Painted Stave Distilling Tour & Tasting — Smyrna, Delaware

Discover the Painted Stave Distilling Tour & Tasting in Delaware

Located in Smyrna, Delaware, inside a beautifully restored historic movie theater, the Painted Stave Distilling Tour & Tasting offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at small-batch craft spirit production. This guided distillery tour introduces guests to fermentation, distillation, and aging processes used to produce vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey.

Visitors explore the working distillery floor, view copper stills, and learn how traditional methods and modern techniques combine to create award-winning spirits.

Why it’s special: Painted Stave Distilling operates inside a restored 1940s theater, creating a unique atmosphere where historic architecture meets contemporary craft distilling.

History & Story of Painted Stave Distilling

Painted Stave Distilling was founded by Mike Rasmussen and Mike Baker, who transformed a former movie theater in downtown Smyrna into Delaware’s first distillery located inside a historic cinema building. The founders envisioned a space where craft spirits and community gatherings could coexist.

Since opening in the mid-2010s, the distillery has become known for its handcrafted spirits and its creative tasting room setting that preserves the building’s original theater character.

What You’ll See & Do on the Painted Stave Distilling Tour & Tasting

• Walk through the distillery located inside the restored theater building
• View copper stills used for small-batch spirit production
• Learn about fermentation, distillation, and flavor development
• Discover how different spirits are aged and finished
• Explore the tasting room and retail space
• Participate in a guided tasting of select spirits (21+)

Hands-On Elements: Guided tasting of select Painted Stave spirits for guests 21+ with valid ID.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography permitted in most public areas of the distillery.

Souvenirs & Extras: Bottled spirits, cocktail accessories, and branded merchandise available for purchase.

Pricing of the Painted Stave Distilling Tour & Tasting

Adult price: $15 per adult

Includes guided tasting; reservations recommended.

Visiting information for Painted Stave Distilling Tour & Tasting

Duration: Approximately 45–60 minutes

Age limits: All ages welcome; tasting portion restricted to guests 21+

Accessibility: Tasting room accessible; some production areas may have limited accessibility

Working Hours: Wednesday–Thursday 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Friday 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Saturday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM; Monday–Tuesday Closed

Advance booking recommended for weekend tours.

Nearby attractions to Painted Stave Distilling Tour & Tasting

• Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
• Smyrna Historic District
• Big Oak Park

FAQs About Visiting the Painted Stave Distilling Tour & Tasting

Is the distillery really located in a former theater?
Yes. The facility occupies a restored 1940s movie theater in downtown Smyrna.

What spirits are produced at Painted Stave?
The distillery produces vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, and specialty craft spirits.

Does the tour include tastings?
Yes. Guests 21 and older can participate in a guided tasting.

Can I purchase bottles on-site?
Yes. Bottled spirits and branded merchandise are available in the tasting room.

How far is Smyrna from Dover?
Smyrna is approximately 15 minutes north of Dover by car.