Blue Ridge Distilling

We have seen this distillery, and today was the day we finally stopped! There is signage to show you are going the right way because you feel like you are going in someone's driveway, but follow the signs, and you arrive at the distillery. They do tours and tastings and we arrived just in time to take the tour. The distiller gave lots of information but made sure to explain the process in a way that those of us who just enjoy the drinking part can understand. We had 4 products during the tasting and all were fantastic! My husband loved the smoky one, and the rye was mine. They do offer some cocktails but we unfortunately had to get back on the road. We will be back when in the area. It is out of the way, but 100% worth it.

REALLY DIG THIS PLACE! On a cold, rainy March day, Erick spent a long time explaining how they make whiskey and why. This is a true small batch distillery and they're making great craft whiskey. Everyone there (three employees) were super friendly and knowledgeable. They only make 2 products, and both are exceptional. It's worth the drive and their whiskey is worth the price. I'll be back next year.

This whiskey brewery is a great place that has walk in tours and they produce a fantastic whiskey. I have tried several different whiskeys but Defiant is by far my favorite. It is a very smooth with a good taste. Defiant whiskey is a small business with a better product than the big guys. The Defiant whiskey has set the "bar" very high with their product. I have and will continue to recommend Defiant to anyone who enjoys a good whiskey. Well done Defiant well done!!

This was a wonderful closing activity to our trip in western North Carolina. We were told of this distillery by the owners of a local restaurant in Lake Lure where we were staying. We called in the morning to set up a tour time, and the nice woman on the phone just told us to come down whenever we liked. We were greeted by two very good looking pups in the driveway, followed by the lead distiller, Joel. He patiently and graciously answered all our questions and walked us through the distillery. We were allowed to take pictures and at the end of the tour, taste the fine product that they made. It was smooth and flavorful and we will surely take a few bottles home to California with us. Overall this was an incredible end to our visit. I wish these men and women luck in producing there fantastic whiskey, so that one day I can buy it on the shelves in Southern California!

This is the home of Defiant Whiskey. The tour was conducted by the owners Lauren and Tim. Truly gracious and passionate hosts. We arrived at the location of the distillery ( The gift shop is down the road, but more on that later.) The private drive makes it seem like your headed toward a illegal moonshine location which makes it pretty awesome. We were greeted by Lauren and a friendly chocolate lab and German Shepard. Through the huge barn doors is one gorgeous piece of equipment, a german style distillery that combines old and new technology. After a great lesson in whiskey making we had a free tasting including a new rye they are testing. That was just the beginning, after a about a 2 mile drive up to Girl Scout Camp Road, which will be there new distillery location is the Gift shop. It is on 50 acres of beauty surrounded by mountains and has a huge lake, hiking trails, camp ground, and cabins. This will be a top notch event location. In the plans are a restaurant, and music events. This place is definitely must see. Michelle, the GM is also very passionate and excited about the future. It seems like its way out of the area but its only 13 miles from downtown Forest City.

Defiant whisky is the foulest whisky I've ever had. Serves me right for choosing based on the bottle design. (Superb glass geometry and graphics!)One might normally describe a drink as having "hints" or "notes" of spices. Well, the nose on the defiant is a heaping "tablespoon" of cumin and tumeric. On raising the glass, I would believe I was walking into an Indian restaurant for some lamb vindaloo, and I would believe this whisky was produced by an Indian distillery, except I know Indians make some damn fine whisky, and Defiant is nowhere near fine. It's actually really super mega not fine. This is no Amrut. If you want the experience of taking a sip of Defiant without spending $45 for a bottle, I suggest you raid your nearest spice rack, snort anything colored red brown yellow, then chase it with any alcohol you have in your home that is not intended for consumption. The kind that comes in an envelope and imbibed into a napkin works the best.

A little out of the way but definitely worth the trip! The tour was very informative. The staff was welcoming and enthusiastic about the process and product. Picnic table out front and pets are welcome.