Planter’s punch is a classic Charleston cocktail, associated with the antebellum Planters Inn (although the rum-based drink likely originated in Jamaica). I love a good planter’s punch, but on my most recent visit to town, it was the surprising number of tea-based cocktails that caught my attention. Their increasing popularity is due in part to local distilleries crafting premium spirits that employ the ingredient. Interested to get to the source of the trend, I paid some distilleries a visit. Here are two I particularly recommend.

High Wire Distilling Co.

High Wire Distilling Co. was the first distillery to open in downtown Charleston after Prohibition. Husband-and-wife co-owners Scott Blackwell and Ann Marshall have drawn on their background in the baking business to create spectacular spirits using Southern-grown heirloom grain and fresh botanicals. The quality of their products has won them several James Beard nominations. Tours are offered Thursday through Saturday and explain the science behind milling, mashing, heating, fermenting and distilling. They conclude with a tasting of four High Wire spirits. The complex Southern Amaro — a slightly bitter black-tea-based variation with hints of citrus, mint and licorice — is delicious, but the spirit not to miss is the superb bourbon made with Jimmy Red corn. The tours cost $10 an are capped at 12 people, and tastings cost extra. They sell out quickly, so an advance reservation is advisable; private tours are also available. But if you can’t reserve (or don’t want) a tour, stop in for a cocktail or a whiskey flight.

High Wire Distilling Co.
311 Huger Street. Tel. (843) 755-4664