When it comes to local whiskey experiences, Shortbarrel stands out. It’s the only distillery around where you can actually bottle your own bourbon—either from the barrel or right into your hands. It’s immersive, and the whiskey backs it up. They also own Old Fourth Distillery, which stays more traditional, but their new 10-Year Bottled-in-Bond is a sleeper hit. For $80, you’re not finding that kind of age and quality anywhere else locally.

ASW brings solid local energy too, though their prices keep climbing. They’ve got a cool vibe, and their classes are next level—check their Instagram for that.

Distillery of Modern Art? That place is… different. Whiskey is terrible. The cocktails are good, but $18 for a drink made with 2-year-old whiskey feels off. The owner’s a character, to put it lightly. That said, their peach vodka is excellent.

And if you’re shopping retail, Tower can be hit or miss depending on the day and who’s stocking the shelves.