The top-rated moonshine distilleries you can visit in North Carolina
The days are starting to get longer and winter is finally on its way out. Soon enough, summer will be here and what’s more North Carolina than summer nights spent with locally made hooch? North Carolinians will be on the hunt for a fun yet uncommon way to stay cool as the days get warmer.
The crafting and distribution of the highly controversial liquor known as “moonshine” is deeply ingrained in the history of the Carolinas. Although moonshine is considerably difficult to come across these days (thanks in part to the laws that prohibit the production of it), there are still plenty of options for those who are intrigued by the grain-to-glass process of producing high-quality spirits.
If that sounds like you, consider visiting one of these top-rated distilleries in North Carolina in our list:
Blue Ridge Distilling Co.
Location: 228 Redbud Lane, Bostic, NC 28018
Neighborhood: Bostic
What to know: Defiant (Blue Ridge Distilling Co.) uses four ingredients in the manufacturing of its whiskey: American white oak, cultured yeast, two-row brewer’s barley and pure water. Visitors can call to set up a tour and tasting Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday tours and tastings are also available.
Broad Branch Distillery
Location: 756 Trade St NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Neighborhood: Winston-Salem
What to know: The mission of Broad Branch Distillery “is deeply rooted in the Old World craft heritage and artisanal Blue Ridge Mountain distilling traditions passed down through generations of immigrants, outlaws and other relatives.” Tours and tastings are available for booking and guests can even reserve the distillery for private events.
Great Wagon Road Distilling Company
Location: 610 Anderson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Neighborhood: NoDa
What to know: Great Wagon Road’s newest 15,000 square-foot facility in NoDa allows guests the choice of enjoying spirits in the distillery’s indoor or outdoor areas. The tasting room gives visitors the opportunity to view the distillery process in action.
Muddy River Distillery
Location: 1500 River Dr STE 100, Belmont, NC 28012
Neighborhood: Belmont
What to know: The Muddy River Distillery in Belmont is located along the banks of the Catawba River and is the oldest legal rum distillery in the Carolinas. Pro tip: In Charlotte, head to Calle Sol and order a Puddle Jumper Rum Flight for a taste of Muddy River Distillery’s Spiced Carolina Rum, Queen Charlotte’s Reserve Carolina Rum and Queen Charlotte’s Reserve 4 Year Carolina Rum.
Mystic Farm & Distilling Company
Location: 1212 N Mineral Springs Rd, Durham, NC 27703
Neighborhood: Ridgewood
What to know: Mystic Farm & Distilling Company, the world’s largest solar-powered bourbon distillery, perfectly blends new-world innovation with old-world taste. Tours at the facility are highly rated and allow guests to sample the distillery’s “internationally acclaimed” bourbon.
Oaklore Distilling Co.
Location: 11136 Monroe Rd, Matthews, NC 28105
Neighborhood: Matthews
What to know: Oaklore Distilling Co. is a new distillery, tasting room, and bar that is opening soon in Matthews. The space was designed with the importance of community in mind so guests will be able to easily gather and enjoy company that’s as good as the drinks.
Oak and Grist Distilling Company
Location: 1556 Grovestone Rd, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Neighborhood: Black Mountain
What to know: In Black Mountain, Oak and Grist Distilling Company specializes in crafting Appalachian gin and whisky. Thirty-minute tours walk visitors through the grain-to-glass process and conclude with a tasting of available spirits.
Old Nick Williams Co. Farm & Distillery
Location: 2675 Williams Rd, Lewisville, NC 27023
Neighborhood: Lewisville
What to know: Featured in the first ever episode of Discovery+’s “Moonshiners: Whiskey Business,” the Old Nick Williams Co. Farm & Distillery melds core values and a long family history with a unique visitor experience and rich, premium spirits.
Seven Jars Distillery
Location: 6148 Brookshire Blvd A, Charlotte, NC 28216
Neighborhood: Oakdale South
Description: Seven Jars Distillery produces a number of spirits that range from quality rum, vodka and bourbon to wine and beer. The distillery also offers wine and beer making classes for guests who are interested in crafting their own spirits!
Southern Distilling Company
Location: 211 Jennings Rd, Statesville, NC 28625
Neighborhood: Statesville
Description: Southern Distilling Company is known historically as the “Liquor Capital of the World.” The distillery offers tours and tastings and produces a wide variety of spirits ranging from award-winning bourbons to classic rye whiskeys.
Southern Grace Distilleries
Location: 130 Dutch Rd, Mt Pleasant, NC 28124
Neighborhood: Mount Pleasant
Description: Southern Grace Distilleries is the first distillery in the nation to be located inside of a former prison. The distillery provides a unique experience for visitors and drinks that are just as strong as the walls that hold its history. Tours of the facility include whiskey tasting.
South Mountain Distilling Company
Location: 1027 Malcolm Blvd, Connelly Springs, NC 28612
Neighborhood: Connelly Springs
Description: South Mountain Distilling Company produces premium spirits and offers tours, tastings, and shopping – all while carrying on a family legacy of producing high-quality whiskey, moonshine and rum.
This story was originally published March 18, 2022 at 5:50 AM.
