Are you thirsty for a refreshing craft beer or an artisanal spirit near Carolina Beach? Look no further! The coastal area not only boasts stunning beaches and scenic views but is also home to a burgeoning scene of local breweries and distilleries. Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or a lover of fine spirits, the region offers an array of unique and flavorful options that are sure to delight your taste buds. Imagine winding down after a sun-soaked day at the beach with a cold, finely crafted beverage in hand. Our curated list features the top local breweries and distilleries, each one a treasure trove of distinctive flavors just a short distance from the sandy shores. So, get ready to quench your thirst and elevate your beachside experience with a truly local libation at these must-visit hotspots!

Island Beverage

Craft beer enthusiasts and spirit connoisseurs, listen up! Island Beverage is a treasure trove of liquid delights tucked away in Carolina Beach. This unassuming shop might not catch your eye at first glance, but step inside, and you’ll discover a world of flavors waiting to be explored.

The moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted by an impressive array of craft beers lining the shelves. Local brews take center stage here, showcasing the best of North Carolina’s thriving beer scene. You’ll find everything from crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs and rich stouts. Don’t be shy about asking the knowledgeable staff for recommendations – they’re always eager to share their favorites and help you find your new go-to brew.

But Island Beverage isn’t just about beer. Their selection of local spirits is equally impressive. North Carolina distilleries are well-represented, offering a taste of the state’s artisanal liquor scene. Smooth bourbons, aromatic gins, and unique moonshines are just a few of the options you’ll encounter. It’s the perfect place to pick up a bottle (or two) to enjoy during your beach vacation or take home as a delicious souvenir.

Island Beverage aims to support local producers by focusing on regional offerings and providing a platform for smaller breweries and distilleries to shine. It’s a win-win situation – customers get to sample unique, high-quality products while supporting local businesses.

Good Hops Brewing

Women-owned and brewed, this local gem brings a unique blend of community spirit and great beer to the Wilmington area. Here, the beer is brewed on-site daily, ensuring freshness and quality in every pint. Whether you’re lounging on the patio with a Donna Golden Ale or watching an intense game of disc golf, the friendly atmosphere and excellent brews make Good Hops Brewing a must-visit spot.

One of the standout features of Good Hops Brewing is their 18-hole disc golf course, the Trinity Disc Golf Course, which offers a unique brewery experience. Equipped with beer holders and benches at every hole, the course is perfect for both seasoned players and newcomers. For those who didn’t pack their own discs, loaner discs are available inside the tap room, ensuring anyone can join in on the fun. And if you’re more about sipping than tossing, the diverse beer menu at Good Hops Brewing boasts a range of styles and flavors to suit every palate, from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts. With plenty of space to relax and even weekly trivia nights, every visit promises something special. So, grab a drink, bring your dog along, and soak in the laid-back island life at Good Hops Brewing.

SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar

When you’re craving a cold brew and island vibes, SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar delivers. This beachside hangout boasts an impressive selection of craft beers that’ll make any hop-head swoon.

The tap list rotates regularly, featuring local North Carolina breweries alongside national craft favorites. You might find yourself sipping on a crisp IPA Wilmington Brewing Company or a smooth porter Bold Rock Hard Cider.

But SeaWitch isn’t just about the suds – their tiki-inspired cocktails pack a punch. Try the Witch Doctor, a rum-based concoction that’ll transport you to tropical paradise. The bartenders here know their stuff, mixing up both classic and creative libations.

The atmosphere at SeaWitch perfectly captures that laid-back beach town feel. Colorful surfboards adorn the walls, and the outdoor patio offers prime people-watching on bustling Cape Fear Boulevard. It’s the ideal spot to unwind after a day of sun and surf.

Don’t overlook the food menu, either. SeaWitch serves up tasty bar bites that pair perfectly their drinks. The fish tacos and jerk chicken nachos are crowd favorites, satisfying those post-beach munchies.

Crush and Grind

For those who appreciate artisanal spirits, Crush and Grind is a Carolina Beach hidden treasure. This cozy spot doubles as a coffee shop by day and a craft cocktail bar by night, offering the best of both worlds.

