You've heard of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, but did you know that the Crystal Coast has delicious bourbon beverages and distilleries of our own? We put together a Carteret County "Bourbon Trail" for the bourbon or whiskey connoisseur in your life that you can refer to any time of the year!
Check out these local cocktail masters and distillers in our area:
34° North | Beaufort
2440 Lennoxville Road
Try the Beaufort Hotel Makers Mark Private Reserve as part of 34° North featured whiskey flight. More of a cocktail drinker? Mix in one of their signature whiskey drinks, The Fig-hatten or the 34° North of Separation.
For our local folks, 34° North offers a unique whiskey tasting experience with their Menhaden Whiskey Society. You can sign up on their website HERE to meet monthly with other bourbon/whiskey enthusiasts for tastings and dinners!
DID YOU KNOW? The Menhaden Whiskey Society is named for the fish that once dominated Beaufort's local community. The Beaufort Hotel and 34° North sits on the site of the last remaining menhaden plant in North Carolina!
Arendell Room Bar | Morehead City
715 Arendell Street
Cocktail master and Arendell Room owner, Denny Shrock, has the most fabulous collection of spirits on the Crystal Coast! They were voted #1 spot to grab a cocktail in this year's People's Choice Awards. Denny and his team will whip up a classic Old Fashioned or try out their seasonal whiskey beverage, The Brown & Hound, with honey, grapefruit and basil — YUM!
BONUS — The Arendell Room's location is the perfect spot in Morehead City to grab a nightcap after a delicious local meal along the waterfront. Follow along on their Instagram page HERE.
Bogue Sound Distillery | Bogue
108 Bogue Commercial Drive
Bogue Sound Distillery is determined to create both a superior product and a tour-friendly distillery right here on the Crystal Coast. Their signature labels: Vitzellen, John A. P. Conoley, Bombshell, and John Newland Maffitt all have a story behind the name that you can learn about during your tour!
BONUS: They also feature a peanut butter whiskey that pairs perfectly with their Jelli-Drops for a boozy PB&J! Jelli-Drops come free with each 750ml bottle.
Shop their bottles online AND find at-home recipes to recreate your favorite beverages HERE.
Bar 1957 | Emerald Isle
8700 Emerald Drive Suite D
Bar 1957 located in Emerald Plantation is the last stop on your Crystal Coast Bourbon Trail! This speakeasy-themed bar has canal-front outdoor seating, live music, and array of specialty cocktails.
PRO TIP - Old Fashioned cocktails are only $10 every Tuesday! And if you're not a whiskey drinker, they have $5 glasses of wine and free charcuterie every Wednesday. Follow their Facebook page HERE for updates!
For the perfect gift for the bourbon or whiskey enthusiast in your life, grab a gift card from each spot OR book Diamond Bus Company (voted favorite transportation service in the 2024 People's Choice Awards!) to drive your group of friends around for a day on the Crystal Coast Bourbon Trail! Visit Diamond Bus Company HERE for pricing.