Backwoods Distilling Co.

For something a little different than another brewery stop, Backwoods Distilling Co. offers small-batch bourbon, moonshine, and other spirits crafted locally in Delaware County. It’s a working distillery with a tasting room that gives you a real look at the process, not just a bar with a distillery theme slapped on. Tastings typically walk you through their core lineup with some background on how each spirit is made — a nice option if your group enjoys learning a bit while they sip rather than just ordering a drink. The setting is rustic and unpretentious, fitting for a small-town distillery rather than a polished big-city cocktail bar. Cocktails made with their own spirits are usually available if you’d rather sip something mixed than straight. It’s a good option for a shorter stop — an hour or so is plenty for most groups — and pairs naturally with a dinner elsewhere downtown before or after. Worth it especially for bourbon and whiskey fans in your group who appreciate knowing exactly where and how their drink was made. A nice change of pace from the standard brewery-and-bar rotation, and a fun way to bring home a genuinely local souvenir.