Beaufort Tipsy Tour

If you’re looking for a spirited way to explore Beaufort, South Carolina, then the Beaufort Tipsy Tour offers a fun, relaxed journey through some of the town’s favorite drinking establishments. Spanning just over two hours, this experience combines tasty samples with engaging stories, all led by knowledgeable guides. Whether you’re a craft spirit enthusiast or just looking to enjoy some local brews with a side of history, this tour promises a lively and authentic taste of Beaufort.

One aspect we particularly appreciate is how the tour seamlessly blends tasting experiences with cultural insights. From the moment you meet at the colorful red, white, and blue rocking chairs beside the marina, you’ll feel part of a friendly, social group. A possible consideration is that this tour is mainly about sampling and socializing, so if you’re after a deep dive into the area’s history or a more formal tour, this might not be your best fit. Still, for those who love a good drink and a good story, it hits the mark perfectly. Perfect for adults looking for a fun, laid-back outing, this experience is ideal for couples, friends, or solo travelers eager to enjoy Beaufort’s lively spirits scene.

Key Points

• Authentic Tasting: Sample 7 distinct spirits from RLB Distillery and a flagship beer from Shellring Ale Works.
• Local Knowledge: Guides like Heather bring enthusiasm and detailed insights into Beaufort’s history and culture.
• Convenience: Complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off in the Historic District make logistics simple.
• Flexible Endings: You can finish the tour back at the meeting point or stay at Shellring to keep enjoying the vibe.
• Value for Money: For $59, you get a comprehensive tour that mixes education, sampling, and social fun.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The tour welcomes guests with mobility needs, making it inclusive.

The Itinerary: What to Expect on the Beaufort Tipsy Tour

The Meeting Point: A Colorful Welcome

The tour kicks off at the charming marina area of Beaufort, marked by a row of iconic red, white, and blue rocking chairs. This spot offers picturesque views of the water and sets a relaxed, welcoming tone for the experience. The host from Kelly Tours greets you here, and from this point, the group begins a leisurely walk or drive (depending on the day) to the first stop.

RLB Distillery: A Close Look at Local Spirits

Our first stop is RLB Distillery, famed for its locally distilled spirits. During the visit, you’ll learn about the distilling process, which adds a layer of appreciation to each sip. The seven spirit samples are a highlight, giving you a taste of local favorites like vodka, gin, or flavored infusions. Reviewers like Debbie mentioned enjoying every sample and appreciated the guide Heather’s thorough knowledge about the distillery’s operations. She also shared insights into the distillery’s history, adding depth to the tasting.

Shellring Ale Works: Sampling South Carolina’s Breweries

Next, the tour moves to Shellring Ale Works, a popular local brewery. Here, you’ll sample a flagship beer—a chance to get familiar with what locals love. The brewery offers a lively ambiance, perfect for relaxing after the more educational first stop. Stephen appreciated the friendly and knowledgeable driver, which contributed to the overall positive vibe. If craft beer is your thing, you’ll especially enjoy discovering the brewery’s signature brew, brewed right on site.

The Journey Between Stops: Casual and Friendly

The transportation between the locations is smooth, with the guide sharing interesting tidbits about Beaufort’s history and culture along the way. The group size tends to be small enough for a conversational atmosphere but large enough to be lively, making it easier to connect with fellow travelers. The tour is fully guided, and the live English-speaking guide ensures all questions are welcomed.

Ending Options: Flexibility and Local Eats

The tour concludes back at the initial meeting point, or you have the option to stay at Shellring Ale Works afterward and continue enjoying the atmosphere—food options like Fishcamp on 11th Street are right next door, offering delicious seafood. If you choose to remain at Shellring, you’ll need to arrange your transportation afterwards, but the tour’s flexible ending makes it easy to extend your visit.

Is It Worth the Price? Analyzing Value

At $59 per person, this tour offers a compact yet engaging experience. The price includes sampling seven spirits and one beer, which by itself is a good deal considering specialty samples can be pricey elsewhere. Plus, the hotel pick-up and drop-off add convenience, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the town.

Comparing the tasting experience with other local tours, this one leans toward casual fun rather than in-depth education, but that’s part of its charm. It’s perfect for travelers who want to indulge a bit, learn a sprinkle about the local drinks scene, and enjoy the company of like-minded fun-lovers without breaking the bank.

The Guide: Knowledgeable and Engaging

Reviewers like Debbie praised Heather, the guide, for her enthusiasm and depth of knowledge. Stephen also highlighted the driver’s friendliness and expertise. This high level of personable guidance ensures the experience feels personalized and informative, elevating it beyond just a tasting event. Expect stories about Beaufort’s history, tidbits about the distilleries, and a friendly approach that makes everyone feel comfortable and included.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for guests with mobility needs. It lasts about 2.5 hours, which strikes a good balance between being informative and not overly time-consuming. The meeting point is easily recognizable, and the tour operates with flexible cancellation policies—full refunds available if you cancel 24 hours in advance.

Participants should bring a passport or ID for age verification, and note that smoking is not permitted during the tour or in the vehicle. Gratuities are not included, so tipping guides for their effort is appreciated.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for adults who enjoy tasting local spirits and beers in a relaxed setting. It’s perfect for couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers wanting to meet new people and learn quick, interesting facts about Beaufort. If you’re after a lively social outing with a dose of local flavor, this tour hits the spot. However, if you’re seeking a comprehensive historical or cultural tour, you might want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

The Beaufort Tipsy Tour offers a lively glimpse into the town’s drinking culture, paired with friendly guides and a relaxed pace. It’s a great way to combine tasting, learning, and socializing on a budget, especially if you’re new to Beaufort or looking for a fun afternoon activity. The inclusion of local spirits and beers helps you appreciate South Carolina’s beverage scene, while the knowledgeable guides ensure you get the most out of each stop.

All in all, this tour strikes a nice balance between casual fun and authentic local flavor—an experience that’s as much about making memories as it is about enjoying a drink or two. Whether you’re a spirits enthusiast or simply curious, it’s worth considering for your Beaufort itinerary.

FAQs

Is hotel pick-up included?
Yes, the tour includes complimentary pick-up and drop-off from hotels in the Historic District, making it convenient for visitors staying nearby.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 2.5 hours, giving enough time to enjoy the tastings and hear some local stories without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
For $59, you’ll get escorted visits to RLB Distillery and Shellring Ale Works, seven spirit samples, one flagship beer sample, and transportation.

Are the stops wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring guests with mobility needs can participate comfortably.

Can I stay at Shellring after the tour?
Absolutely. You can opt to remain at Shellring after the tasting, but you’ll be responsible for your own transportation afterward.

What do I need to bring?
Bring a valid ID or passport for age verification. Remember, smoking is not permitted during the tour or in the vehicle.

Is gratuity included?
No, gratuities are not included in the ticket price, so tipping guides for their service is customary if you enjoyed the experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is this suitable for under 21s?
No, the tour is designed for adults 21 and over due to alcohol sampling.