Hilton Head Distillery wins six medals at Bartender Spirits Awards

Hilton Head Distillery picked up six medals at the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards, including a gold for its E.S.D. Extra Special Dark Rum. The win comes as the Hilton Head Island distillery heads toward its 10th anniversary this September and seeks to build momentum for its rum lineup.

Why it matters: - Hilton Head Distillery’s sweep across six rum expressions gives the Hilton Head Island producer added credibility in a competition judged by bartenders, beverage directors and hospitality professionals. - The medals could help the distillery strengthen its brand as it approaches its 10th anniversary and looks to grow recognition beyond its home market.

What happened: - Hilton Head Distillery earned six medals at the 2026 Bartender Spirits Awards. - The awards included one gold, four silver and one bronze. - The distillery’s Gold Medal went to E.S.D. Extra Special Dark Rum, which scored 95 points. - Silver medals went to Espresso Roast Rum and Platinum Rum, both scoring 88 points, Toasted Coconut Rum at 86 points and Spiced Rum at 85 points. - Bananas Foster Rum earned a Bronze Medal with 83 points. - The awards were announced as Hilton Head Distillery prepared to celebrate its 10th anniversary in September.

The details: - The Bartender Spirits Awards are judged by people who work with spirits every day. - Entries are evaluated on aroma, flavor, balance, mixability, versatility, value, packaging and overall quality. - Hilton Head Distillery said the results reflect the range of its rum lineup, from dark and platinum rums to flavored expressions. - Master Distiller Cody Chinn and Assistant Distiller Will Celi spent the past year refining recipes, strengthening production methods and improving consistency across the rum portfolio. - Chinn said all entries medaled and said the distillery plans to enter again next year, along with the ACSA competition and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. - Hilton Head Distillery opened in 2016 as Hilton Head Island’s first and only distillery. - The distillery says it has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors since opening.

Between the lines: - The medal haul suggests Hilton Head Distillery is competing not just on flavor, but on the broader traits bartenders look for in back-bar spirits. - The focus on consistency and production improvements points to a push to scale quality as the distillery widens its profile. - The timing matters: a strong awards showing ahead of a milestone anniversary can help sharpen consumer interest and trade credibility at the same time.

What’s next: - Hilton Head Distillery will celebrate its 10-year anniversary this September. - The distillery plans to return to the Bartender Spirits Awards next year. - The company also intends to enter the ACSA competition and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. - Visitors can sample the award-winning spirits on guided tours and tastings offered Monday through Saturday at 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. - Hilton Head Distillery also offers weekly cocktail classes every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. - Tours, tastings and cocktail classes can be booked through the distillery’s experiences page. - Private events are available through Hilton Head Distillery’s private events page. - Award-winning spirits are sold at the distillery at 14 Cardinal Road, Hilton Head Island, SC, Monday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and online at the distillery’s shop.