Blenheim Bottling Company: South Carolina's Iconic Ginger Ale Maker

What Blenheim Bottling Company Makes and Where to Find It

Blenheim Bottling Company produces Blenheim Ginger Ale, a spicy, intensely flavored soft drink made in Hamer, South Carolina, since 1903. The company is known for its bold ginger taste—much sharper than mass-market ginger ales—and for bottling in glass rather than plastic or aluminum. You can find Blenheim at specialty food shops, independent grocers, and regional retailers across South Carolina, as well as through online ordering for delivery to your home.

The drink comes in two main varieties: the original Red Blend, which has a fiery ginger kick, and the Diet version, which uses artificial sweeteners instead of sugar. Both are carbonated and shelf-stable, meaning you can stock them without refrigeration until you open the bottle. The bottles themselves—glass with a paper label—have remained largely unchanged for decades, making Blenheim recognizable on any shelf.

Key Takeaways

• Blenheim Ginger Ale has been bottled in Hamer, South Carolina, for over 120 years and tastes noticeably spicier than mainstream ginger ale brands.
• The drink is sold in glass bottles at specialty food stores, independent grocers, and some regional supermarket chains throughout South Carolina.
• Blenheim comes in original Red Blend and Diet versions, both carbonated and ready to drink straight from the bottle or mixed into cocktails and mocktails.
• The company remains family-owned and operates its bottling facility in Hamer, a small town in Marlboro County near the North Carolina border.

The History and Reputation Behind the Brand

Blenheim Bottling Company was founded in 1903 in Hamer, a rural area in Marlboro County. The company has stayed in the same location and under family ownership for its entire history, which is unusual for a beverage maker. That continuity has made Blenheim a point of local pride and a symbol of South Carolina's small-scale manufacturing heritage.

The ginger ale gained a reputation as a remedy for upset stomachs and nausea, a claim that dates back to its early years. While modern labeling cannot make medical claims, many longtime drinkers still reach for Blenheim when they feel queasy. The intensity of the ginger flavor—which comes from actual ginger and spices rather than artificial flavoring—sets it apart from competitors and has kept customers loyal across generations.

In recent years, Blenheim has become sought after by craft cocktail bars and mixologists who value its bold flavor profile. The spice and complexity make it work well in whiskey-based drinks, rum cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. This renewed interest has introduced Blenheim to younger drinkers and expanded its presence beyond its traditional South Carolina base.

Where to Buy Blenheim in South Carolina

Blenheim is most readily found at independent grocers and specialty food shops, particularly in the Lowcountry and Midlands regions. Stores that focus on local or regional products often stock it. You can also find Blenheim at some Whole Foods locations and at farmers markets where local vendors sell regional goods.

If your local store does not carry it, you can order directly from the Blenheim website or through online retailers that ship beverages. Shipping glass bottles adds cost, so buying in person when possible is usually more economical. Some restaurants and bars in Charleston, Columbia, and other South Carolina cities serve Blenheim by the glass or bottle, so you can try it before committing to a case.

How Blenheim Tastes and How to Use It

Blenheim Ginger Ale has a sharp, peppery ginger bite that hits immediately. The carbonation is crisp, and the flavor does not fade quickly—it lingers on the palate. If you are used to Ginger Ale or Canada Dry, Blenheim will taste noticeably stronger and less sweet. Some people find this intensity refreshing; others prefer to mix it with something else rather than drink it straight.

Many people drink Blenheim on its own as a mixer-free soft drink or as a palate cleanser between meals. Others use it as a cocktail mixer—it pairs particularly well with bourbon, rye, or spiced rum. In mocktails, Blenheim works with fresh lime juice, mint, and sparkling water. Some drinkers also add it to ginger beer-based punches or use it to make homemade sodas by mixing with fruit juices.

Blenheim's Place in South Carolina Food Culture

Blenheim represents a particular strand of South Carolina identity: the small, family-run business that has survived by staying true to its original product rather than chasing trends. In a state where Coca-Cola was invented and remains culturally dominant, Blenheim stands as a local alternative with deep roots in the Pee Dee region.

Food writers and regional historians often mention Blenheim alongside other long-standing South Carolina food makers—boiled peanut vendors, barbecue joints, and small-batch producers. It appears in lists of "things to try when you visit South Carolina" and in gift boxes marketed to people moving away from the state. For many South Carolinians, Blenheim is a taste of home.

Visiting the Hamer Bottling Facility

The Blenheim bottling plant in Hamer is not a major tourist attraction with scheduled tours and a gift shop, but it is a real working facility that you can see from the road. Hamer itself is a small unincorporated community in Marlboro County, about 45 minutes north of Florence and roughly 90 minutes from Charleston. If you are driving through the Pee Dee region or heading to the North Carolina border, you can pass by and see where the drink is made.

The company occasionally participates in regional food and beverage events, farmers markets, and South Carolina-focused promotions where you might meet someone from Blenheim or learn more about the operation. Following their social media accounts or checking their website will tell you where they will be appearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Blenheim Ginger Ale actually good for an upset stomach?

Ginger has been used traditionally to settle nausea and digestion issues, and some people report that Blenheim helps with these problems. However, the company cannot make medical claims, and the carbonation and sugar (or artificial sweeteners in the Diet version) may not help everyone. If you have a medical condition, talk to a doctor before relying on any beverage as a remedy.

How does Blenheim compare to other ginger ales?

Blenheim is significantly spicier and less sweet than mainstream brands like Canada Dry or Schweppes. It contains actual ginger and spices rather than artificial ginger flavoring, which gives it a more complex taste. If you like bold, intense flavors, you will likely prefer Blenheim; if you prefer milder, sweeter sodas, you may find it too strong.

Can I order Blenheim online and have it shipped to me?

Yes, you can order from the Blenheim website or through online retailers that ship beverages. Shipping glass bottles is more expensive than buying in a store, so factor that into your decision. Some online retailers offer free shipping on larger orders, which can make buying a case more economical.

Where is Hamer, South Carolina, and can I visit?

Hamer is an unincorporated community in Marlboro County in the Pee Dee region, about 45 minutes north of Florence. The bottling facility is there, but it is not set up as a tourist destination with tours or a visitor center. You can drive by and see the building, and you may be able to purchase bottles directly from the facility, though calling ahead is a good idea.

Does Blenheim make any other products besides ginger ale?

Blenheim's main product is ginger ale in the original Red Blend and Diet versions. The company has focused on this single product for over 120 years rather than expanding into other beverages. This narrow focus is part of what has kept the brand consistent and recognizable.