When it's over 100 degrees outside and you're exploring St. Michaels on foot, air conditioning becomes an attraction. While wandering around town during my Fourth of July weekend solo adventure, I decided to duck into the LYON RUM Distillery & Golden Hour Rum Room to escape the heat for a bit. I'd heard good things, figured a little rum tasting sounded like a perfectly reasonable vacation activity and, let's be honest, rum and vacation seem to go together. I stopped in on a Friday afternoon and found a handful of people already inside chatting, tasting rum and enjoying the space. One of the first things I noticed had nothing to do with the rum itself. It was the tasting room. I've visited a few tasting rooms over the years, but this one had so much personality. The décor was warm, colorful and thoughtfully put together. It felt inviting without trying too hard, and I immediately found myself looking around almost as much as I was looking at the bottles. It wasn't just a place to sample rum. It felt like a place you'd genuinely want to spend some time. The woman behind the tasting counter couldn't have been friendlier. She explained that I was welcome to sample any of the complimentary tasting offerings. Since I'm definitely not a liquor expert, I decided to keep things simple and chose the coconut and pineapple rums. The coconut was an immediate winner for me. It was incredibly smooth with just the right tropical flavor. Honestly, I could picture myself putting a bottle in the refrigerator on a hot summer day and pouring a little into a glass while sitting outside watching the sunset. As I said...dangerous. The pineapple rum was good too, but the pineapple means business! It lets you know immediately that you're drinking rum. As someone who doesn't drink much liquor, it packed a little more punch than I personally enjoy. I can absolutely see why someone who loves both rum and pineapple would gravitate toward it, but for me the coconut was the clear favorite. There were plenty of other varieties available to sample, but I knew my limits and decided two tastings were the perfect amount for me. Instead, I spent a few more minutes browsing the shop and taking everything in. I was pleasantly surprised by the prices, especially considering the rum is handcrafted in small batches right there in St. Michaels. I also love supporting businesses that are proud of where they are, and LYON RUM clearly embraces its Eastern Shore roots. You can feel that throughout the entire experience. PRO TIP: Even if you aren't a big liquor drinker, stop in anyway. The complimentary tastings are a fun way to try something new, the tasting room is beautiful and if you're visiting during one of Maryland's summer heat waves...the air conditioning alone is worth the stop! If you're spending time in St. Michaels, I'd absolutely recommend adding LYON RUM to your itinerary. Come for the rum, stay for the atmosphere and don't be surprised if you leave wishing you'd bought a bottle of the coconut rum! read more

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I have been a longtime fan of Lyon Rum, but unfortunately, that's no longer the case. I recently visited the Golden Hour Rum Room and was extremely disappointed by the lack of hospitality. It was over 100 degrees outside, and there was an extreme heat warning in effect. When I walked in, I realized the Rum Room was operating by reservation only that day, which I completely understood. However, because of the dangerous heat, I simply asked for a glass of water. The hostess refused to provide one. I would have happily paid for bottled water or any available option, but the complete unwillingness to offer even a glass of water during extreme heat was disappointing and showed a lack of basic customer care. Based on this experience alone, I would give zero stars if I could. It's unfortunate because I had been a loyal supporter of Lyon Rum for years, but this experience has completely changed my opinion. read more

I loved this Lyon Rum/Gray Wolf shop. It's very cute and homey and it feels like a boutique. The staff was so friendly. You can sample the spirits, but when we visited, full tastings and cocktails were not yet offered, though they are working on a tasting room/bar. We loved what we tried and I especially enjoyed the coffee rum. The whiskey was also nice. You can request a tour in advance, if you like. I highly recommend visiting when in the area and I'm looking forward to returning. read more

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Just went to their new cocktail room "The Golden Hour" and was very impressed! The decor and ambiance was colorful and fun. The staff was so friendly and the drinks were delicious, our favorites were the Golden Hour Daiquiri & the espresso RUMtini. Definitely a place to check out for a date night or small group outing! read more

LYON RUM // Windon Distilling - The espresso RUMtini - Distilleries Near Me - St. Michaels, Maryland

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Their flavored rums are outstanding. The bar I work for has a dedicated cocktail menu for Lyon Rum.

