Explore the best craft beer bars and local distilleries in Destin, from rotating taps and scratch-made eats to small-batch spirits and immersive tours across the Emerald Coast.
Vacationing in the Colorado Rockies, the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, or along the Emerald Coast doesn't matter; when you add local breweries and distilleries to your itinerary, you can expect nothing less than creative flavors, vibrant atmosphere, and good times.
Planning a trip to Destin soon? The city 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 distilleries.
Here's a little taste of what's ahead:
- The Craft Bar: Rotating craft beer taps, scratch-made food, weekly events.
- Salty Duck: Casual vibe, changing beer list, trivia, and live music nights.
- Distillery 98: Small-batch beers and spirits, cozy taproom, food trucks.
- 30A Distilling Co.: Tasting room, VIP tours, eco-friendly practices, local ingredients.
- Rollings Distillery: Family-run, Florida molasses-based rums, hands-on tours.
- Timber Creek Distillery: Farm-based, grain-to-glass spirits, immersive distillery tours.
At RealJoy Vacations, we've been part of the Emerald Coast hospitality scene for years. If you're looking for spacious beachfront houses or luxurious resorts, we offer a wide range of options to suit every preference.
As local experts, we know the area inside and out, and we're here to help you have the best possible experience. For more tips, check out our destination blog for insights on all things Emerald Coast; from the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants to nightlife guides, it's all there.
Below, I've rounded up a list of the top spots in Destin where you can indulge in delicious craft beers and explore local distilleries offering unique spirits.
Let's dive in!
Craft Beer Bars
Great beer, scratch-made food, and a laid-back local vibe.
Tucked inside the Paradise Key Shopping Center, The Craft Bar is one of Destin's go-to hangouts for great beer, scratch-made food, and a laid-back local vibe. With a rotating tap list and a kitchen that delivers way more than your typical bar fare, it's easy to see why both visitors and locals keep coming back. From burger nights to whiskey specials, there's always something brewing.
Highlights:
- Craft Beer Heaven: Local brews, international favorites, and a constantly rotating tap list.
- Scratch-Made Eats: Burgers, meatloaf, chicken sandwiches, salads, and seafood, all made with local ingredients.
- Weekly Events: Burger Night on Mondays, Local's Night Tuesdays, and $5 Whiskey Wednesdays.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: Friendly crowd, cozy setting, and seriously good food.
- Fan Favorites: Rave reviews for the chicken sandwich and the comfort food classics.
2. SALTY DUCK
This local favorite brings serious flavor and serious fun to the local craft beer scene.
Right in the heart of Destin, Salty Duck brings serious flavor and serious fun to the local craft beer scene. With an always-changing tap list, a cozy vibe, and a staff that treats you like a regular on your first visit, this place is all about good beer and great company. It's a local favorite for a reason, and once you drop by, you'll get it.
Highlights:
- Rotating Taps: Always something new to try, from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts.
- Welcoming Vibe: Friendly staff and regulars make it feel like home.
- Community-Focused: Collaborations with local businesses and a strong neighborhood spirit.
- Fun Events: Trivia nights, live music, and plenty of reasons to come back.
- Great for All Levels: Whether you're a beer geek or just beer-curious, they'll help you find your new favorite pour.
Local Distilleries
Small-batch spirits and killer beer lineup.
Just minutes from the beach, Distillery 98 is where Destin's chill coastal vibes meet bold craft flavor. Known for both small-batch spirits and a killer beer lineup, this laid-back taproom is the perfect spot to sip, snack, and soak up the local scene. With a cozy space, friendly faces, and frequent events, it's part distillery, part community hangout.
Highlights:
- Local Flavors: Small-batch beers and spirits crafted with regional ingredients.
- Rotating Tap List: Crisp IPAs, smooth stouts, and seasonal brews keep things fresh.
- Beyond Beer: Artisanal spirits and creative cocktails for variety seekers.
- Lively Scene: Food trucks, live music, and community events on the regular.
- Cozy Vibes: A relaxed, welcoming space where beach-goers and locals mix with ease.
Warm, inviting tasting room & unique spirits.
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.
Highlights:
- Craft Cocktails: Fresh, local ingredients and a warm tasting room to enjoy them in.
- VIP Tours: Go behind the scenes and learn how your favorite spirits are made.
- Sustainably Made: Focus on eco-friendly practices and local sourcing.
- Fan Favorites: Peach vodka, agave spirit, white rum, and regional whiskey.
- Great Location: Steps from TaCo 30A and Graze Craze, perfect for pairing sips with bites.
Handcrafted spirits using 100% Florida molasses.
Family-owned and full of heart, Rollings Distillery is all about handcrafted spirits and Gulf Coast pride. Founded by a father-son duo, this small-batch distillery puts quality and local flavor first, using 100% Florida molasses and doing everything by hand. It's the kind of place where the tour is as memorable as the tasting.
Highlights:
This grain-to-glass distillery is all about bold flavors, slow methods, and deep roots.
Located on a vast 1,400-acre family farm just north of Destin, Timber Creek Distillery captures the true spirit of the Florida Panhandle's craft scene. Born from two neighbors with a dream and a love for local ingredients, this grain-to-glass distillery is all about bold flavors, slow methods, and deep roots in the Panhandle. It's a scenic, flavorful detour worth taking.
Highlights:
- Farm-Fresh Spirits: Made with Florida grains and fruits grown nearby.
- Grain-to-Glass Philosophy: Every step, from milling to bottling, is done in-house.
- Signature Lineup: Vodka, whiskey, rum, and gin crafted with serious attention to detail.
- Local Ingredients: Red Soft Winter Wheat, Dent Corn, Black Rye, and Gulf Coast molasses.
- Immersive Tours: Learn the process and taste the difference straight from the source.
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