The Most Delicious Distilleries in Charlotte

Murto Made Distillery

★★★★★ 4.8 (17)

"The bar is such a quaint space. The fall menu was recently introduced and I'm glad we chose to stop by for post dinner cocktails. I had the bourbon pecan pie with the candied pecan rim. Great conversation with the bartender and other patrons. A lot of the cocktails are made with the Murto Made liquors distilled on property."

Oak and Grist Distilling Company

★★★★★ 4.8 (24)

"We only did a tasting and I'm not sure on the tour options as we only did a tasting and cocktails. Very unique- tried the gins and malts but bourbon is more of my thing. The cocktails now- amazing! The Raspberry Digestif was delicious, the amaretto sour with egg whites so yummy and a great old fashion.Awesome patio with comfy couches, giant Jenga and connect 4 with fantastic weather and what else could you want!"

Loping Crow Distillery

★★★★★ 5 (3)

"Fantastic place great people live music family friendly atmosphere! Highly recommended!"

Cultivated Cocktails

★★★★★ 4.8 (77) • $$

"This was a lot of fun and enjoyed the experience a lot!We were paired with a few strangers we didn't know to complete a table but still had a blast anyway, I enjoy that social engagement, so I am all for it.The inside of the venue was airy and modern, with a lot of space to move about and explore. The layout was nice and easy to follow around to everything without an issue. The service we received was top-notch with no concerns. The beverages we were able to participate in were also interesting and mostly enjoyable - of course, this just means some things are intentional in a tasting to challenge your palette, be open, and have fun! Would recommend sometime for your friend group."

Dragon Moonshine

★★★★☆ 4.4 (29) • $

"This place is so great! But, fair warning, they are not following regular hours at the moment, so definitely try and call before you go.But, the owners were absolutely fantastic! It is a small space in a very hidden location (just follow the signs once you park) and the tour is more informative than anything else. Where this place shines is their product, and let's be honest, you didn't come to learn about the distillation process, you came for the booze!They are so generous with their tastings and everything they make is incredible, but the amaretto is where they shine! Their prices for bottles are also very reasonable and you get to keep the shot glass as a souvenir. Plus, Chris, and especially Rick, are so congenial and you can swap stories with them for hours! They are doing a release of their new bottle design, so stay tuned!"

Brad Halling American Whiskey Ko

★★★★★ 5 (8)

"Beautiful space! We stopped in for dinner. I enjoyed their mocktail- the only one on the menu but the bartenders were very friendly so likely could have made others.The food is order and pay at bar, which is okay. Hopefully they will have table service in the future because the food is amazing!! I had the fried chicken salad and it was fresh and a large portion. I tried the fries and they were also good. The menu is limited but all the options are good ones."

Oaklore Distilling

★★★★☆ 4.4 (20)

"My friend and I decided to host our book club here. We didn't call ahead so we failed to realize the indoor space was booked, however we knew there was plenty of outdoor space to accommodate us. I cannot stress how amazing the service was. When I walked in, I let the bartender know we were hosting a group and he directed any newcomers towards our area. He was also very helpful in helping me navigate the drink selection and shared with me that they had an onsite food truck that was open. Unfortunately the weather was pretty toasty, but they had a tent space that was unoccupied with two small fans, so we moved our group in there. Towards the end of our visit, I had a chance to chat with the event manager who gave me her info in case we wanted to try and reserve the indoor space for future events. Overall, I could tell that they passionately cared that all their guests have a great experience. When you walk in, it is clear that they want to make everyone feel welcome and included."

Doodle Sasser Distilling

★★★★☆ 3.8 (4)

"A little remote distillery in the heart of Indian Trail NC. Mom n Pop shop, truly a family affair though. Grandfather Doodle Sasser was the pioneer moonshiner and they made the business "legal". The GOAT Whiskey was superb. Tried it straight up, then with margarita mix- wow! Delicious. Next up, the REAPER. Hold onto your seat folks. As per our tour guide; 1 reaper pepper is used to make 60 bottles (if i'm quoting her correctly) so that gives you a hint how far that pepper goes and the heat it brings with it. Tried it straight up and definitely reminiscent of a night of spicy Mexican or Indian food... but wait! Next up was the Bloody Mary made with the Reaper and man! Sign me up. Dad bought a bottle for $29.95, big brother snatched up the last of the 1oz bottles for $1.95 to bring back west and I scooped up a couple tees for $5.00 each. What a steal and what a great family. Business has been around almost 2 years and during the height of the pandemic, they moved into the hand sanitizer business; shipping a ton to our women and men overseas/middle east. This distillery is breaking ground and needs to be in EVERY liquor store, and soon! Can't wait to come back, but in the meanwhile... follow them on facebook: @goatwhiskey, online at goatwhiskey.net and I will be flaunting my tee shirt back on Long Island."

