, and, of course, great beer.
The brewery also takes pride in its local roots, often collaborating with other local businesses to support the community. This sense of community extends to their events, which range from trivia nights to live music, adding another layer of enjoyment to your visit.
For those looking to explore the vibrant craft beer culture of Destin, Salty Duck is an unmissable stop. Its commitment to quality, community, and creativity makes it a standout in the local beer scene.
Local Breweries in Destin
Distillery 98
Distillery 98, just a short hop from the pristine beaches of Destin, Florida, is a haven for craft beer aficionados and spirit enthusiasts.
Don’t let the name fool you; while it hints at a focus on spirits, this spot has made a name for itself in the craft beer scene with an impressive selection of locally brewed beers that perfectly capture the vibe of the Emerald Coast.
It’s known for its relaxed atmosphere and a dedication to quality, making a point to use local ingredients whenever it can, which adds to the rich, unique flavors in each brew.
Here, visitors will discover a constantly changing lineup of beers, from crisp IPAs to deep, flavorful stouts, all created with a passion for innovation and excellence. Beyond beer, Distillery 98 crafts artisanal spirits, offering an exploratory journey through diverse alcohol flavors.
The taproom is a cozy gathering spot where both locals and visitors can share, taste, and chat about their favorite drinks. The place is also a community favorite, frequently hosting events, live music, and inviting food trucks, positioning it as a vibrant center for those eager to dive into Destin’s local culture and its exciting craft beer movement.
30A Distilling Co.
Tucked into Santa Rosa Beach, 30A Distilling Co. has quickly become a beloved spot for those who love craft spirits in the Destin area. Since its opening in April 2022, it has drawn locals and visitors with its warm, inviting tasting room. Here, guests can unwind with finely crafted cocktails and delve into the world of spirit tastings.
If you’re looking for something even more tailored, their VIP tours offer a deep dive into how their spirits are made, straight from the heart of their operations.
The distillery is deeply committed to using local ingredients and protecting the environment, making every sip as responsible as it is delightful. Under the guidance of local Brian Rabon, the team is all about openness, letting everyone know exactly what goes into their bottles.
Their lineup, which includes local whiskey, agave spirit, white rum, and their notable peach vodka, is a true reflection of the area’s abundant flavors and quality.
Positioned right across from the popular TaCo 30A and beside Graze Craze in the South Walton Business Center, 30A Distilling Co. isn’t just about top-notch spirits; it’s about the experience.
Grabbing a craft cocktail or signing up for a tour to peek behind the scenes, your visit is sure to be a memorable one, blending the essence of local craftsmanship into every moment.
Rollings Distillery
Rollings Distillery, sitting in the vibrant Florida Panhandle, captures the essence of the Gulf Coast with its locally inspired spirits. Created by Paul and Patrick Rollins, a dedicated father-and-son team, this family-run distillery is committed to crafting small-batch, award-winning spirits with 100% Florida molasses and the finest ingredients.
Every step of the process, from distillation to bottling, is done by hand, showcasing their meticulous attention to detail and passion for quality.
Visitors to Rollings Distillery receive a warm greeting and are treated to an enlightening tour that explains the complex art of distillation. The tour demonstrates the Rollins family’s hard work, creativity, and commitment to their craft.
Their signature spirits, including a variety of rums and other distilled beverages, highlight their pursuit of excellence and innovation in the craft spirits world.
Rollings Distillery stands as a shining example of local craftsmanship, offering a genuine and immersive experience for anyone interested in the finer points of artisanal spirits.
Timber Creek Distillery
Timber Creek Distillery, located on a vast 1,400-acre family farm just north of Destin, Florida, captures the true spirit of the Florida Panhandle’s craft scene.
Founded by two neighbors, Camden Ford and Aaron Barnes, who shared a dream of producing unique local spirits, this distillery is a testament to their passion. They’re all about embracing the best local fruits and grains, taking pride in their grain-to-glass philosophy.
This means they meticulously handcraft and bottle every spirit themselves. Their product range is diverse, including rum, vodka, whiskey, and gin, each telling the story of the area’s rich agricultural roots.
The distillery uses local ingredients like Red Soft Winter Wheat, Yellow #2 Dent Corn, and Florida 401 Black Rye for their whiskeys and vodkas, and the finest Gulf Coast Cane Molasses from Louisiana for their rums.
Timber Creek Distillery offers visitors a real connection to the land and its bounty, with various tour options that dive into the distillation art. By supporting the local economy and preserving Florida’s farming heritage, this distillery is a standout spot for anyone interested in the craft spirit movement.
A Toast to Destin’s Craft Beer and Spirits Scene
Destin’s craft beer and spirits scene is characterized by genuine creativity, heartfelt commitment, and the vigorous dynamism of the community, making it truly exceptional. You’ll find this vibrancy echoed at RealJoy Vacations, where we dovetail perfectly into this local flavor. Our vacation rentals from Destin to Panama City Beach align with this spirit of local distinction, offering an immersive, real joy experience.
As you traverse these varied venues, you’d be wrapped in the creativity and togetherness that fuel the craft beer and spirits movement. Likewise, your stay at RealJoy recreates the local essence, firmly affirming Destin and its surroundings as an unmissable destination for both newbies and seasoned travelers. Thus, we heartily invite you to explore the Emerald Coast with us for an unmatched vacation experience.