The 25 Best Distilleries in the U.S.

These are the best distilleries in the U.S., according to Yelp.

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Updated on February 24, 2023

Tasting room at Chattanooga Whiskey — Photo:
Courtesy of Chattanooga Whiskey

Getting a taste of local flavors is a must when you go somewhere new, and many travelers are turning their attention to local brews and booze, adding craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries to their itineraries. Going to local distilleries gives visitors unique insight into how liquor is made (with processes steeped in tradition and history), and who doesn't love tasting their way through well-crafted spirits?

Take, for example, Desert Door Distillery in Driftwood, Texas. Located in Hill Country, this Texas sotol distillery gives visitors an inside look into how they make this lesser-known spirit. Or, consider Castle & Key, a once-abandoned Kentucky distillery with a fascinating history and a range of liquors, including gin, vodka, and whiskey. Of course, it's not just the spirits that attract visitors — according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, more distilleries are designing experiences with tourism in mind, and visitors can learn more about local culture and history while they taste. Get to know Maryland rye whiskey at Sagamore Spirit Distillery with a guided tasting or whiskey cocktail class. You can even learn how to craft the perfect old fashioned here.

Yelp generated a list of the top distilleries in the United States for Travel + Leisure, so you can get thirsty for your next getaway. With mixology classes, tasting experiences, and some incredible educational spaces, the best U.S. distilleries are worth planning a trip around. (The folks over at Yelp even created this custom map so you can see all the distilleries in one easy-to-navigate page). Of course, if you'd like to support these distilleries in the meantime, you can purchase many of their spirits online.

Here are the top 25 distilleries in the U.S., according to Yelp.

Exterior of Castle & Key Distillery — Courtesy of Castle & Key Distillery

Methodology: This is an all-time list of the best distilleries in the U.S., according to Yelp. Yelp identified businesses in the distilleries category, then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews. We included only a maximum of two businesses per state for geographic diversity. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of February 2, 2023.

1. Desert Door in Driftwood, Texas

2. Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky

3. Leopold Brothers in Denver, Colorado

4. MurLarkey in Bristow, Virginia

5. Dragon Distillery in Frederick, Maryland

6. Chattanooga Whiskey in Chattanooga, Tennessee