Southern Distilling Company

★★★★★ 4.6 (53) • $$

"I was invited to take a VIP tour of The Southern Distilling Company this past weekend in Statesville, NC. I've been on several tours at different distilleries and vineyards but this one was by far the most educational and learning experience for me. Our tour guides were the owner Pete and his wife Vienna. They started off by giving us the backstory on why the opened the distilling company in Statesville. We then walked through the factory learning about the fermentation process. We saw the process from beginning to end which was very exciting. My favorite part of the tour was sampling all the different spirits, bourbons and whiskey. I think we took so many shots I lost count but the liquor was so smooth and refreshing we didn't feel the buzz sneaking up. The second part of the tour we visited the new reception and event space which is used for wedding reception, parties, banquets or any special event and celebration.Next we headed over to the warehouse where the barrels are stored and aged before being bottled and shipped to stores and retailers. There is a store and bar on-site as well. This place is fun for the whole family. Santa was there taking pictures with the kids too.Another Food truck was on-site during our visit to provide food. I suggest you eat before the tour. Check their website for more details and times of tours."

Hippin Hops Brew-Stillery

★★★★★ 4.5 (2)

"This brew-stillery is very cool. It was very quiet but we were able to ask so many questions about the beers. I tried all of them and So Peachy was my favorite beer and Trap juice was my favorite seltzer. Our bartender was wonderful. She gave lots of insight on the different choices. Since it wasn't busy parking wasn't an issue. The construction was a little hard to maneuver but not terrible. I would love to try one of their events the next time I'm in Charlotte."

Murto Made Distillery

★★★★★ 4.7 (16) • $$

"there was a time when prices like these would make a person think twice about stepping inside but the current regime has seen to it that we are all poor on about the same level. thanks Brandon ;-\MMD has all the charm of a waterfront rendezvous and the nervous polish of a west side gin joint except without the zoot soots and cigarette girls. they've been here for a while and I was really stoked about the grand opening except that it seemed to be at best an almost a whispered suggestion rather than a real date on someone's calendar. probably would have been helpful if I ever looked at their social media or something instead of watching the changing signage on the building but whatever...so yeah, it's a place and there's drinks, and they got a bar and some little curtained tables on the other wall and regular tables in between and it's pretty okay I suppose. barkeeps are well mannered and sociable and will provide cocktails or mixed drinks at your request - call or well, it's all the same to them. Elvis felt a little heavy on the peanuts, light on the banana, but plenty creamy enough for a dead guy. mixed older crowd when I stopped by so I didn't feel out of place; it's a nice place, it could even be your place, but it's not quite my place :-\"

Muddy River Distillery

★★★★★ 4.9 (56) • $

"So happy I discovered the "oldest legal rum distillery in NC".Muddy River was such a fun, fantastic find and a great way to spend a Sat afternoon!They only offer tours on Saturdays with the last tour going at 3pm.The tasting room and tour section are super small as it is a small, fam run operation.But, the history and humble beginnings are worth hearing, especially once you delve into the tasting.I've never been a big fan of white or flavored rums, I prefer the dark, aged stuff. But, I have to say any and all of the rums produced here were so surprisingly drinkable and the quality is evident from the nose to the palate! I was floored, especially with their silver and flavored offerings. So drinkable, it is shocking! And, honestly, for the price point, reasonable considering what a small fam-run operation they are still doing!They just released their 4yr barrel-aged rum and it was magnificent! It drank like a sweet bourbon variant w/a smooth and satisfying finish that lingers long enough to remind you you're actually drinking rum.They have spiced rum cigars and rum-infused coconut chocolates for sale in the gift shop (both of which I purchased) along w/btls and other merch.The $8 tour & tasting price tag gets you a souvenir shot glass and a sample of each of their rums (including the 4yr), but the best part is, if you come back, just bring your shot glass with you and you'll never pay for another tasting! Well worth the drive and the price!"