During daylight hours, you can fuel up excellent espresso drinks and light bites. But as evening falls, Crush and Grind transforms into a haven for cocktail enthusiasts.

The star of the show here is their house-made infusions and syrups. The bartenders take pride in crafting unique flavor combinations that elevate classic cocktails to new heights. Try the Lavender Gin Fizz or the Spiced Pear Old Fashioned for a taste of their creativity.

Crush and Grind also shines a spotlight on North Carolina distilleries. You’ll find an impressive selection of small-batch spirits sourced nearby. It’s a great opportunity to sample some of the state’s finest craft liquors without straying far from the beach.

The atmosphere at Crush and Grind is intimate and inviting. Exposed brick walls and warm lighting create a cozy vibe that encourages lingering over drinks and conversation. It’s the perfect place for a date night or catching up friends.

While cocktails take center stage, beer lovers won’t be disappointed. Crush and Grind offers a thoughtfully curated selection of craft brews, focusing on local and regional options. You might discover your new favorite North Carolina IPA or saison here.

Don’t miss their occasional mixology classes and tasting events. These hands-on experiences let you dive deeper into the world of craft spirits and cocktail-making. It’s a fun way to expand your palate and pick up some bartending skills along the way.

Local Distilleries in and Near Carolina Beach

Four Hounds Distilling

Four Hounds Distilling offers a unique experience for spirit enthusiasts. This family-owned distillery prides itself on crafting small-batch spirits using locally sourced ingredients.

The star of the show at Four Hounds is their signature vodka, distilled six times for exceptional smoothness. But don’t stop there – their gin boasts a blend of botanicals that’ll make you rethink your go-to G&T mixer. Juniper berries, coriander, and a secret mix of herbs create a complex flavor profile that’s both familiar and intriguing.

Bourbon lovers, rejoice! Four Hounds also produces a smooth, amber-hued whiskey that’ll warm you up on chilly coastal evenings. Aged in charred oak barrels, it carries notes of vanilla and caramel that linger pleasantly on the palate.

Visitors can take guided tours of the distillery, learning about the meticulous process behind each bottle. The knowledgeable staff shares insider tips on cocktail recipes and food pairings, elevating your home bartending game.

Don’t forget to stop by the tasting room, where you can sample their lineup of spirits neat or in expertly crafted cocktails. The rustic-chic decor and friendly atmosphere make it a perfect spot to unwind after a day at the beach.

End of Days Distillery

Just a short drive from Carolina Beach you’ll find End of Days Distillery in Wilmington. From the moment you step through their doors, you’ll be greeted with a dedication to excellence that shines through in every bottle. The distillery offers a unique experience where visitors can not only savor exceptional spirits but also dive deep into the fascinating process of their creation.

EOD Distillery prides itself on using locally-sourced ingredients to produce a range of handcrafted spirits, ensuring that each sip carries the essence of Wilmington. Whether you’re a connoisseur of fine whiskey, a lover of smooth vodka, or curious about the subtleties of craft gin, EOD Distillery has something to tantalize your palate. Their tasting room provides the perfect setting to explore these flavors, complete with knowledgeable staff eager to guide you through your tasting journey and share the story behind each spirit. 

Enhance your Carolina Beach experience and stay with Carolina Beach Realty

Carolina Beach’s craft beer and distillery scene is thriving, offering a delightful array of unique flavors and experiences. To truly relish local craft beer and spirits in Carolina Beach, you’ll need to visit several of these breweries and distilleries. We mean, why stop at one when there’s a lot more fun to be had in other locations?

Planning a Carolina Beach vacation? Carolina Beach Realty offers a wide selection of beautiful rental properties to suit any guest regardless of their preferences. Whether you’re looking for oceanfront rentals, pet-friendly accommodations, or private pool options, we have something to make your stay memorable. We also offer special savings and the best deals to help you save on your rentals. Book with us and enjoy the privacy and comfort of a home away from home, complete with all the amenities you need for a perfect getaway. Plus, with our local knowledge and 60 years of community presence, we ensure you experience the best of Carolina Beach.