News > High Wire Distilling Brings Spirits to Downtown

Downtown Charleston welcomed its first distillery last week and we, myself and fellow Art Magger Liz Bulwinkle, were lucky enough to join the inaugural tour. For the better part of the lunch hour, the passionate folks at High Wire Distilling educated our group on what goes into making spirits in the rustic and clean warehouse located on upper King.

Owner Scott Blackwell walked the group through the step-by-step process and explained the devices and machines that heat, chill, ferment, and distill. We learned about the variety of ingredients, how to arrive at the perfect (and legal) proof, what part you don’t want to drink (the head and tail), what you do (the heart), and the importance of barrel type in bringing out unique flavor.

Currently, the distillery makes vodka and rum so that was what was poured in the tasting room after our tour. Three shot glasses were placed in front of each of us (Hello Power Lunch!) — the first was their corn-based vodka, followed by silver rum and finally a light caramel-colored rum. My personal favorite was the light rum. It had a distinct taste attributed to the fact that it was stored in bourbon barrels, and I could still taste a hint of that bourbon flavor.

If you’re into labels, the presentation at High Wire will catch your eye. We loved the simple old school label finished off with a paper bag accent. Sadly, we had to return to work, but on my next trip, I’m going to grab a couple bottles to take home for mixing my favorite cocktail and then stop by Butcher & Bee next door to top off the afternoon.

Not a vodka or rum fan? That’s just the beginning for High Wire. Next up, they’re making gin, bourbon, and bitters. Tours run daily on the hour from 1 – 5 pm and cost $8 per person, including a tasting.

Cheers!
words and images: Christi Hardin