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Smooth Ambler Spirits

4.7
·133 reviews·Maxwelton, United States

Discover acclaimed bourbons and unique spirits at Smooth Ambler, a West Virginia distillery offering tours and tastings.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal attention

CrowdLow
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SAS at Sunset

Smooth Ambler Spirits

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal attention

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover acclaimed bourbons and unique spirits at Smooth Ambler, a West Virginia distillery offering tours and tastings.

4.7
(133 reviews)

"We were truly taken with the service and attention to detail - despite the room being very crowded!"

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TIP

🎯 Book Tastings Ahead

Tours and tastings can fill up, especially on weekends. Book online to guarantee your spot!

🥃 Try the New Wheat Whiskey

Whiskey fans rave about their new wheat expression – it's 'off the charts'!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Smooth Ambler Distillery Tour

Smooth Ambler Distillery Tour

Lewisburg, WV

Discover the art of distilling with an informative tour and tasting. Learn about their process and sample their acclaimed spirits.

Old Scout Bourbon

Old Scout Bourbon

Distillery Tasting Room

A highly-rated bourbon known for its complex flavors. A must-try for any whiskey enthusiast visiting the distillery.

Contradiction Bourbon

Contradiction Bourbon

Distillery Tasting Room

Experience this unique blend that offers a delightful contrast of flavors. A signature offering from Smooth Ambler.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tasting in Advance

While walk-ins are sometimes possible, booking a tasting or tour at Smooth Ambler Spirits is highly recommended, especially on weekends. This ensures you secure a spot and avoid disappointment. Check their website for available slots and consider their guided tours for a deeper dive into the distilling process.

Explore the Range of Spirits

Smooth Ambler offers a diverse portfolio beyond just bourbon. While their Old Scout Bourbon and Contradiction Bourbon are popular, don't miss their other expressions like gin or their newer wheat whiskey. Many visitors are surprised by the variety and quality of their offerings.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday mornings
Why
Lively atmosphere, but book ahead
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

50 states 50 whiskies

🎯 Book Tastings Ahead

Tours and tastings can fill up, especially on weekends. Book online to guarantee your spot! Reddit

🥃 Try the New Wheat Whiskey

Whiskey fans rave about their new wheat expression – it's 'off the charts'! Reddit

🎁 Great Gifts & Merch

Find well-curated gifts and merchandise, perfect for souvenirs or whiskey lovers. Reddit

🚗 Scenic Route Stop

Located on a scenic route, it's a perfect spontaneous stop for a tasting and education. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tastings Ahead

Tours and tastings can fill up, especially on weekends. Book online to guarantee your spot! Reddit

🥃 Try the New Wheat Whiskey

Whiskey fans rave about their new wheat expression – it's 'off the charts'! Reddit

🎁 Great Gifts & Merch

Find well-curated gifts and merchandise, perfect for souvenirs or whiskey lovers. Reddit

🚗 Scenic Route Stop

Located on a scenic route, it's a perfect spontaneous stop for a tasting and education. Reddit

💡 Learn About Bourbon

Even if you're new to bourbon, the staff provide great education and make it exciting. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(133 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Smooth Ambler Spirits for its impressive range of high-quality spirits, particularly its bourbons like Old Scout and Contradiction. The distillery offers an informative and enjoyable tasting experience with friendly, knowledgeable staff. While some wish for smaller bottle sizes, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many planning return visits.

"We visited the distillery for the first time today, and were so impressed! This was not our first rodeo when it comes to bourbon tasting, so we had a basic idea of what to expect. We did not expect such a cool souvenir guide book. We did not expect so many varieties to taste. And we were truly taken with the service and attention to detail - despite the room being very crowded when we first arrived! We’re already planning our return trip!"

LeighAnn Ellis

"Informative tour and tasting, including a couple distillery exclusives! Well-curated selection of high quality gifts and merchandise. A must-visit if you’re in Lewisburg!"

Ben Mills

"We stopped by the Visitors center in Lewisburg and they gave us a map and it had this distillery on it so we stopped as it was on our scenic route.

I am so glad we did. We had such a great taste testing with some great education about Bourbon. We really never drank Bourbon before, so learning about it was really exciting.

The staff were so friendly and we really enjoyed the products. I wish they had smaller bottles because we’re not big drinkers, so a big bottle would go to waste. So while we did not buy Bourbon today, we did get a tee shirt to proudly wear back home in NC.

We’ll stop by again if we’re back in this area. Thanks for the amazing time 🥃"

Robin F

What People Like

Excellent bourbon selection
Knowledgeable and friendly staff
Informative distillery tours

What People Dislike

Wish for smaller bottle sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Smooth Ambler Spirits is located in Lewisburg, West Virginia. Many visitors find it convenient to stop by when traveling along scenic routes in the area. It's recommended to use GPS for precise directions, as it's a bit off the main highways but well worth the detour for its acclaimed spirits. Reddit

Public transportation options are limited in the Lewisburg area. It is best to plan your visit with a personal vehicle or a rideshare service if available. The distillery is a destination in itself, often visited as part of a road trip. Reddit

Visitors often describe the drive to Smooth Ambler as part of a scenic route. Ensure your navigation is set correctly, and be prepared for potentially winding country roads. The journey itself can be quite pleasant, leading to a rewarding destination. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, it's highly recommended to book tickets for tours and tastings in advance, especially for weekend visits, as they can fill up quickly. Check their official website for availability and booking options. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Smooth Ambler Spirits website for the most up-to-date information on their tasting room and tour schedules. They are typically open on weekdays and Saturdays. Reddit

