Discover the Outer Banks Distilling Tour in North Carolina

Outer Banks Distilling is the first legal distillery on the Outer Banks, crafting award-winning Kill Devil Rum in the heart of historic downtown Manteo. Visitors can tour the working distillery, learn how rum is made from sugarcane molasses, and enjoy tastings or cocktails in the Wheel House Lounge overlooking Roanoke Sound.
Why it’s special: It combines coastal history, pirate lore, and modern craft distilling — all housed inside a restored historic building steps from the waterfront.

History/Story of Outer Banks Distilling

Founded by four friends with deep local roots, Outer Banks Distilling began with a mission to celebrate the area’s maritime past, when “kill-devil” rum was a notorious commodity. The distillery produces rum in small batches using traditional methods, aging spirits in oak barrels influenced by the Outer Banks’ coastal climate. The brand quickly became a regional favorite and expanded with the stylish Wheel House lounge and tasting room.

What You’ll See & Do

• Take a guided tour of the active distillery

• Learn how molasses is fermented, distilled, and transformed into Kill Devil Rum

• View copper stills, fermentation tanks, and barrel-aging storage

• Discover the island’s rum-running past and coastal influence on distilling

• Enjoy rum tastings (21+) featuring flagship, aged, and seasonal releases

• Relax in the Wheel House Lounge with cocktails, flights, or rum-based drinks

• Shop for bottles, merchandise, and Outer Banks-themed gifts

Visiting Information

Hands-On Elements

Visitors may smell fresh molasses wash, examine sugarcane ingredients, observe copper stills, and taste a variety of rum expressions. Staff provide interactive explanations of each step of production.

Photo/Video Policy

Photography is welcome in public areas and tasting spaces. Certain production zones may restrict flash or video for safety.

Souvenirs & Extras

• Kill Devil Rum bottles and limited-edition releases

• Distillery apparel, glassware, and branded gifts

• Cocktail flights and seasonal drinks in the Wheel House Lounge

• Stickers, hats, merchandise, and Outer Banks-inspired items

Practical Info

Tours must be booked in advance and typically run on select days. All tastings require guests to be 21+. Comfortable shoes are encouraged, as the tour includes standing and short walking routes. Most visits last 45–60 minutes, plus additional time if staying for drinks in the lounge.

Pricing

• Distillery Tour & Tasting: approx. $10–$15 per person

• Cocktails / Flights: priced individually

• Bottle purchases: standard and limited releases priced separately

Nearby

• Downtown Manteo waterfront

• Roanoke Island Festival Park

• The Lost Colony historic site

• Outer Banks beaches and coastal attractions

FAQs

Is the tour family-friendly?

Yes, minors may join the tour (no tasting). The distillery atmosphere is welcoming, but tastings are strictly for adults 21+.

Do tours include tastings?

Yes — most tours feature a tasting lineup of Kill Devil Rum expressions.

Is the Wheel House Lounge open without taking a tour?

Yes. Visitors may enjoy cocktails and purchase bottles even if they do not take a tour that day.

Can I buy bottles on-site?

Absolutely. Guests can purchase full-size bottles, special releases, and distillery exclusives.

How busy does it get in peak season?

Summer months and weekends fill up quickly. Booking ahead is strongly recommended.