Crystal Ridge Distillery — Attraction in Hot Springs

Honest review:

We visited the Distillery in August for a tasting event and a tour for an event we are planning in 2026. We enjoyed the tasting, made several purchases as a result. The tour of the event space was useful and we decided that we wanted to host our event at this venue. We thought it would be a lovely backdrop for a special day.

Upon contacting the distillery's event planner for a contract shortly after returning home, they inquired about the name to put the contract under and the contact information. So we thought we had successfully made this selection and it would be secured. Then we heard nothing back. Expecting a contract for the date we discussed, several members of our group reached out to inquire about the missing contract to secure our date. Still, No reply.

As we have now lost a month in planning, we contacted the local wedding planner and once again the event services for the Distillery. We were then informed that our date was not available. This was NOT mentioned when we scheduled the tour of the event space, provided the date of the event, met with the distillery's event coordinator, when we returned the next day for an additional look before heading back home, nor when requested the contract.

I am most disappointed that this conflict was not IMMEDIATELY mentioned so we could move on, that we were ghosted for several weeks without any idea that our contract was not being prepared/sent, and we could not get someone to return our emails or calls until we left a message that we were calling to pay the deposit on a booking. Weeks of no reply but we got a return call the same day when we left the message that we were inquiring about a booking and paying the deposit.

This is extremely inconsiderate to anyone who is trying to remotely plan an event there. We wasted our time looking at this facility and would have appreciated better, more timely, communication.

Mgt claims that they did not even "deal with me" - a person who was AT the meeting, in the wedding group taking the facility tour, one who is contributing to the decision, and the one who already reserved/paid for the chapel, rehearsal dinner, and group lodging for the wedding party. This was not...

5 🌟 for our Tasting guide Dylane for being Awesome!!! Sorry if I misspelled your name. Now let me be a "Karen". Sad to say that today I was very disappointed in my experience. I recommend this place to all my guests that check in at work, not only that, but I have brought 5 family memebers to visit on their vacation plus purchased many products from there. Even was planning to use them as a venue for my wedding until today! Now the reason for the 1 🌟 is for the company as a whole. Today I brought more family members to do the tasting and used a BOGO tasting coupon for them. I then grabbed the free coupons that are provided by the store to use for myself. I was told I could not use the 10% because she did not know, but the computer took it. So we decided to pay separately so that the coupons could be applied properly. When my fiance went to use his she said he couldn't due to it was only for merchandise, although the pamphlet clearly stated OR TASTING. She seemed confusedand didn't quite know what was or wasn't allowed. I nicely asked if the lady was new or just trying her best to not apply any discounts to their guest. When we sat down to wait our turn I saw the owner Mary come down. After our Tasting we went to purchase merchandise and they took the coupons out! As we all work hard for our money it seemed like they cared to much to save $2 so only assume they do not need my money and chose to not purchase any merchandise and will now look for another venue for my wedding. Sadly, I will no longer recommend Crystal Ridge Distillery to my guest either. Lastly, it is unfortunate that the company has the employees share their tips, because you earn the tip YOU worked hard for... the other lady does not deserve one, but I absolutely feel as though Dylane did and I would've tipped him very well if I knew that jar...

A Must-Visit Distillery Surprise in Hot Springs!

My husband and I wanted to check out a local distillery while visiting Hot Springs — after all, how often do you get to try spirits made with actual spring water? I wasn’t quite sure what to expect… all I could picture was that harsh, burn-your-throat moonshine you see on TV.

Spoiler alert: NOT the case here!

They had a fantastic selection of flavored moonshines and sparkling vodka drinks that completely changed my mind about what moonshine could taste like.

We opted for a tasting flight (thankfully just small sips — I’m not a big drinker). Here’s what we tried: • 🍏 Apple Pie • 🥧 Pecan Pie • 🥓 Maple Bacon • 🍬 Butterscotch — this one tasted exactly like a Werther’s Original… unbelievably smooth!

We also sampled their sparkling vodkas: • 🍒 Black Cherry • 🍍 Piña Colada • 🍊 Orange • 🍓 Strawberry Mojito (ended up buying this to take home — dangerously good!)

And their signature cocktails: • 🍑 Peach Tea — mixed with sweet tea, watch out — it’s so tasty it could sneak up on you! • 🍍 Pineapple Haze • 🍓 Strawberry Haze

I couldn’t believe how smooth all the flavors were — even the moonshine. I came in expecting a burn and left wanting more. The peach tea in particular was a standout — one of the best cocktails I’ve had on this trip.

We had a prohibition punch (YUM) and I don’t like bourbon and a pineapple mojito (this was a little sweet for my liking - but it did taste good).

They also had some super catchy merch — definitely worth checking out. My only wish? That they served food, because we could’ve easily spent a whole afternoon there!

Another plus in my book - veteran! Grab a growler to fill up at the fountains!

If you’re visiting Hot Springs — add this distillery to your list. You...