The Distillery Story

Southern Distilling Company, founded in 2013 by Pete and Vienna Barger, is a family-owned distillery breathing new life into North Carolina's storied distilling legacy. Located in Statesville—once heralded as the “liquor capital of the world” in the late 1800s—the company merges historic tradition with modern innovation, making it one of the largest privately owned distilleries in the nation. Their grain-to-glass approach supports local agriculture by sourcing premium grains from farms within 20 miles of the distillery. Their state-of-the-art facility is equipped for large-scale production yet maintains the meticulous artistry essential for creating top-quality spirits. Beyond their own award-winning spirits, they provide new-barrel production, aged-barrel sales, co-packaging, and aging services to over 130 global brands, highlighting their versatility and industry leadership. The distillery’s own premium line of artisan spirits includes the Southern Star bourbon collection, renowned for its wheated and high-rye bourbon variations, and the Hunting Creek Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey. Guests can experience these exceptional creations firsthand through distillery tours, tastings, and events.