If your end-of-year vacation plans include a stop in Hot Springs, Arkansas, you’re probably already aware of the treasure trove of attractions and activities that await. Arguably one of the city’s neatest attractions is Crystal Ridge Distillery, a unique spot to visit for anyone who enjoys moonshine, tasty spirits, or history.
While this list could go on and on, we’ve compiled the top five reasons to visit Crystal Ridge Distillery during your next trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas.
The moonshine (and other spirits)
First on the list is the star of the show: the moonshine. Crystal Ridge Distillery has a moonshine flavor for any taste, including Apple Pie, Espresso, Cinnamon, Maple Bacon, Strawberry, Pumpkin Spice, and Honey Lemonade just to name a few. The distillery also offers barrel-aged whiskey, craft bourbons, and vodka.
For beer-drinkers, craft beer is available on tap from some of Arkansas’s
finest breweries.
finest breweries.
And, for those that prefer the increasingly popular canned cocktail, just this year, in 2021, Crystal Ridge Distillery launched a new line of vodka sodas named The Pack. This exclusive line of canned liquor drinks is sold in packs of four with flavors including blueberry, raspberry, and orange.
Spirits can be ordered from the distillery’s bar and enjoyed onsite or purchased to take home from the retail shop.
The family-friendly atmosphere and rich history
Upon entering through the double wooden doors of Crystal Ridge Distillery, visitors automatically smell the sweet aroma of moonshine wafting in the air. The building housing the distillery was constructed over 100 years ago. Its interior was restored using state-of-the-art craftsmanship while maintaining its vintage accents, such as century-old exposed red brick walls, through which windows lend an abundance of natural light to illuminate rustic hardwood floors. From the 1916 fire doors to the ceiling’s exposed, rough-cut lumber rafters, every detail exudes the building’s original architecture.
Crystal Ridge Distillery’s expansive floor plan blends rustic decor with modern comfort, featuring a bar, gift and retail liquor shop, lounge, convention space, and the distillery itself. The bar and lounge areas boast flat-screen televisions and comfortable couches, tables and chairs, perfect for sipping on a drink or enjoying an appetizer while playing old-fashioned games such as Checkers, Connect-the-Dots, and Jenga.
Guided tours and tastings
Visitors can tour the historic building while a Crystal Ridge Distillery team member delves into the history and ingredients that go into the moonshine. The tour includes a first-hand look at the distillery’s equipment in action as the guide explains the distillation process.
And, of course, a distillery tour is not complete without sampling a variety of handcrafted moonshines (must be 21 years old to partake). The knowledgeable Crystal Ridge Distillery tour guides love sharing what they know and encourage guests to ask lots of questions throughout the tour.
Once you pick your favorite flavor, be sure to stop by the retail shop and pick up a jar or two to take home.
Each unique experience is an hour-long. Tastings are offered every 30 minutes. No reservation is required. All ages are welcome.
Top-of-the-line event venue
Crystal Ridge Distillery is a premier event venue in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It has played host to fundraisers, business meetings, company parties, weddings and receptions, conferences, birthday parties, Christmas parties, and more. The 3,600-square-foot event space can hold up to 350 guests and includes a covered outdoor patio.
Visitors renting the distillery’s rustic event space can take advantage of
audio and visual accommodations, staging, tables and banquet chairs, and more. Catering is provided by Crystal Ridge Distillery and includes its in-house spirits.
audio and visual accommodations, staging, tables and banquet chairs, and more. Catering is provided by Crystal Ridge Distillery and includes its in-house spirits.
Meetings and tours can be scheduled by calling 501-627-0722 or emailing events@crystalridgedistillery.com.
Supporting local families
Every dollar spent at the distillery supports the individuals and families who
work and live in the community. Crystal Ridge Distillery owners Danny and Mary Bradley and their son, Asher Bradley, the distillery’s general manager, grew up around Hot Springs and are proud to contribute to the thriving city by bringing in more tourism and providing jobs for their staff members.
Crystal Ridge Distillery is located at 455 Broadway Street in Hot Springs. Call 501-627-0722 for more information.