The owner is extremely passionate about what he does, and he makes a great product, too. We brought some home to Califonia with us and are EXTREMELY sad we cant restock our shelves with Lyon products. We had the rum, which was flavorful, had some kick, but very smooth and delicious at the same time. Doesnt get much better! If you can, get a tasting and just chat with the owner... one of the best alcohol tasting sessions I've been to. read more

LYON RUM // Windon Distilling - The logo! - Distilleries Near Me - St. Michaels, Maryland

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Very awesome micro distillery. Definitely recommend stopping in to check out these locally made spirits. read more

LYON RUM // Windon Distilling - Tasting rums. Family day trip. - Distilleries Near Me - St. Michaels, Maryland

The only vodka I'm willing to drink straight is made here by Gray Wolf. The Lyon rum products are top-notch, and though it is a small facility, excellent and instructive tour. Not easily handicap accessible, but they do have restrooms, street parking fairly easy. read more

Decided to do a day trip to the Eastern shore and ended up at Lyon Distilling Company. This is a great little place to sample the rum and other yummy spirits that are made here. Walked in and started to talk to the wonderful and enthusiastic guy who worked there. He asked what my drinking preference is. I didn't have the heart to say wimp or light weight and muttered something about being a mixed drinks kind of girl. I was first poured a sample of the Lone vodka that is made by a husband-wife team called Gray Wolf. It was quite delightful. I tried a few rums, their curaçao, some flavored rums and a dark and stormy made with Lyon's own ginger beer. I ended up loving the coconut rum (tasted like toasted coconut) and the curaçao and decided to bring them home with me along with the vodka and some syrups. They also have tours too but I missed one by a few minutes and didn't want to wait 90 minutes. I do recommend get your cup of water ready if you was a wimp like me. Also parking is a little tricky because it is on a side street and St Michaels was crowded. read more

My wife and I had been trying to make our way down to St. Michaels for some time now and we're glad we finally made it! Lyon Distilling not only is run by two of the happiest people you'll ever meet but they make a really great product. We went to the distillery with another couple, had our tasting and then took the tour of where the magic happens. It was our first time doing a tasting / tour like this and was clear to us that Ben and Jamie really know their stuff. They answered every question we threw at them and they really revel in their boozy corner of St. Michaels. Go and check them out. You won't regret it! Ps...I had full intentions of just buying one bottle when we walked in the door. ..I walked out with 3 and now I'm hoping they can ship to NJ! read more

LYON RUM // Windon Distilling - Smiles are much bigger after a drink and a tour! - Distilleries Near Me - St. Michaels, Maryland

Such an amazing place!!! Must stop here!!! Make sure to meet up with Sarah....she is so knowledgeable about the tastings and so incredibly friendly and welcoming!! read more

LYON RUM // Windon Distilling - Distilleries Near Me - St. Michaels, Maryland

I had such a wonderful experience here. The owner told us her story and was super adamant about us having a wonderful time! Their rum is very good and their curaçao is highly recommended! read more

Next stop, Lyons Distilling Company. Man do they make some killer rum and whiskey, don't miss out! But the Vodka, which is new, the vodka blew me away! I'm all about whiskeys and rum, hence the visit, but this vodka was made for sipping and enjoying with a fantastic flavor! I'm sold for life! Amazing, owners and Distillers, Jamie, Meghan and RB were fun and super knowledgeable! Will be sure to visit every time we're back visiting Mark and Sandy! read more

LYON RUM // Windon Distilling - Dark Rum Trio! - Distilleries Near Me - St. Michaels, Maryland

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Have to stop place in St. Michaels. It is in a really cool part of town with a lot of shops that sale repurposed items. The distillery have free tastings every day and free tours on Saturday. Check in on yelp and show them and they will give you a free glass! We tried all their rum and loved t. $33 dollars to take one home or as a gift for someone. They come in really cool bottles as well. Unfortunately we didn't get to take a tour, but plan to go back for one next time! read more

I've always been a seasonal drinker. Come a crisp October evening the idea of a smoky Scotch or Bourbon just seems right. Then come that first touch of spring in late April... dark rum and tonic with lime. Visiting the Booze Factory and spending an incredibly educational hour with Jaime and Jessie may have shaken that up a bit. Nothing wrong with whiskeys. But Lyon Distillery has some rums with enough character to be just what you want straight up or maybe a little ice after raking leaves, walking the neighborhood with ssme leaves falling about (damn, got hit by a falling acorn!) Or later shoveling snow then sitting in front of a fire. Dont think rum is just a summer drink anymore. Thanks ladies. Though winder what mom would have thought about me being taught about rum by two personable, smart blondes... maybe wint tell her and just get her a drink! read more

The lady working the Oyster fest was rude and self absorbed, she totally would ignore people Right In Front of her unless she knew them. We love going to the distilling company and buying gifts for Christmas. Don't think it's worth it when customer service is so poor. read more

Amazing rum, lovely little shop. Can't wait for the tasting room....and later hours, 4 or 5 pm is too early to drink!

