High Wire Distilling

High Wire Distilling

Region
  • USA, South Carolina
Awards
  • American Craft Distillers Association Awards, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, American Distilling Institute Awards
Website
  • http://www.highwiredistilling.com/
Phone Number
  • +18437554664
Address
  • 311 Huger St, Charleston, SC 29403

Interior of High Wire Distilling Co.

History of High Wire Distilling

High Wire Distilling Company, located in historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina, was founded by the husband-and-wife team of Scott Blackwell and Ann Marshall.

The distillery is renowned for its dedication to crafting premium, small-batch spirits. Scott, a Culinary Institute of America-trained baker, brings his expertise in artisanal grains and culinary techniques to the distilling process, ensuring a unique and high-quality product.

The distillery’s inception was driven by the couple’s passion for small business and artisan spirits, following Scott’s sale of his previous venture, the natural and organic bakery Immaculate Baking Company, to General Mills. High Wire Distilling stands out for its focus on local, specialized ingredients and its commitment to a creative, culinary approach in spirit production.

About the Facility

The facility itself is a spacious 23,000 square foot warehouse on Huger Street, featuring a rustic and vintage industrial design. The production area is highlighted by a 22-foot high, barreled ceiling and a hand-hammered, German copper still.

The Tasting Room offers an industrial ambiance with a large viewing window into the production area, where visitors can receive a sensory education about the distilling process, ingredients, and formula creation.

Products from High Wire Distilling

High Wire Distilling produces a distinctive line of small-batch spirits and also features an apothecary area for creating and testing experimental bench formulas.

In addition to their core products, the distillery offers a series of limited edition creations available only at certain times of the year, further showcasing their innovative and artisanal approach to spirit making.

Awards Won by High Wire Distilling

  • American Craft Distillers Association Awards:
    • Bronze Medal for Hat Trick Botanical Gin (Gin Category).
    • Bronze Medal for Quarter Acre Sorghum Whiskey (Whiskey Category).
  • San Francisco World Spirits Competition:
    • Bronze Medal for Hat Trick Botanical Gin.
  • American Distilling Institute Awards:
    • Bronze Medal for Hat Trick Botanical Gin (Contemporary Gin Category).
    • Bronze Medal for Hat Trick Botanical Gin (Excellence In Packaging).
    • Bronze Medal for Quarter Acre Sorghum Whiskey (Alternative Whiskey Category).
  • James Beard Award Nominations:
    • Received three nominations

High Wire Distilling Tour Information and Experience

High Wire Distilling offers an immersive tour experience that provides a deep dive into the art of spirit making. Located in the heart of historic downtown Charleston, SC, the distillery invites visitors to explore its unique approach to crafting small-batch spirits.

The Bar at High Wire

  • Visitors can enjoy a front-row seat overlooking the production area.
  • The bar offers spirit flights and cocktails starting at $10, complete with tasting notes and information about the spirits.
  • Bar seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • The menu includes bar snacks, beer, and wine to cater to all preferences.
  • Private or group tastings can be arranged upon request.

Tours

  • Tours are available Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm.
  • The tour includes a brief history of High Wire, an overview of special botanicals and grains, and a comprehensive lesson in the distilling process from milling and mashing to fermentation, distilling, and barrel aging.
  • Tours cost $10 per person, and reservations are strongly recommended.
  • Tastings are not included in the tour price.
  • For those unable to attend scheduled tours, alternate times for individuals and groups can be arranged by appointment, with prepayment and 24-hour notice required.

Age Restrictions

  • Adults 18 and older are allowed in the distillery, but only those 21+ can consume alcohol or purchase bottles.
  • Minors are permitted if accompanied by an adult.

Flask & Barrel Review of High Wire Distilling

As a whiskey collector who’s been around the block (or barrel) a few times, I’ve got to hand it to High Wire Distilling in Charleston – they’ve got a setup that’s hard to beat. My experience there was a solid 4.7 out of 5, and here’s why.

First off, the location is killer. Right in the heart of historic Charleston, the vibe is just what you want in a distillery – a mix of tradition and innovation.

The Bar at High Wire is a standout. Sitting there with a front-row view of the production area, sipping on a flight of their whiskeys, I felt like I was part of the process. And at $10 for a flight, it’s a steal. The tasting notes they provide are a nice touch, really adding to the experience.

The tour itself was top-notch. It’s one thing to taste great whiskey, but getting the backstory on their unique botanicals and grains, and seeing the distilling process up close? That’s where the magic is.

The tour guides know their stuff and make it fun and engaging. The only reason I’m not going full 5/5 is that the tastings aren’t included in the tour price, but hey, that’s just a minor point.

For anyone 18 and up (21 to drink, of course), High Wire is a must-visit. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey aficionado or just curious about how it’s all made, this place delivers.

The atmosphere, the knowledge, the spirits – it’s all top-shelf. I’ll definitely be back, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a genuine distillery experience.

What To Do Nearby High Wire Distilling

  • Sip History in a Secret Speakeasy Cocktail Class: Learn cocktail making in a unique setting.
  • Charleston History and Hops Tour: A walking tour combining history and bar visits.
  • Charleston Walking Food Tour: Explore local cuisine on a guided food tour.
  • Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour: A walking tour covering historic sites like Rainbow Row.
  • Magnolia Plantation Admission & Tour: Visit the historic Magnolia Plantation with a tour and transportation included.
  • Charleston Pirates and Ghosts Tour: Discover the city’s haunted past.
  • Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket: Explore Boone Hall Plantation and its grounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near High Wire Distilling?

  • Park & Grove: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 730 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +18434101070. 
  • Rebellious Wingz & Thingz: It has a rating of 5.0 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 1015 King St, Charleston, SC 29403.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +18542057368. 
  • Rutledge Cab Company: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 1300 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +18437201440.

What hotels are near High Wire Distilling?

  • Charleston Marriott: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 170 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC 29403.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +18437233000. 
  • The Iris: It has a rating of 4.9 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 84 Line St, Charleston, SC 29403.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +18433292040. 
  • Not So Hostel: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 156 Spring St, Charleston, SC 29403.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +18437228383.