Stopped in EOD Distillery for a quick drink last evening on the way home, to try out Wilmington's newest and hottest spot in The Cargo District of Wilmington.
DRINKS: Bloody Mary with EOD vodka and the Hurricane Warning with EOD Rum. The Bloody Mary was served med-spicy with bacon, celery and a chilled shrimp. The vodka is crisp, refreshing and doesn't bite like most vodkas bought from a liquor store. The bloody mary mix was also very fresh and created a smooth finish. The rum has a taste of molasses & butterscotch (reminded me of a Werthers Original candy) and pleases the tastebuds with a 40% + alcohol content. Very smooth and clean spirits and cocktails. However, $28 (not including tip) for 2 cocktails is not for the faint of heart and I didn't necessarily need the bacon and shrimp with my Bloody Mary. I also could have used a little more ground pepper in the drink since the mix had more "heat" than "spice". EOD also has sample tastings available upon request and tours during special times. Clean and local spirits distilled wonderfully, but could offer up a better value for the drinks based on comparable drinks I've tasted for half of the price SCORE: 3.7 STARS!!
SERVICE: Sam did well with her mixology skills and presentation. She was very friendly and maintained a clean bar station. Thank you, Sam! SCORE: 5 STARS!!
OVERALL SCORE: The spirits served here are the best of the best and EOD takes great pride in their craftsmanship. However, unless you have deep pockets and are prepared to shell out more $$ for a few drinks, compared to having a decent dinner for 2 with lower-class cocktails included...you may not be drinking very long before you find your tab in triple digits, very quickly. ...
Read moreEnd of Days Distillery – Armageddon? Yes please.
As I approached End of Days Distillery, I had a moment of hesitation—maybe I was underdressed. I asked security, and they reassured me with a simple, “You’re good.” I took a breath, thanked them, and stepped inside.
Immediately, I knew I’d found something special. The place is effortlessly cool. Not pretentious, not overdone—just modern with a laid-back confidence that says, “We know who we are.” They offer a solid selection of spirits crafted in-house: whiskey, rum, vodka, and even tequila.
The interior? It felt like it belonged in a world I understand—adaptable, grounded, yet capable of transforming into the perfect venue for anything from a casual night out to a wedding reception. I genuinely admired how subtly they balance the ancient science of spirit-making with a modern, accessible vibe. They make it look easy—though anyone who’s tried knows it’s anything but.
Once I settled in at the bar, I started asking questions. What struck me most wasn’t just the answers—it was the way they answered. Just enough detail to spark curiosity, like a good first date that leaves you wanting more.
And yes—the drinks were excellent. I’ve had a few cocktails in my 38 years, and these were mixed with precision. I don’t drink often, but when I do, End of Days is now firmly on my shortlist. The atmosphere was right. The staff? Approachable, professional, and clearly skilled.
There’s a quiet mystique to the place, the kind that lingers even after the buzz fades. Maybe it’s too soon to say I love this place—but honestly? It has all the right ingredients, in just the right amounts. And really, isn’t...
Read moreWe arrived early for our tour reservations and were warmly greeted by Ali, who would be our guide for our visit. Ali invited us to grab water or order a cocktail from the bae. I opted for a Pear of Pearls which was a delightful concoction. Ali verbally overviewed the almost 5 year history of the distillery and their connection to the neighborhood. We then moved to the production area where the general production process for all liquors EOD produces was overviewed. Finally, the visit ended with a tasting of 10 different products, all of which are available for purchase at the onsite Mercantile, along with branded mugs, glassware, shirts, etc.
The tasting proved a wonderful opportunity to try different spirits and finishings. The bourbon is young like the business but hopefully with longer maturation windows as the distillery continues to operate will have a richer flavor. The gins were impressive and easier to drink than mainstream brands I’ve tried in the past. The canned cocktails require no prep (other than chilling) and are easy to drink. There are three varieties to suit different palates.
The tour and tasting were terrific experiences. I enjoyed learning about the history and product development and picking up a few bottles to expand my home bar. I highly recommend visiting if you are...
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