Dog-friendly! We just stopped in at the tasting room. There was whiskey, gin, and vodka on offer, but we just tried out the various rums. The Sailor's Reserve, which is aged in whiskey barrels, was a big favorite for me. The flavored rums, especially the curacao, were also great. I'm not regularly a rum drinker (thanks for that, Malibu), but this showed me a side of the spirit that I haven't really explored before. Picked up a bottle of the Sailor's to take away! read more

Fantastic products! Especially their coffee rum, coconut rum, and curaçao rum. You must come for a tour and check out their shop. Really cool stuff. Can't wait to come back again! read more

These people are awesome! Had a conversation with the barkeep owner about how we both love yelp while Jamie and I sampled their coffee Rum and vodka...coffee rum was yum! Checked in and got a free etched rocks glass. The owner was talkative, cordial and very knowledgeable about spirits. I'm looking online now to see the store that can deliver to my State of Delaware that her and I discussed! The tasting room reminded me of a wild Wild West saloon....very cool. When I go back I'm buying a shirt. I'm not an expert on materials, but those shirts were so soft. Just a good place, better people, and great booze! Three wins in the same day....that doesn't come often! read more

LYON RUM // Windon Distilling - Yes, they are prepared in case of a zombie apocalypse! - Distilleries Near Me - St. Michaels, Maryland

omg - Welcome to St Michaels! Sarah and Jamie welcomed us with warm smiles and enthusiastic charm. Last tasting of the day and they were thrilled to see us - shared their story and their amazing rum - heading back for the tour tomorrow. read more

[Party of 9] Had a great time sampling some really fine spirits (no pun). They had 5 tasting stations open since it was a very busy Saturday in town. Our party actually took up two of the stations. We were unable to do the tour though as it had just started and our time was limited. The samples were small, but plentiful. I really enjoyed their variety of Rum's that were available. I was very neutral on their new Vodka that just got released (get it, its a neutral spirit)...anyway, you really shouldn't take a Yelp review as your guide to your purchase, everyone's taste buds are different. Our party bought about 3 full size bottles and several of the small ones..oh and one cap. We will definitely be back, and if your in the area try it out...you will find something there that you like. read more

First of all, my standards for rum are low. So, when I tasted free samples of Lyon Distilling Company's standard rum and their seasonal, the fact that I didn't feel the urge to gag had me sold! (This isn't to undersell them, but my own tasting ability. It was good rum, and the seasonal mix was very interesting, and quite sweet). Lyon Distilling Company is a new, small operation that sells only from their small warehouse-like shop on the main drag in St. Michaels. They're open for free tasting all day (Fri-Sun I believe), and have a handful of tours on Saturdays (their Facebook says 1,2, and 5 PM). We lucked out in arriving just a few minutes before one of these tours - the owner took us in the back and showed us the full process he uses to make and bottle his rum. We saw all the equipment currently in use, had all our questions answered, and even got to try the mix that was currently fermenting (not tasty). Was a very educational lesson from a very cool establishment - literally, it's just one guy (Ben Lyon) who decided he would move to this random location in St. Michael's and start making his own spirits. Funny guy, too. Prices are not cheap, per se, but they are reasonable. (Both bottles are in the $30s) - and the bottling itself is very cool, with each signed by the owner (who made sure I got a "good signature." If you're spending the day in town, the distillery, which is coincidentally positioned literally 50 feet from a winery and a brewery, is a must-visit. read more

What a hidden gem in St Michaels! A must do for anyone visiting for the weekend. The staff was welcoming, warm, and will have you sampling some wonderful spirits within seconds of walking through the door. After a terrific tasting and friendly education by the distillery staff, we were offered a FREE tour by the owner (Jamie). RB gave us a wonderful tour from beginning to end of the distillery process. And educated us on how Lyon distillery supports local and other small businesses as part of its production process. We walked away with the best craft rum and vodka you will ever find! Well done Lyon's staff! Gary & Amy read more

This is a must visit when you are in the area. I surprised my BF with a tasting and tour. It was amazing. The brew master lead us through each specialty rum he had plus one whiskey. The tour was super informative and allowed us to get up close and personal with the process. They were also so open to answering all of our questions about the process. They even have Rum Babies for you to take home, which are like rum minis. What an awesome name. It was a great first stop, as we hit the winery and the brewery afterwards. The are all in walking distance. So you can park in the parking lot behind Gina's and make your way around. Perfect spot for this and it so close to other places. The rum is definitely craft batch so be ready for the unique taste. This isn't mass produced, so it doesn't taste over worked like Captain Morgan's. Each rum has it's own special flavor and kick. We loved the Caramel tasting rum. I think it's the dark rum, specifically. read more