Chemist Spirits

★★★★☆ 4.3 (73) • $$

"It was like stepping back in time coming into this shoppe. We had wanted to come here on our last visit but beer won out with the choice of those days. The brick building looks so turn of the century and the inside matched with the wood accents and glass cabinets.Tastings are in a tiny thimble but don't be put off on that because that is enough to know you are drinking some quality gin. There were about five types with various flavors and qualities and the woman who served those explained everything well, but I was dazed focusing on the gin.I decided on the Navy Strength which is a very high proof but after the initial sock in the face is oh so smooth. According to the pourer, the name came from the British Navy when the enlisted men enjoyed rum the officers wanted gin as it was more civilized. The officers were concerned about being sold watered down gin and setting fire to the gin was proof that it hadn't been watered down. That is where the term "proof" came from but to me it's just good."

M & T Distilling

★★★★★ 5 (8)

"New distillery we stumbled upon by accident. The people running it take such joy in what they do - you can tell right away. They taught us all about their products and we thoroughly enjoyed what we tasted. The winner for our group were the coffee-flavored moonshine, the amaretto flavored, and the peach. Enjoyed but not purchased was the apple one, the name of which escapes me. It tasted like the liquid part of an apple pie and finished tasting like a cinnamon broom from christmastime. Highly recommend stopping in if you can."

Warehouse Distillery

★★★★★ 5 (3)

"Absolutely phenomenal.This is a new distillery in Newton on Northwest Boulevard. Given that it's fairly new, they don't seem to be open every day quite yet - they're currently open from Wednesday to Saturday, with additional appointments available on Saturday. Everyone working here is extremely nice, passionate, and knowledgeable - it's just a fun place to be.The liquor here is absolutely phenomenal. The Boundary Street Whiskey is bright, fun, and easily better than anything at its price range. The Boundary Street Bourbon is smooth and tasty, to to the point where I enjoy it on its own, even without ice. I was even more impressed by the Boundary Street Maple, which is Warehouse Distillery's whiskey flavored with maple syrup - it's not only is it delicious on its own, but it could easily make some amazing cocktails.If you're in the market for good whiskey or bourbon, you really owe it to yourself to get it from Warehouse Distillery - it's way better than anything you could possibly find elsewhere, in North Carolina or otherwise."

Seven Jars

★★★★★ 4.6 (35)

"Wonderfully warm and charming spot to host a good time while engaging in tasting with friends! The charcuterie board was plentiful and paired excellently with the variety of wine selections. Every staff member was awesome! They all welcomed and greeted us excitedly and provided such great information, including the history! We had a great time! Every wine and whiskey option was great to try!"

South Mountain Distilling Company

★★★★★ 4.7 (3) • $$

"I have been on a bourbon kick lately. On my way to Asheville for a weekend trip, I stopped by to visit South Mountain Distilling. Donald Smith was super nice and gave us the overview of his family history in distilling. We tasted 3 whiskey's that he produced, the Sinister, Dignified, and Cherry Bounce. These are either family recipes or in the case of Cherry Bounce a famous recipe of Amos Owens who bought/owned Cherry Mountain. I bought 1 bottle each mainly to just support him and his vision for making great whiskey. It is tough to get started in this business, since you need to age the whiskey for years. I think Sinister was aged just 2.5 years, Dignified 3.5 and can't recall on Cherry Bounce. Don also showed us Old Bessie the still he designed. Its a great visit and worth stopping in to see on your way down I40."

Great Wagon Road Distilling

★★★★★ 5 (2)

"Drove down from Charlotte as recommendation. Great little hole in the wall all the liquors are made in house. Be aware there is no food so you have to pace yourself. Atmosphere is great and the service... these people are down to earth. Great place to check out.."

Blue Ridge Distilling

★★★★☆ 4.4 (7) • $$

"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!!"

Southern Grace Distilleries

★★★★★ 4.7 (47) • $$

"Great staff! Super friendly! We didn't do the tour. We just did some sipping on the amazing liquors. Loved the craft and love that goes into each of their products. Super cool spot to have a distillery. Relaxed experience, they have a bar and a tasting bar and some outside seating."

Sleeping Giant Distillery

★★★★★ 5 (8)

"Such a nice tasting and history of the run and flavors. Nice young men and a great stop. Very reasonable tasting and the rum was a great price"