Tasting fees can vary depending on the package or tour selected. Many visitors mention enjoying a free tasting as part of their visit, but it's always wise to confirm current pricing on their website. Reddit

Absolutely! You can purchase bottles of their various spirits directly at the distillery. This is a great opportunity to take home your favorites, though some visitors wish for smaller bottle sizes if they aren't big drinkers. Reddit

Yes, as with all distilleries and alcohol tastings, you must be of legal drinking age (21 years or older in the US) to participate in tastings. Please bring a valid ID. Reddit

🎫 🥃 Onsite Experience

Smooth Ambler offers informative tours that guide you through their distilling process. Visitors often praise the educational aspect and the opportunity to learn about bourbon production firsthand. Reddit

You can taste a wide range of Smooth Ambler's spirits, including their popular Old Scout Bourbon, Contradiction Bourbon, and newer expressions like their wheat whiskey. They often have distillery exclusives available for tasting and purchase. Reddit

The distillery can get crowded, especially during peak times like Saturday afternoons. Visiting on a weekday afternoon can offer a more relaxed experience with less crowds. Reddit

The atmosphere is generally described as friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable. Staff are passionate about their products and eager to share their expertise, making for a great visitor experience. Reddit

Yes, Smooth Ambler often features distillery exclusives and special releases, particularly within their Founders Cask Strength series. These are unique opportunities to try something not widely available. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Currently, Smooth Ambler Spirits primarily focuses on distillery tours and tastings. While they may offer some small snacks, it's advisable to plan for meals before or after your visit in the nearby town of Lewisburg. Reddit

Yes, the nearby town of Lewisburg offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants. It's a charming town with plenty to explore after your distillery visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The distillery grounds offer picturesque views, especially the exterior of the buildings and the surrounding West Virginia landscape. The tasting room itself, with its bottles and merchandise, also makes for great shots. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed in most public areas of the distillery. However, it's always a good idea to ask your tour guide if there are any specific areas where photos are restricted for safety or operational reasons. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Smooth Ambler Spirits is a distillery and tastings are for adults 21+, families can still enjoy a visit. The scenic location and the impressive distillery grounds can be interesting for children to see from the outside. The gift shop also offers merchandise that might appeal to all ages. It's best to check if the tour itself is suitable for younger visitors or if there are specific areas they can explore while adults participate in tastings. Reddit

Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekday afternoons, to make the experience more comfortable for everyone. Lewisburg itself is a charming town with other attractions that families might enjoy, making Smooth Ambler a potential stop on a broader family outing in the area. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Smooth Ambler offers a fantastic value, especially with their highly-praised tastings. While there might be a fee for tours or specific tasting experiences, many visitors report enjoying a free tasting, making it an accessible way to sample their acclaimed spirits. Reddit

Focusing on the tasting experience rather than a full tour can be a more budget-friendly option. You can also purchase smaller bottles if available, or simply enjoy the educational aspect of learning about bourbon without a large purchase. The overall experience is often described as impressive and worthwhile, even for those on a tighter budget. Reddit

🥃 Whiskey Connoisseurs

For true whiskey aficionados, Smooth Ambler Spirits is a must-visit destination. Their Old Scout Bourbon line, including single barrel and cask strength options, is highly regarded for its depth and complexity. The Contradiction Bourbon showcases their blending prowess, offering a unique profile that stands out in the market. Reddit

Don't miss the opportunity to try their Founders Cask Strength Series and any distillery-exclusive releases, which are often sought after. The knowledgeable staff can provide detailed insights into the production and aging processes, enriching the tasting experience. Many connoisseurs consider Smooth Ambler a top-tier distillery worth traveling for. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Smooth Ambler's Signature Spirits

Smooth Ambler Spirits has carved out a significant niche in the craft spirits market, particularly with its Old Scout Bourbon and Contradiction Bourbon. The Old Scout Bourbon line is celebrated for its quality and distinct flavor profiles, often sourced and bottled with care. Visitors frequently praise its complexity and smooth finish, making it a standout choice for bourbon aficionados. Reddit

The Contradiction Bourbon offers a different experience, showcasing the distillery's blending expertise. It's a testament to their commitment to creating unique and memorable spirits. Beyond these flagship offerings, Smooth Ambler also produces other acclaimed products, including their Founders Cask Strength Series and a well-regarded gin. Their newer wheat whiskey has also garnered significant positive attention from enthusiasts. Reddit

When visiting the distillery, tasting these different expressions is a highlight. The staff are knowledgeable and can guide you through the nuances of each spirit, helping you discover new favorites. The opportunity to taste distillery exclusives adds another layer of appeal for those seeking rare finds. Reddit

The Distillery Experience

A visit to Smooth Ambler Spirits in Lewisburg, West Virginia, offers more than just a tasting; it's an immersive experience into the world of American distilling. The distillery itself is a point of interest, with visitors often impressed by the facilities and the scenic West Virginia setting. The guided tours are a significant draw, providing an in-depth look at the entire production process, from grain to bottle. Reddit

Guests frequently commend the staff for their friendliness, knowledge, and passion. They are eager to educate visitors, even those new to bourbon, making the experience accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The tasting room is well-curated, offering a wide selection of spirits to sample. Many visitors leave impressed by the variety and quality, often finding it difficult to choose just one bottle to take home. Reddit

Beyond the spirits, the distillery also offers a selection of high-quality gifts and merchandise. This makes it a great stop for souvenirs or gifts for the whiskey lover in your life. The overall sentiment from visitors is overwhelmingly positive, with many planning return trips to explore more of Smooth Ambler's offerings. Reddit

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