Eight Shires Distillery
Experience colonial history through unique, handcrafted spirits at Eight Shires Distillery, a must-visit before its August 2025 closure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Eight Shires Distillery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience colonial history through unique, handcrafted spirits at Eight Shires Distillery, a must-visit before its August 2025 closure.
"This hidden gem offers a taste of history with its colonial-inspired spirits and cozy atmosphere."
🎯 Don't Miss the Spiced Rum
Many visitors rave about the spiced rum, calling it 'perfection'!
✈️ Grab a 200ml Bottle
Take home your favorites with convenient 200ml bottles, perfect for gifts or personal enjoyment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
1608 Backwards-Aged Whiskey
Distillery
Taste a museum-certified single malt whiskey, distilled using historical methods and water from Captain John Smith's original well.
Colonial-Inspired Spirits
Tasting Bar
Sample a range of unique liquors, including spiced rum, gin, bourbon, and pear brandy, all with historical recipes.
Cozy Atmosphere & Friendly Staff
Indoor/Outdoor Seating
Enjoy a mellow, historical vibe with a welcoming staff, perfect for conversation and relaxation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit Before August 2025
Taste Colonial History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Don't Miss the Spiced Rum
Many visitors rave about the spiced rum, calling it 'perfection'!
✈️ Grab a 200ml Bottle
Take home your favorites with convenient 200ml bottles, perfect for gifts or personal enjoyment.
☕ Coffee Nearby
If you need a coffee fix, Tipsy Bean is a recommended spot nearby.
⏳ Visit Before August 2025
This beloved distillery is closing its doors permanently at the end of August 2025.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Don't Miss the Spiced Rum
Many visitors rave about the spiced rum, calling it 'perfection'!
✈️ Grab a 200ml Bottle
Take home your favorites with convenient 200ml bottles, perfect for gifts or personal enjoyment.
☕ Coffee Nearby
If you need a coffee fix, Tipsy Bean is a recommended spot nearby.
⏳ Visit Before August 2025
This beloved distillery is closing its doors permanently at the end of August 2025.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Eight Shires Distillery is a highly-regarded spot praised for its unique colonial-inspired spirits and cozy, historical atmosphere. Visitors love the friendly staff and the opportunity to taste spirits like the exceptional spiced rum. However, the news of its impending closure at the end of August 2025 is a significant drawback for future visits.
"Such a fun spot. Large outdoor seating area plus a few tables inside near the bar. We stopped in for a flight and stayed for a great conversation with one of the owners. Their recipes are colonial inspired and the flavors of the liquor are unique. After trying a free sample, my husband ordered a tasting flight and I ordered a cocktail flight. We left with a few small bottles to take home. Really nice that they offer a 200ml bottle for most of their liquors in addition to the traditional 750ml. We’ll be back the next time we’re in town."
Alicia Adams
"Best spiced rum, and their Whiskey and Bourbon are also outstanding. The gin is good, the pear brandy is the only thing to complain about. Not much taste. Can't say anything bad about them.
Update: unfortunately they are closing at the end of August 2025. After 11 years of visiting them."
Ray Irwin
"Loved the atmosphere, very cozy, friendly staff. Highly recommend this hidden gem. If you’re in the Williamsburg area, make sure to stop here. The spiced rum was perfection!"
Patricia Reed
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Eight Shires Distillery is located in Williamsburg, Virginia. While specific public transport details are scarce, it's best accessed by car. Many visitors mention it as a stop during their exploration of Williamsburg's colonial attractions.
Information on dedicated parking is limited, but visitors generally find it accessible by car. It's recommended to check for nearby public parking if driving directly to the location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There's no mention of advance ticket purchases being required. Visitors typically stop in for a tasting or a drink. It's advisable to confirm any entry fees or tasting costs directly with the distillery.
Eight Shires Distillery is closing at the end of August 2025. Specific operating hours can vary, so it's best to check their official channels or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
While there isn't a stated admission fee for entry, visitors often purchase tasting flights or individual drinks. Free samples are sometimes offered before purchasing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy tasting flights of their colonial-inspired spirits, including unique whiskeys, rums, and gins. They also offer cocktails and have a cozy atmosphere for relaxing and conversing with staff.
The atmosphere is described as mellow, cozy, and historical, with friendly staff. It's a great spot to learn about colonial distilling history and enjoy unique spirits.
Yes, visitors often mention receiving free samples before deciding on a tasting flight or purchasing bottles.
They produce six different spirits: white whiskey, gin, silver rum, gold rum, spiced rum, and bourbon. They are also known for their 1608 backwards-aged single malt whiskey.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The distillery primarily focuses on spirits and does not appear to offer a full food menu. However, they are located in Williamsburg, which has numerous dining options nearby.
Yes, Williamsburg offers a variety of dining experiences. Visitors often mention places like the Cheese Shop for a quick bite.
📸 📸 Photography
The historical and cozy atmosphere, along with the unique spirit bottles, can make for interesting photos. The outdoor seating area also offers a pleasant backdrop. +1
Capture the unique bottle designs, the replica distilling equipment, and the charming interior or outdoor seating areas for memorable shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a good idea to check if the distillery has any specific policies regarding minors. If visiting with children, consider it as a brief stop during a broader historical tour of Williamsburg, perhaps focusing on the educational aspects of colonial life and trade. The cozy atmosphere might also be appreciated for a short, calm break.
💰 Budget Travelers
Visitors also mention receiving free samples before committing to a purchase, which allows you to try before you buy and make informed decisions. This can help avoid spending money on a spirit you might not enjoy. Consider this a worthwhile stop for a unique tasting experience that offers value.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Taste of History: Colonial Spirits
Beyond the signature whiskey, the distillery offers a range of other spirits. These include a white whiskey, gin, silver rum, gold rum, spiced rum, and bourbon. Many visitors particularly praise the spiced rum, describing it as 'perfection.' The pear brandy is noted as having less distinct flavor, but overall, the unique colonial inspiration sets Eight Shires apart.
A Farewell Visit: Planning Before August 2025
Given the impending closure, it's wise to check their latest operating hours and any special events they might be hosting as a farewell. The community has expressed sadness about the closure, highlighting the distillery as a 'hidden gem' and a place with a 'very mellow and historical atmosphere.' This makes a final visit even more poignant for those who have enjoyed it over the years or for newcomers wanting to experience it before it's gone.
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