South County, RI, has an emerging craft beer scene, with breweries popping up all over the place. One of the region’s best-known breweries is Grey Sail Brewing, which has grown in recent years and now features an on-site distillery.
South County Distillers is the result of a collaboration between Grey Sail founder Alan Brinton and Ryan Gwozdz, head brewer at Mayflower Brewing in Plymouth, MA. The two started this project in 2018, resulting in a fully operational distillery with multiple offerings in the heart of Westerly, Rhode Island.
Here’s a look at everything you’ll find at South County Distillers if you choose to visit during your next vacation to the region.
Clear Spirits
The distillery has a 300-gallon hybrid copper still, giving the facility the ability to make pretty much any spirit imaginable. From there, they age the spirits in casks until they’re ready for distribution.
South County Agave is distilled using 100% blue agave from Mexico. It’s smooth enough to drink straight but also goes well as part of a cocktail.
The distillery’s South County Rum is made from the finest molasses they could get their hands on. It has fruity flavors that go great with fruit juice on a hot summer’s day.
South County Botanical Rum features over two dozen spices and fruit flavors. Many locals love drinking this on the rocks, but you can mix it with fruit juice if you wish.
For one of the smoothest vodkas you’ll ever try, buy a bottle of South County Vodka. This vodka is dry with spice notes, making it the ideal spirit to drink on its own.
South County Gin is made using a secret blend of botanicals with floral and citrus notes. Of course, it has that juniper flavor, too, so you can use it the same way you’d use gin in your regular cocktails.
One of the most exciting creations at South County Distillers is their Espresso Martini, a collaboration with Dave’s Coffee. These local companies have worked together to create a delicious cocktail with just the right amount of sweetness.
If you love a liqueur on your vacation, South County Limoncello is worth a try. Staff zest the lemon by hand when making this spirit, which is the perfect addition to a vodka martini.
South County Distillery sources as many ingredients as possible locally and uses traditional methods, creating smooth, easy-to-drink items that you’re sure to love.
Barrel Aged Spirits
In addition to the classic spirits South County Distillers offers, they also create various barrel-aged drinks.
South County Bourbon is one of the most popular items they have available. This drink is made using a special blend of corn, malts, and grains and aged in American oak barrels, creating a smooth bourbon you can enjoy on the rocks.
If you’re a rye lover, South County Rye is worth a shot. Each batch is made by hand, and this spirit is something you can enjoy neat or as part of your favorite mixed drink.
South County Barreled Rum takes the distillery’s famous rum and puts it in oak barrels. The result is a rich and fruity yellow rum with tremendous flavor.
For something unique, try Spirit of Captain’s Daughter. They distilled a double IPA from Grey Sail to create this drink and added it to a bourbon barrel. The result is a delicious hybrid drink unlike anything you’ve tried before.
Barrel Rested Gin takes the classic gin spirit and rests it in used casks for several months. This spirit falls somewhere between whiskey and gin in flavor and is an excellent substitute for either.
Two agave drinks – Reposado and Anejo – are also available. They’re both aged in oak barrels, although the Anejo sits for at least 12 months, so it’s far darker in color and richer in flavor.
You can’t go wrong with any of these barrel-aged spirits, as they all offer something unique and a flavor you won’t find anywhere but South County, RI.
Ready-to-Drink Craft Cocktails
You’ll be on the go a lot during your South County vacation, so you might not have time to mix drinks and play around with flavors. Fortunately, South County Spirits has a selection of pre-mixed cocktails that come in a can.
The Paloma is one of the most popular options, as it’s a refreshing blend of agave spirit and soda water with grapefruit and lime flavors. It’s an excellent drink for a warm day, especially if you’ve been out in the sun.
If you’re looking for a nightcap at the end of a long day, the Cranberry and Orange Whiskey Highball might be the option for you. This drink has a rye base, fruity flavors, and a deep caramel color, making it the perfect dessert drink on your vacation.
For a daytime sipper, look to the Watermelon Lime Ranch Water cocktail. This drink is made from agave spirit and features watermelon and lime flavors. It also has a low alcohol content, so you can enjoy a few of them. The Rhode Island Ranch Water is similar but doesn’t have a watermelon flavor.
Finally, South County Distillers has a couple of vodka lemonade drinks to enjoy on a hot day. Their Strawberry Lemonade is always a crowd-pleaser, made with real strawberry puree. Or, if you’d prefer something simpler, their classic Vodka Lemonade is also delicious.
The Perfect Place For Local Drinks
Whether you’re a beer drinker or love a good cocktail, Grey Sail Brewing and South County Distillers are a must-stop location on your vacation. Here, you can stock up for your entire holiday or grab some libations to take home; the choice is up to you.
There’s an on-site taproom where you can sample beer, cocktails, and even wine, and you can get food from Vetrano’s Wood-Fired Pizza on select days. South County, RI, has a lot to do, but Grey Sail Brewing and South County Distillers should be at the top of any list as you plan your vacation.