The Man Behind the Brands: Don Smith and South Mountain Distilling Company

Don Smith is a name synonymous with tradition, passion, and innovation in the world of whiskey and moonshine. As the owner and founder of South Mountain Distilling Company, Don carries forward a rich family legacy that spans at least four generations of distillers. His journey from clandestine family recipes to fully legal, award-winning spirits is a story of dedication, heritage, and a deep love for the craft.

A Legacy Distilled Through Generations

Don Smith’s roots in distilling run deep. His family has been making whiskey and moonshine for generations, passing down secret recipes and techniques through the years. However, Don is the first in his family to take the bold step of going completely legal. This transition was not without its challenges. His great uncle Clyde had once tried to make the family business halfway legal by having his wife apply for an ethanol permit. Clyde’s advice to Don was simple yet telling: as long as you don’t get caught selling it, you’re not doing anything illegal.

In 2015, Don began the formal process of obtaining his federal distiller’s permit. By 2016, South Mountain Distilling Company opened its doors, marking a new chapter in the family’s storied history. This move not only legitimized the family craft but also allowed Don to share his family’s spirits with a wider audience.

Crafting Spirits with Heart and Heritage

Before the state license was approved, Don and his close friend and first still hand, David "Doc" Friedenberg, started distilling but could not sell their products. They used this time wisely by creating two special whiskeys: Sinister, a family whiskey, and Dignified, a single malt whiskey honoring Don’s Scottish-Irish ancestors. These whiskeys were put into barrels to age, setting the foundation for South Mountain’s future offerings.

To generate cash flow while the whiskeys matured, Don turned to clear spirits. He revived his family’s moonshine recipe and developed a rum recipe with the help of Jim Schultz, the Missouri-based craftsman who custom-built Don’s stills. When Don and Doc picked up their still, affectionately named "Ole Bessie" after Don’s grandmother, Jim had a rum mash ready to demonstrate how to operate it.

Don credits the love and care his grandmother Bessie Smith put into her famous biscuits as the inspiration behind the quality and soul of their spirits. This love, he says, is the secret ingredient that makes their products stand out.

Ole Bessie still at South Mountain Distilling Company

Collaborations and Community Impact

The opening of South Mountain Distilling Company caught the attention of regional country music singer Chad Triplett. Chad reached out to Don to create a moonshine in honor of his grandfather, even though he didn’t have a recipe. Don used his family recipe to craft Jasper’s Shine, and together they produced a music video to promote it, blending music and tradition in a unique way.

Tragedy struck in July 2018 when Doc passed away after battling cancer. Don was deeply affected by the loss of his best friend and partner. However, new opportunities soon followed. In November 2018, JB Rader visited the distillery, interested in having his moonshine made. After sampling South Mountain’s spirits, JB was impressed, leading to the birth of Honeycrisp Apple moonshine, released in May 2019. The launch event drew over 3,000 guests, including many cast members from the popular TV show Moonshiners, who came to support JB’s release.

Following this success, several other moonshiner cast members sought to have their labels produced at South Mountain, including Kelly Williamson, Sally Clark, Patti Bryan, and Killer Beaz. This growing community of distillers helped cement South Mountain’s reputation as a hub for quality moonshine and whiskey.

Award Winning Honeycrisp Apple & Cherry Bounce moonshines at South Mountain Distilling Company

Master Distiller Big Nick and Award-Winning Spirits

One of the most notable collaborations at South Mountain Distilling Company is with Master Distiller Big Nick. After winning his episode of Master Distiller with his innovative Peanut Butter Banana moonshine, Big Nick partnered with South Mountain to produce his unique spirit. This collaboration led to a licensing agreement with Elvis Presley Enterprises and earned double gold awards in London for the best flavored whiskey and best moonshine overall.

This achievement highlights South Mountain’s commitment to quality and innovation, blending traditional methods with modern creativity to produce spirits that stand out on the global stage.

Continuing the Tradition with a Modern Twist

Today, South Mountain Distilling Company continues to craft some of the best spirits on the market. Don Smith’s journey from a family tradition of moonshining to a fully licensed distillery is a testament to perseverance, passion, and respect for heritage. The company’s portfolio includes a variety of whiskeys, moonshines, brandies, vodka, and rums, each crafted with the same love and care that Don’s ancestors put into their work.

The Future of Craft Spirits

For those interested in exploring the world of craft spirits, South Mountain offers a unique blend of history and innovation. Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur or a fan of smooth moonshine, the story behind these spirits adds an extra layer of appreciation to every sip.

Don’s story is a reminder that great things often come from honoring the past while embracing the future. His dedication to quality and authenticity ensures that South Mountain Distilling Company will remain a beloved name in the spirits industry for generations to come.

A Commitment to Quality

At South Mountain, quality is paramount. Each batch is crafted with precision and care. The distilling process is a blend of art and science, ensuring that every spirit meets the highest standards. This commitment to excellence is what sets South Mountain apart in a crowded market.

Engaging with the Community

South Mountain Distilling Company is not just about making spirits; it's about building community. The distillery hosts events, tastings, and tours, inviting people to learn about the craft of distilling. This engagement fosters a deeper connection between the distillery and its patrons.

For more information about South Mountain Distilling Company and their products, visit their official website here.