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Spirit of 66 and Westminster 66: Two South Carolina Craft Distilleries

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What Spirit of 66 and Westminster 66 Make

Spirit of 66 and Westminster 66 are two separate craft distilleries in South Carolina that produce whiskey, vodka, and other spirits. Spirit of 66 is located in Travelers Rest in Greenville County and focuses on small-batch whiskey and bourbon. Westminster 66, based in Westminster in Oconee County, makes whiskey and other craft spirits using local grains and water sources from the Upstate region.

Both distilleries operate as working production facilities where visitors can see the distilling process firsthand. They bottle their own spirits on-site and sell directly to customers through their tasting rooms. The names reference South Carolina's Highway 66 heritage and the state's craft distilling movement.

Key Takeaways

  • Spirit of 66 in Travelers Rest specializes in small-batch whiskey and bourbon made in Greenville County.
  • Westminster 66 in Westminster produces whiskey and craft spirits using local Upstate grains and water.
  • Both distilleries operate tasting rooms where you can sample their spirits and learn about the production process.
  • Visiting either distillery gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how South Carolina craft spirits are made from grain to bottle.

Visiting Spirit of 66 in Travelers Rest

Spirit of 66 sits in Travelers Rest, a small town northwest of Greenville that has become a hub for craft beverages and outdoor recreation. The distillery welcomes visitors to its tasting room, where you can sample their whiskey lineup and learn about their production methods. The space reflects the Upstate's growing craft spirits scene and pairs well with nearby breweries and restaurants in the area.

The distillery focuses on whiskey production using traditional methods adapted to South Carolina's climate and water. Their small-batch approach means limited releases and seasonal offerings, so what's available changes throughout the year. Many visitors combine a trip to Spirit of 66 with exploring Travelers Rest's downtown shops and trails along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile greenway that runs through the Upstate.

Visiting Westminster 66 in Westminster

Westminster 66 operates in Westminster, a rural community in Oconee County near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The distillery emphasizes using local ingredients—grains from regional farms and water from the area—to create spirits with a sense of place. Their tasting room offers a more intimate setting than larger operations, reflecting the small-scale nature of their production.

The location puts Westminster 66 within reach of other Upstate attractions, including hiking in the Blue Ridge foothills, visits to nearby wineries, and exploration of Oconee County's rural character. The distillery's focus on local sourcing appeals to visitors interested in how geography and ingredients shape the final product. Hours and availability vary seasonally, so contacting the distillery before visiting ensures they're open.

What to Expect During a Tasting Room Visit

Both distilleries operate tasting rooms where you can sample their spirits in a casual setting. A typical visit involves trying several expressions of their whiskey or other products, learning about the production process from staff, and asking questions about their methods and ingredients. Tastings are usually offered by the pour, and staff can explain the differences between their various releases.

Many visitors purchase bottles to take home, and both distilleries often have exclusive or limited-release spirits available only at their locations. The tasting room experience is less formal than wine tastings and more focused on education and conversation. Some visitors spend 30 minutes sampling and chatting; others stay longer if the distillery is quiet and staff have time to discuss their work in detail.

The Upstate's Craft Spirits Movement

Spirit of 66 and Westminster 66 are part of a broader growth in craft distilling across South Carolina's Upstate region. This movement reflects the same energy that built the area's craft beer scene and farm-to-table restaurants. Distilleries in this region often emphasize local sourcing, small-batch production, and direct relationships with customers through tasting room visits.

The Upstate's geography—with access to clean water, agricultural land, and a growing population of people interested in craft beverages—has made it a natural home for distilling. Both Spirit of 66 and Westminster 66 fit into this landscape as working producers rather than tourist attractions built around a brand. Visiting either distillery gives you a window into how South Carolina's craft spirits industry actually operates.

Planning Your Visit

Before heading to either distillery, check their current hours and whether they require advance notice for visits. Both are working production facilities, not large commercial operations, so hours may be limited or vary by season. Many craft distilleries ask visitors to call ahead or check their social media for updates on availability and any special events.

Spirit of 66 in Travelers Rest is easier to reach if you're coming from Greenville or the northern Upstate. Westminster 66 in Westminster requires a drive into more rural Oconee County but offers a quieter, more remote experience. Both are worth the trip if you're interested in seeing how craft spirits are actually made and tasting products you won't find in stores outside the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation to visit either distillery?

Many craft distilleries prefer advance notice, especially for groups. Contact Spirit of 66 or Westminster 66 directly to confirm whether they accept walk-ins or require a call ahead. This ensures staff are available and the tasting room is open when you arrive.

Can I buy bottles to take home?

Yes, both distilleries sell their spirits directly from their tasting rooms. Bottles purchased at the distillery are often the only place you can find certain limited releases or exclusive products. Prices vary by product and release.

What's the difference between Spirit of 66 and Westminster 66?

Both make whiskey, but Spirit of 66 focuses on small-batch bourbon and whiskey in Travelers Rest, while Westminster 66 emphasizes local sourcing and regional ingredients in Westminster. The distilleries have different production philosophies and product lines, so visiting both gives you a fuller picture of the Upstate's craft spirits scene.

Are these distilleries near other attractions?

Spirit of 66 in Travelers Rest is close to breweries, restaurants, and the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Westminster 66 is near Blue Ridge hiking, wineries, and rural Oconee County scenery. Both locations pair well with other Upstate activities depending on what interests you.

Can I take a tour of the production facility?

Some craft distilleries offer behind-the-scenes tours, while others keep production areas separate from tasting rooms. Ask when you contact the distillery whether tours are available. Even without a formal tour, tasting room staff usually explain their process and answer questions about how they make their spirits.