Imagine a state where you could explore stunning mountain hikes and still find relaxing places to put your feet in the sand. When you want the best of majestic landscapes and oceanfront adventures, you’ll find both in North Carolina. But there’s even more to explore, especially if you’re a craft spirit enthusiast. Add this list of North Carolina distillery tours to your vacation and travel plans!

Asheville Distilling Company

Head over to Asheville Distilling Company, where Troy Ball, the founder, set out on a mission to discover the best secrets for perfect North Carolina moonshine! Lounge in the tasting room or take the tour to sample distinctive flavors of whiskey and more. There’s more than one incredible flavor to sample, so you’re sure to discover your new favorites here.

Specializing in: Blonde Whiskey, Troy & Sons Oak Reserve Bourbon, Troy & Sons Platinum Moonshine, Troy & Sons Cinnamon, and Honey Whiskey, Troy & Sons Nectarine and Honey Whiskey

45 South French Broad, Asheville NC
828-575-2000 | Official Website

Blue Ridge Distilling Company

No true whiskey fan can say they’ve sampled the best without having Defiant Whisky from Blue Ridge Distilling Company crossing their lips. The crew are ocean salvage divers by trade and fierce whiskey entrepreneurs by craft. Check out their “Defiant” website and read their story. Then plan your visit so you can sample this one-of-a-kind flavor for yourself.

Defiant is an entirely new way of distilling, not bound by traditional recipes, barrel distinctions, or tradition. Premium American white oak, specially cultured yeasts, two-row premium barley, and Blue Ridge Mountain water are the ingredients. 

Specializing in: Defiant American Single Malt Whisky

228 Redbud Lane, Bostic NC
828-245-2041 | Official Website

Call Family Distillers

North Carolina distillery adventures are never complete until you make a pitstop to Call Family Distillers. Here, you’ll find what the locals say is the “best moonshine and spirits in Wilkesboro.” This family descends from the historic moonshiners of yesterday. And the family name dates back to the original “Call,” who reportedly show Jack Daniels how to produce whiskey. Now, they’re hosting concerts, too!

Specializing in: Willie Clay Call’s The Uncatchable Sour Mash Moonshine, Willie Clay’s The Uncatchable Apple Pie Moonshine, Willie Clay’s The Uncatchable Sour Mash Moonshine Strawberry, The Uncatchable Cherry Moonshine, The Reverend’s Cinnamon Liqueur, The Reverend’s Sour Mash Whisky, The Reverend’s Apple Liqueur, The Reverend’s Coffee Liqueur, Willy Simon Call’s Apple Brandy

1611 Industrial Drive, Wilkesboro NC
336-990-0708 | Official Website

Chemist Spirits

If you want to sample the best gins coming out of North Carolina distillery production, you’ll need to book your tour at Chemist Spirits. Tastings and tours are available daily. And you’ll want to explore the Antidote Cocktail Lounge and Fever Tree Botanical Bar, too. Add these iconic gins to your bucket list of craft spirits and spend the evening with tunes.

Specializing in: Biltmore Rose Gin, Conservatory Rose Gin, American Gin, Barrel Rested Gin, Navy Strength Gin, Founder’s Reserve Single Malt Whiskey, Chocolate Orange Gin Liqueur, 151 Gin, Bed of Nails Bierbrand

151 Coxe Avenue, Asheville NC
828-832-0212 | Official Website

Copper Barrel Distillery

This North Carolina distillery adventure insists its moonshine is genuine Appalachia tradition. Founders George Smith and Buck Nance stick to the true heritage of moonshining with their own designs of the first legal steam-injected distilling system. Naturally, the results are some award-winning moonshines. Choose your favorite fruit flavor or sample them all on your tour!

Specializing in: Black Cherry Moonshine, Blueberry Moonshine, Red Cherry Moonshine, Strawberry Moonshine, White Lightning Moonshine

508 Main Street, North Wilkesboro NC
336-262-6500 | Official Website

Other Must-Visit North Carolina Distillery Tours

Explore other relaxing and historic North Carolina distillery tours at these distilleries, always topping the must-visit and best-of lists for craft spirit enthusiasts everywhere. Discover smooth vodkas, fine rums, delightful vodkas, unique whiskey varieties, and moonshines you won’t find anywhere else! 

Cultivated Cocktails Distillery

29 Page Avenue, Asheville, NC
828-338-9779 | Official Website

Mayberry Spirits Distillery

461 N. South Street, Mount Airy, NC
336-719-6860 | Official Website

Oak and Grist Distilling Company

1556 Grovestone Road, Black Mountain, NC
828-357-5750 | Official Website

Southern Distilling Company

211 Jennings Road, Statesville, NC
704-978-7175 | Official Website

South Mountain Distilling Company

1027 Malcolm Boulevard, Connelly Springs, NC
828-368-0681 | Official Website

Durham Distillery

711 Washington Street, Durham, NC
919-937-2121 | Official Website

Fainting Goat Spirits

115 W Lewis St, Greensboro, NC
336-273-6221 | Official Website

FAQs About the North Carolina Distillery Scene

To round out your North Carolina distillery scene adventures, check out these FAQs and find the answers you need to make your craft spirit experiences in NC memorable and fun!

How many distilleries are in North Carolina?

As recent as 2020, the official count of North Carolina distillery facilities was up to 77, a 15% increase from 2019. NC is often second or at least in the top five states with the most distilleries. 

What liquor is North Carolina known for?

You can find some pretty incredible and one-of-a-kind rum, small-batch gin, vodka, and whiskey blends. But the most legendary spirit in North Carolina is, of course, moonshine.

Which North Carolina distillery locations specialize in clear spirits?

Some of the best NC distilleries known for their production of clear spirits include Chemist, Durham Distillery, Fainting Goat Spirits, Sutler’s Gin, and Three Stacks Distilling.

Which North Carolina distillery locations specialize in darker spirits?

Some of the best NC distilleries, known for their production of dark spirits, include Broadslab Distillery, Brothers Vilgalys, Call Family Distillers, Copper Barrel Distillery, Muddy River Distillery, Mystic Farm & Distilling, Oak and Grist, Oak City Amaretto, Outer Banks Distilling, Southern Distilling Company, Southern Grace Distilleries, South Mountain Distilling Company, TOPO Distillery, and Walton’s Distillery.

What is the most popular alcoholic drink in North Carolina?

While moonshine might be the state’s most legendary spirit, North Carolina’s most popular drink is the Cherry Bounce. As folklore suggests, only a few generous sips of this drink led to Raleigh declaring itself the State Capital. Order a Cherry Bounce, which is a timeless blend of cherry vodka, lime juice, and cranberry juice.

If you’re hankering for mountain views, sandy beaches, and the very best moonshine, it’s time to start planning your travels to North Carolina! And while you’re here, try to plan visits to all these iconic North Carolina distillery tours and experiences. Keep Distillery Nearby on–hand, too, as your complete distillery finder and guide!