While Asheville is widely known for its beer scene (ranked #2 in the country for breweries per capita), there is a rapidly expanding and relatively new distillery scene emerging in the Western North Carolina mountains. Thanks to prohibition era laws overturned in recent years, several distilleries opened production with a variety of locally made and loved spirits where mountain tradition and ingredients offer a flavor unique to North Carolina. (Feature photo: The Chemist Distillery)
Take a tour! Many distilleries offer a behind-the-scenes look at the distilling process which can vary widely in technique and style. Many offer free tastings in their tasting room, as well as a dedicated bar with signature cocktails for purchase. From mountain moonshines to barrel aged single malts, there is something for everyone in this budding Asheville distillery scene.
Top Distilleries in Asheville and Blue Ridge Mountains
Elevated Mountain Moonshine Tours
Learn how moonshine is made legally in Maggie Valley at Elevated Mountain, makers of whiskey, vodka and white lightning. Guided tours on Monday-Saturday include a tasting! Free admission.
Learn how moonshine is made legally in Maggie Valley at Elevated Mountain, makers of whiskey, vodka and white lightning. Guided tours on Monday-Saturday include a tasting! Free admission.
Dalton Distillery, Asheville
As downtown Asheville’s first legal distillery, Dalton Distillery features top-shelf rum and vodka. They also have fun specialty liquors like agave vodka, apple vodka, and coffee infused rums made… read more
As downtown Asheville’s first legal distillery, Dalton Distillery features top-shelf rum and vodka. They also have fun specialty liquors like agave vodka, apple vodka, and coffee infused rums made from local roasters. Their full-service bar features a patio, billiards, arcade games and table tennis. Bar is open daily, 5 PM-2 AM.
Asheville Distilling Company, Asheville
Inspired by the moonshiners of Western North Carolina, this distillery produces Appalachian inspired moonshine, whiskey and bourbon under the Troy & Sons brand. They are located next to… read more
Inspired by the moonshiners of Western North Carolina, this distillery produces Appalachian inspired moonshine, whiskey and bourbon under the Troy & Sons brand. They are located next to Highland Brewing Company in East Asheville. Free tastings are Fri/Sat 5-6:30 PM, no appointment needed. Group tours available by appointment.
Cultivated Cocktails Distillery, Asheville
Located in downtown Asheville at the iconic Grove Arcade, this tasting bar offers samples of craft distilled spirits, along with a signature cocktail menu. While you sample, learn more on their… read more
Located in downtown Asheville at the iconic Grove Arcade, this tasting bar offers samples of craft distilled spirits, along with a signature cocktail menu. While you sample, learn more on their process of distilling- from “Grain to Garnish.” Shop retail space for cocktail supplies, bar accessories, gifts and more. Open Tues/Wed 1-8 PM, Thurs-Sat 1-9 PM.
Eda Rhyne Distillery, Asheville
This Asheville distillery is located in historic Biltmore Village, near Biltmore. They specialize in small batch whiskeys, sourcing heirloom corn and grains, as well as local botanicals to create… read more
This Asheville distillery is located in historic Biltmore Village, near Biltmore. They specialize in small batch whiskeys, sourcing heirloom corn and grains, as well as local botanicals to create aromatic and earthy flavors. Their cocktail bar is open Wed/Thurs 3-9 PM, Fri/Sat 1-9 PM.
The Chemist, Asheville
Located in Asheville’s South Slope, this women-owned craft distillery produces vapor-infused, small batch gin by way of prohibition-era chemist techniques. They also feature unique brandy… read more
Located in Asheville’s South Slope, this women-owned craft distillery produces vapor-infused, small batch gin by way of prohibition-era chemist techniques. They also feature unique brandy collaborations with local artisans. Book a public or private tour and/or enjoy craft cocktails in their 1920’s inspired bar, Antidote. Bar hours: Mon-Fri 4 PM-12 AM, Sat/Sun 2 PM-12 AM.
Oak & Grist Distilling Company, Black Mountain
Located just 20 mins from Asheville in Black Mountain, Oak & Grist crafts are regionally inspired, 100% scratch-made whiskey and gin using traditional Scottish distilling techniques. Book a… read more
Located just 20 mins from Asheville in Black Mountain, Oak & Grist crafts are regionally inspired, 100% scratch-made whiskey and gin using traditional Scottish distilling techniques. Book a tour online or stop by their tasting room. Hours: Mon-Thurs from, 12-6 PM and Fri-Sat, 12-8 PM.
