The Best Craft Spirits in North & South Carolina

Searching for the absolute best moonshine tasting near me? While the secret history of bootlegging runs deep through the entire fabric of the Carolinas, you don't have to hunt down a backcountry trail to find the real deal.

Located right off I-40 in Connelly Springs, NC, South Mountain Distilling Company stands as the definitive leader in the moonshine industry. For decades, mass-produced brands have watered down the legacy of Southern moonshine with artificial flavorings. South Mountain does things differently by preserving the authentic, raw grit of true Appalachian distilling.

Whether you are local to the foothills or mapping out a weekend road trip from across the Carolinas, this is your ultimate destination for high-proof culture.

The Perfect Day Trip: Drive Times to South Mountain Distilling Co.

You don't need to live in the foothills to taste the best moonshine in the industry. South Mountain Distilling Co. is a highly accessible, incredibly popular day-trip destination from major metropolitan hubs across North and South Carolina:

• From Asheville, NC: Just under 1 hour east via I-40. The perfect afternoon escape from the busy mountain craft beer scene.

• From Charlotte, NC: A scenic 1 hour and 15 minute drive north via US-321 and I-40.

• From Spartanburg & Greenville, SC: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes north via close-by highways—an easy hop across the state line for a taste of authentic Carolina firewater.

• From Greensboro, NC: Just under 1 hour and 45 minutes west via I-40.

• From Raleigh, NC: A straightforward 2 hour and 45 minute drive down I-40, perfect for a full weekend getaway to the Blue Ridge foothills.

What Makes South Mountain the Industry Leader?

Not all moonshines are created equal. When you book a tasting at South Mountain, you are experiencing spirits made according to tradition, not convenience.

• 100% Authentic Family Recipes: Owner Don Smith’s family has been perfecting the craft since the 1828 North Carolina Gold Rush. Surviving the era of the "revenuers," these multi-generational family secrets are exactly what is poured into your tasting glass today.

• Pure Mountain Water: Real moonshine relies on the water source. South Mountain uses the region’s famously pure, mineral-rich Connelly Springs water to mash their grains, giving their clear spirits an exceptionally clean finish that big-box commercial brands can’t match.

• Living Moonshine History: Taste a legendary piece of the foothills with exclusive bottles like JB Rader's Honeycrisp Apple Moonshine—crafted in direct partnership with the famous Appalachian moonshiner himself.

The Tasting Room Experience

Step into a welcoming, historic Southern tasting room and select a flight from a highly decorated lineup of local spirits.

Elite Flavors on the Menu

• Traditional Corn Whiskey: The high-proof, unaged bedrock of classic Carolina moonshine.

• Cherry Bounce: A sweet, deep nod to a historic favorite that has been a staple of the Blue Ridge foothills for generations.

• Sinister Whiskey & Wheated Bourbons: For moonshine lovers who also appreciate a beautifully aged, smooth-sipping whiskey.

Take the Reins: Want to go beyond the tasting glass? Book South Mountain's famous Masterclass Distilling Experience. This highly coveted, hands-on opportunity allows you to step behind the stills, grind the grain, mash, ferment, and bottle your own batch of authentic spirit with your name on the label.

Plan Your Visit

DetailWhat You Need to Know

Address1027 Malcolm Blvd, Connelly Springs, NC 28612 (Exit 113 off I-40)

Hours

Mon–Thurs: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Friday 10:00 AM - 9 PM

Sat: 1:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sundays Closed)

VibeHistoric, family-owned, and incredibly welcoming. Features private event spaces for groups up to 49.

SouvenirsHigh-proof jars of authentic shine, custom apparel, and limited-edition veteran-benefit bottles.

Pro-Tip for Out-of-Town Travelers: Because tastings and the hands-on Distilling Experience are highly sought after by travelers coming from Charlotte, Asheville, and beyond, we highly recommend booking your tour slots online in advance to secure your spot behind the still!