Your first reaction might be, “Oooh, let’s go check out Savannah’s haunted scene,” since the Hostess City is considered one of the most haunted places in America and most haunted cities in the world. And while you can certainly get your fill of spooky encounters when you visit Savannah through a haunted pub crawl, hearse tour, or staying at one of the haunted rooms at 17Hundred90 (a Savannah Taste Experience partner stop), we have different types of Savannah spirits in mind.
Here are 6 non-spooky ways to enjoy Savannah spirits, and remember, you can always take your cup to-go when you’re here!
Daufuskie Island is a boat-only island about a 30-minute boat ride from Savannah, or 1-hour boat trip depending on if you take a public ferry or rent your own boat. As one of the few rum distillers that actually makes their rum on an island, Daufuskie handles the entire rum making process on this small, 8 sq. miles residential island–quite impressive considering there is no bridge to or from Daufuskie. You can take a tour of the distillery Wednesday through Saturday starting at 11am with tours on the half-hour until 4:30pm.
Details: Tour cost is $5, includes samples and can be booked online. Only way to reach Daufuskie Island is by boat or ferry.
Savannah Bourbon does not have tours or tastings, but you can find their bourbons by the bottle at several locations in downtown Savannah. They make two bourbons currently: Sweet Tea Lemonade infused with Georgia grains, spring citrus and all-natural tea; and Savannah 88, made with coastal rye, winter wheat and Silver Queen corn. Ask for it at your favorite Savannah watering hole or restaurant such as Treylor Park, Churchill’s Pub, or Top Deck Savannah, or buy a bottle from River Street Liquor or Johnnie Ganem.
Details: Cost per bottle about $35.
It’s not easy opening a distillery in Georgia with the restrictive laws on direct sales and having a taproom. However, Ghost Coast Distillery has pushed through and is set to open Fall 2016–making it historic downtown Savannah’s first craft distillery since before Prohibition–just steps away from Service Brewing Co. An immersive tour with samples will be available with plans for a Tasting Room. Their plan is to start with vodkas and eventually sell whiskey.
Details: Watch their Facebook page for updates.
This distillery will open sometime in 2017, and with it a chop house. This ambitious project in a historic 1860s building four blocks from The Lady and Sons.
Details: Watch their website for updates.
This restaurant and Scottish pub has the Southeast’s largest selection of Single Malt Scotch Whisky, available to sample in flights of five. Flights are divided by region or age, or ask for a flight built around your favorite.
Details: Whiskey flights prices range from $17 (starter) to $30. Also have a full menu with Scottish recipes including Scotch eggs, Scottish meat pies, and toasties.
6. Congress Street Social Club
Want to select from over 100 bourbons? Then Congress Street Social Club is your place, offering the largest bourbon selection in town. They also have a lovely outdoor patio, late night menu, and often feature live music.
Details: Mondays are $2.50 bourbon night. Kitchen open from lunch until midnight.
Be sure to tag #SavannahTaste when you go on your pub crawl or distillery crawl in Savannah!
