Arkansas may not get a lot of attention as a notable source of distilled spirits. However, there is a handle of dedicated distillers that craft high-quality spirits. The Rock Town Distillery is one of the most notable distilleries. Located in Little Rock, it sources ingredients from farmers all over Arkansas. Phil Brandon, the founder behind Rock Town Distillery, left his corporate job to instead pursue his passion. His philosophy continues today: craft top-shelf spirits using affordable all-natural ingredients. This ultimate guide will help you know what to expect when you visit Rock Town Distillery.  

Rock Town Distillery Spirits 

Unlike other distilleries that focus on a single type of spirit, Rock Town Distillery has a spirit lineup that is varied. Everyone is sure to find something that they will enjoy. 

Vodka 

The vodkas distilled by Rock Town shine with six varieties embodying a unique flavor profile. There is a plain and pure vodka that is perfect for cocktail mixing. There are also grapefruit, lemon, mandarin, watermelon, and basil vodkas to choose from. 

Bourbon & Whiskey 

There is no doubt that bourbon and whiskey are Rock Town’s primary focus. There are 15 different varieties of the spirit. Some stay true to the classic principles, such as the single barrel bourbon or the double-distilled La Hrpe Low Rye. 

Some of the bourbons are quite unique. The Single Barrel Chocolate Malt Bourbon uses Arkansas grown corn, chocolate malt, and malted barley. The chocolate malt used in the distillation is a brewers malt traditionally used to make malt stouts and porters. Another example is the Cognac Cask Single Malt. The distilled spirit is aged in ex-bourbon casks for two years and then aged for another two years in ex-cognac puncheons. 

Cordial & Liqueurs 

The category of cordials and liqueurs is broad but is typically enjoyed as a nightcap or after-dinner drink. To make them, brandy, rum, and neutral spirits are blended with cream, fruit, and herbs. What’s nice about the selection crafted by Rock Town is that there is a balanced selection of spirits. Some are fruity, others are herbal, and others feature much-loved flavors like chocolate or coffee.  

• Triple sec liqueur 
• Peach liqueur 
• Ginger liqueur 
• Elferflower liqueur 
• Creme de cacao liqueur 
• Coffee liqueur 
• Bourbon cream 

Gin 

For those that enjoy gin, there are two in Rock Town’s spirit lineup. The first, Brandon’s Gin, is a small batch hand crafted gin that is infused with a botanical mixture that includes juniper, angelica, orange peel, coriander, cinnamon, anise, and lemon peel. The botanical vapor is infused into the gin during the distillation in a copper pot still. 

The second is Feast in the Field, a limited edition gin produced only once yearly. The botanicals come from a local Little Rock farm, Heifer’s Urban Farm. Because the botanicals vary from year to year, each batch is slightly different. 

Moonshine

Rock Town distills five moonshine spirits. While they sport the name “moonshine,” they are legally produced and sold. 

• Blackberry- 40 proof 
• Apple pie- 40 proof
• Peach- 40 proof 
• Arkansas lighting- 110 proof 
• Apple pie 100- 100 proof 

Distillery Tours 

Rock Town Distillery is one of the best distilleries in Little Rock because it offers two distillery tours to choose from. The first is the guided tour. This is a great tour for casual drinkers looking for a unique experience that gives them a peak behind the curtain. The tour walks you through the entire process, from grains to cocktails. The tour takes about 30 minutes, and you will learn about what it takes to make bourbon and the difference between vodka and gin. At the end of this tour, you will have the opportunity to taste some of Rock Town Distillery’s best spirits. 

The second tour option is the enthusiast tour. This tour is ideal for someone who is passionate about their favorite spirit. The tour takes an in-depth look into the history of bourbon while showcasing Rock Town Distillery’s processes for crafting bourbon and whiskey. Wrapping up this tour, you will have the opportunity to taste eight different bourbons and whiskeys distilled by Rock Town. 

Cocktail Classes 

Get hands-on experience with Rock Town Distillery’s cocktail classes. Each class begins with a tour of the distillery. This lets you have a deeper understanding of the spirit you will be working with. When you understand the ingredients and the effort taken, you have greater respect for the spirit and its qualities. 

Once you are done with the tour, you will head to the in-house bar. Expert bartenders walk you through the steps of constructing cocktails for the ultimate guide to a perfectly crafted drink. Each class is limited to 12 people, creating an intimate and personalized experience. 

Cocktail Bar 

If you want a relaxed and welcoming place to try some of Rock Town Distillery’s spirits, head to the distillery. A cocktail bar with an extensive menu of carefully crafted cocktails is located on-site at the distillery. There are also several beer and wine options for those who don’t drink liquor. If you find a cocktail you love, you can buy the necessary spirit to recreate the drink at home. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Arkansas signature drink?

The signature drink of the state of Arkansas is the Arkansas razorback. The drink’s name comes from the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball team from the University of Arkansas. To make the cocktail, use a shaker to mix half a shot of the following, rum, vodka, amaretto almond liqueur, and Kahlua coffee liqueur. Then strain it into a glass with ice. 

How many distilleries are in Arkansas? 

There are fewer than ten spirit distilleries in Arkansas. However, the ones that are there are worth visiting. There are also several alcohol-themed festivals that happen in Arkansas throughout the year. While many are beer or wine focused, a few feature bourbon or whiskey. 

What are the best hotels near Rock Town Distillery in Little Rock?

There are a variety of hotels to meet a range of budgets and comfort tastes. Several chain hotels that have a national presence have hotels near Rock Town Distillery. In addition, multiple bed and breakfasts give you a unique experience of local Arkansas culture. 

Learn more about distilleries around the country with Distillery Nearby.