This place is tucked away behind Saint Michaels Winery. Run, don't walk to this awesome place! I'm not sure what we were expecting when we arrived. It's basically a large store / tasting room with awesome logos and industrial decor. The distillery is co-owned by Jamie and her business partner Ben Lyon. Jamie was giving another couple some samples when we arrived but she greeted us warmly immediately. Lyon makes mostly rums -- a white, a dark, and a "beersky" which was once a Hefeweizen but is now older, wiser, and closer to a whiskey! They have many other varieties too - a coffee rum, a curaçao rum, and I think 2 or 3 "overproofs" which are bottled at a little over 60% alcohol. They also sell LONE vodka, which I think is made elsewhere in Maryland, and a ginger beer concentrate bottled by their friends. Jamie and Ben will give you small tastings of as many liquors as you want!! In addition to selling their liquors, which are gorgeously bottled, they also sell a bunch of other swag like T-shirts and the like. There are separate restrooms for Ladies and Gents in the back, very clean and the ladies room was decorated with images of liquor prescriptions written during Prohibition, pretty cool! I'm not sure if they do tours of the distillery or not. We left with a bottle of the spiced rum and the ginger beer concentrate. Everything was well priced - I think a bottle of liquor ran between $30-60. I wish I had bought more to give as gifts!! read more

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Exceptional spirits and incredible distillers-- highly recommend for a visit and to purchase.

I'm a Whiskey/Bourbon man but found a rum they produced I really like. in summary, Rum Very Good, Bottles are Cool, sort of Vintage Style, Barmaid/Hostess Gorgeous and Knowledgeable . read more

Almost didn't stop and so glad we did! Great little spot, we are more beer people, but the rum tasting was so good, we had to buy some! We were immediately offered a free tasting of some of their best by their knowledgable and friendly staff. Everything was outstanding. Also, the smell of distilling rum is intoxicating!!! read more

So we usually go over to the Winery and we occasionally stop in here. Usually when we know we are throwing a pretty big party. In this case, we stopped to see if we can add any more good stuff to our wedding liquor stash. We tasted pretty much everything there and decided to pick up some Corn Whiskey. And yes...this is legit moonshine and the kind of moonshine that won't give you a hang over. We also learned about bitters and how they are used in mixed drinks. In fact they are not actually bitter tasting. Of course they had a few recipe cards and all the stuff you need to mix up a good drink. Next time...we might actually invest in some bitters and fun mixers for our next party. read more

Great customer service. Lots of tasty samples. Make sure to try the coffee run and curaçao.

Great Rum and the Best staff. Go for the Dark Rum - The Best! Not far from main shopping area.

Dear lord, can you be in love with a liquor!?!? If so, then mission accomplished! You will fall in love with the location, the hosts and, more than anything, the spirits at Lyon Distillery! If you're heading to the Eastern Shore, the Lyon Distillery is an absolute must-visit. Not only are the products simply delicious, but the visit is eye-opening when you take a tour, sit down to a tasting and talk shop with owners. If you are lucky enough to pop in when Ben or Jaime is there, get ready for a treat. You can tour the location, see the process in action, learn about the history of distilling, explore the traditions that have been passed down through generations of distillers. This is truly an educational and exceptionally fun place visit. And, yes, the souvenirs will make you wildly popular! :) read more

A MUST visit if you are heading to St. Michaels.. even if your not heading there.. GO! The rum is tasty and learning about the process is very cool! The owners are so passionate about their business that you can't help but buy 1 or 10 bottles of RUM. We will be back! read more

Not a huge fan of liquors but my husband liked it. The experience was great and welcoming even though they were very busy. I didn't feel rushed at all. Their mixers were so yummy though, I did try those! Great for mixing with alcohol and for marinating food! read more

Just went on the tour and let me tell you about the passion these people have for their spirts and for good reason. From the tasting their rums to the detailed tour walking through the step by step process of making a spirt. Glad I got to stop in and it made me a long time customer!! read more

Let me start by being positive. This Rum is very good. And they were generous with their pours. The space was pretty cool. Not too cluttered and so on. I see here on yelp that other people got a tour of the distillery. I am sure my family would have enjoyed it as well if it had been offered to us. I got a weird vibe from the guy that was there (the owner I believe). As though he may have been looking down on us for some reason. We certainly did not give him one, neither through presentation or behavior. But perhaps I just misread him. It just turned me off a bit. We did end up buying a bottle of rum, just because it is such a tasty product. And in spite of my interpretations of the owners behavior, I would definitely return again as everyone has a bad day. read more

You have to love a local place like this offering free tastings and good conversation. Yet another great find in St Michaels. Their rum is fantastic! A little pricey but worth supporting local business who support their town. Love this place! read more

Don't let the yellow fence and no parking sign fool you. We pulled in and parked right out front and they told us that it was no problem. Make sure you head across the lot to check out the wood shop, they have some awesome stuff in there as well. "BUZZ FOR BOOZE" as the sign indicates and booze you shall receive. Complementary samples of all of their spirits and they were all pretty damn good. The woman who was helping us out was really knowledgeable and friendly, ended up picking myself up a bottle of sailors reserve $45.00. They offer tours on Saturdays so I would definitely like to come back on a weekend to get a tour. read more

Lyon Distilling is a must stop if you are in the St Michael's area. The staff is very friendly and the spirits are delicious.