West Virginia hosts several award-winning craft breweries, vineyards, and craft distilleries. If you plan to go on a West Virginia distillery road trip, here are some of the best craft whiskey, bourbon, and moonshine producers you must visit. While sipping on the tasty good stuff, remember to enjoy the state’s magnificent landscape views.

1. Hatfield & Mccoy Moonshine

The infamous Hatfield & Mccoy Moonshine company is in the Gilbert area. The distillery makes top-level moonshine following a recipe handed down for generations (over 150 years) created by Devil Anse Hatfield. The company managers say that they don’t mass produce their moonshine, as it would interfere with the quality and taste of the drink. According to the founders, the distillery only produces “authentic moonshine.”

All spirits from Hatfield & Mccoy are handcrafted from locally sourced corn that’s fermented and distilled in copper stills. The distillery “Drink of The Devil” moonshine, bottled at 90 proof, has a smooth taste but packs a kick like a mule. It’s a bold and versatile spirit, so you can enjoy it chilled, neat, or in various mixed cocktails.

Location: 297 James Ave, Gilbert, WV 25621
Phone: +1 304-664-281

2. Smooth Ambler Spirits

Smooth Ambler, a grain-to-glass distillery specializing in making bourbon, sources the best, high-quality ingredients to make their spirits. The distillery creates classic phenomenal spirits showcasing the dedication, patience, and real hard work of West Virginia. The company founders say they opened the distillery to create employment for locals, positively impacting the community.

According to John Little, Smooth Ambler doesn’t check to see what the competition is doing and doesn’t focus on past success. The company uses current methods to create the best possible product consumers will love. Additionally, the distillery has been on a mission to prove that even without an ancient recipe or famous family name, they can still make world-class bourbon.

Some of the company’s spirits include; Old Scout Bourbon Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Contradiction, Old Scout Single Barrel Bourbon, and Big Level Bourbon. You can also try out some cocktails in their expansive tasting room.

Location: 745 Industrial Park Rd, Maxwelton, WV 24957
Phone: +1 304-497-3123

3. Appalachian Distillery 

Appalachian seeks to raise the craft spirit production bar by creating products that will stand out in the market and wow your taste buds. The distillery uses a mashing process that extracts all the flavor and natural sugar from grains. The company doesn’t add sugar to their spirits like most distilleries do to boost the alcohol levels. Also, all the Appalachian products are bottled in arsenic-free bottles.

It’s worth noting that the distillery doesn’t use regular-shaped whiskey bottles or mason jar containers. Instead, all its bottles have a moonshine jug appearance, so they stand out. Appalachian has a Sour Mash Corn Whiskey and Single Barrel Bourbon; both are ideal for sipping plain or making cocktails.

Location: 3875 Cedar Lakes Dr, Ripley, WV 25271
Phone: +1 304-372-7000

4. Still Hollow Spirits

Still Hollow Spirits is a family-owned company in the high Allegheny Mountains specializing in rare botanical infusions and traditional mountain whiskeys. Since opening the company, the distillery founders say the primary goal has been to provide spirit lovers with sustainable yet unique spirits while supporting the agricultural economy.

You can book a tour of their magnificent distillery with scenic views to taste the company’s products. They include ginseng moonshine, corn whiskey, mint moonshine, cranberry moonshine, and rye whiskey. In addition to its traditional whiskeys, Still Hollow makes limited-production spirits using crops like Chaga, black walnuts, and elderberries.

The distillery is open for walk-in visitors from Wednesday to Sunday.

Location: 128 Stink Run Rd, Harman, WV 26270
Phone: +1 304-227-4692

5. Black Draft Distillery 

Founded by Glen Price in 2014, Black Draft Distillery started its operations inside a small barn that previously housed the family’s horse. After numerous trials and errors, Glen created an ideal recipe and released First Harvest Moonshine. The spirit reflected the distillery’s commitment to constantly producing fine whiskey using corn obtained from West Virginia farms.

Over time, First Harvest Moonshine exploded in popularity, inspiring Glen to venture into bourbon. The distillery uses water from Berkely Springs, as it has enough minerals to lay the foundation for a smooth-tasting bourbon.

After releasing its first Straight Bourbon, it gained public praise and motivated the distillery to produce more spirits. Black Draft added three terrific flavors; White Julep Moonshine, Black Draft Vodka, and Rise & Shine Coffee three years later. Glen Price attributes the distillery’s success to a critical formula: “Work hard, live well, never interfere with the quality, and always treat customers right.”

The distillery encourages customers to book tours or attend occasional special events. Tours include a taste of some unreleased spirits.

Location: 2878 Dry Rum Rd, Martinsburg, WV 25403
Phone: +1 540-686-0100

6. New Heritage Distilling

New Heritage makes delicious apple brandy and moonshine using maple syrup or cider obtained from Winchester Cider Works. The company has a unique spirit creation process that ensures all of its products keep consumers wanting more. For instance, to make its Maple Syrup Moonshine, the artisans ferment locally sourced maple syrup using yeast for two weeks. Afterward, they distill the fermented maple syrup using an ultrasonic system and proof it to 80 using limestone spring water. The end product is a flavorsome moonshine.

Other New Heritage distilling products include; Apple Jack Brandy, Oaked Apple Jack Brandy, and Maple Syrup Flavored Apple Brandy. 

The company offers tours and tastings daily during business hours; you only need an original ID.

Location: 737 William Ave Suite 1, Davis, WV 26260
Phone: +1 304-259-5191

Other places to Visit in West Virginia 

Fayetteville

Despite its size, the small Fayetteville town has numerous places and activities to see and do. The town is filled with many great restaurants, galleries, and bars.

If you are a thrill seeker, you can go white water rafting, kayaking, rappelling, or rock climbing.

After Fayetteville, you can head over to other popular locations in the state like

• Hawks Nest National Park
• Snowshoe Mountain Resort
• Berkely Springs State Park
• Black Water Falls State Park

Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia

Can I bring my pet to distillery tours in West Virginia?

Some distilleries allow visitors to bring pets, while others have a no-pet policy. It’s therefore essential you call ahead to inquire in advance.

What’s the legal drinking age in West Virginia?

Only persons 21 or older can buy alcohol in the state.

Explore West Virginia Distillery Tours & More with Distillery Nearby

West Virginia is an ideal location for outdoor activities and has an excellent craft spirit industry. Visit the distilleries listed to sample the region’s best bourbon, gin, moonshine, and vodka.

Distillery Nearby is your online guide to all matter’s alcohol. Whether you want to know how to make cocktails, upcoming whiskey festivals, and distillery trails in different states, Distillery Nearby has all this information and more. Check out our website today.