STATESVILLE, N.C. (WGHP) — North Carolina is becoming a hot spot for wine, beer and now spirits. But one company is gaining a following for creating something that’s often associated with another state. Brad Jones discovered why Southern Star is carving out a niche of its own because it’s Made in North Carolina.
Perfection usually takes time. And the folks at Southern Distilling in Statesville have built a reputation on that, surprising their competition. Owner Pete Barger told us their bourbon wins a lot of awards, which is surprising to a lot of people since it comes from a North Carolina distillery instead of one in Kentucky. Their family-run business is now more than a decade old, and plenty of people have tasted their wares without even knowing it. Barger says “we’re a contract producer for a lot of other brands around the country, so we produce for around 140 clients at this point. That’s the thing that pays the mortgage so to speak, and keeps us moving forward”.
Southern Distilling likes to let people see behind the scenes, encouraging them to visit the business just off I-77 in Statesville. Inside the rickhouse, the barrels are carefully stacked, letting the spirits inside gracefully transform into top-shelf bourbon. You also get to learn why local farmers are so important because they help supply one of the main ingredients. “We run through about 60 thousand pounds of grain every single day that’s grown within 15 to 20 miles of this facility, and there’s really no other producer in the country that can say that”, Barger told us.
They also got a moment in the spotlight at the Wyndham Championship with Southern Star named the official bourbon of the PGA event. Lots of fans had a chance to stop in their tasting room and sample some of the best Southern Star cocktails. Having their signature brand featured there was pretty special to the man who helped start it all those years ago. “It’s a top tier PGA event, the last tournament before they go into the championships, what better place to be seen?”
Southern Distilling is now one of the largest privately held distilleries in the country. And while it’s great to be making products for others, they still have plans for the one that means the most to them. Barger said they want Southern Star to really take the lead at some point, but they have to be patient because he cautions, “there are no overnight sucesses in this business.” Making the best bourbon around does take time, but the folks behind Southern Star know the result in every bottle is worth the effort.
Find out more on their website or social media pages – and you can always visit the distillery at 211 Jennings Road in Statesville NC.
Source: Fox 8 Made in North Carolina
Be First to Comment