Visit Taylor, Mississippi: Where Unique Distilling Meets Southern Flavor

Wonderbird Distillery interior
Photography for Wonderbird Distillery by Houston Cofield

Taylor, Mississippi, a short jaunt from downtown Oxford is home to Wonderbird Spirits, a remarkable distillery where owners are crafting award-winning gin in the “grain-to-glass” style.

There are only three gin-makers in the world using rice as their base and the other two are in Japan. Wonderbird uses rice from the Mississippi Delta and infuses their blends with botanicals, including red clover and loblolly pine from right on their property. Be sure to plan a tour and a tasting.

Pouring Wonderbird Gin

While in Taylor, check out the food scene. If you are up for a short drive, head out of town to nearby Taylor Grocery for their famous catfish, steaks, fried oysters, and shrimp. “It’s brown-bag BYOB, and there’s often a wait, but the parking lot tailgating scene is all part of the experience, says Thomas Alexander, founder of Wonderbird Spirits. The Ro-Tel Cheese Fries are a late-night favorite. Elegantly riffing on Southern classics is what the owners of GRIT (also in Taylor) do best. Think Smoky Panko-Fried Spareribs and Gulf Shrimp and Peas served with a johnnycake. Save room for the Affogato e Cannoli.

Explore the charm of nearby Oxford, Mississippi, this fall with our guide to the best places to explore, dine, and relax. Discover local attractions, culinary delights, and hidden gems that make this town a perfect getaway. Read more about your next adventure here.

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