The United States of America loves alcohol. We’re not mincing words here, just telling it like it is. Any reason to involve one or more of the innumerable forms of the adult beverage in any social or party atmosphere is A-OK, and that’s the way we like it.
Also See: WhistlePig Rye Whiskey and the Legend of Mortimer
With the surging popularity of the craft scene (whether it’s beer or liquor), small breweries and distilleries have been establishing themselves as big players with advanced tastes that know how to give Americans what we like best—choice. You name something you like nowadays, I guarantee you there’s a distillery or a brewery somewhere in the U.S. that makes it, or will be soon.
That being said, we’ve gone ahead and rounded up some of the coolest distilleries in America for you to check out, and maybe one day visit; there’s something for everyone here.
Top Ten Most Interesting Distilleries in the US
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St. George Spirits
Founded thirty-two years ago, in Alameda, California, well before the boom of craft distilling, St. George Spirits grew from a tiny one-man operation to a 65,000 square-foot hangar with an expansive tasting room, mixing laboratory and a huge team of talented distillers. In 2014, Whisky Advocate named St. George Single Malt Whiskey as the Craft Whiskey of the Year. They also produce a few different Gins as well as Absinthe, Bourbon, Rum, Fruit Brandies, Fruit Liqueurs, Coffee Liqueur. They’ve even used oysters, crab, seaweed and pine needles from a Christmas tree in their distillation.
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Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Austin’s Tito’s Handmade Vodka is truly a craft distillery that made it big. With large companies buying up many craft distilleries, owner and founder Tito Beveridge has no interest in selling off the iconic brand he started. The company was founded in 1997 and has grown to become one of the most popular vodka brands in the US because of numerous awards as well as affordable pricing. In 2013 Tito’s became the exclusive vodka brand for United Airlines.
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Rogue Ales and Spirits
Oregon’s Rogue Ales was founded in 1988 and, over the decades, became one of the most beloved craft breweries in the country. A few years ago, Rogue expanded its business to spirits. They currently make Oregon Single Malt Whiskey, Rogue Farms Oregon Rye Whiskey, Dead Guy Whiskey (made using Rogue Dead Guy Ale), Oregon Single Malt Vodka, Spruce Gin, Pink Spruce Gin, Chipotle Spirit, Hazelnut Spice Rum, Dark Rum and the mouth watering Voodoo Bacom Maple Vodka.
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Anchor Distilling Company
San Francisco’s Anchor Distilling Company is part of Anchor Brewers & Distillers, the company that also runs the famed Anchor Brewing Company. Anchor Distilling was created to bring consumers the best available craft spirits from around the globe. Their portfolio includes distillation of two gins and three whiskies on site as well as brands from eight different countries including Japan and Ireland.
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Corsair Distillery
Nashville’s Corsair Distiller was founded by childhood friends Darek Bell and Andrew Webber. The duo began by home-brewing beer and wine in Darek’s garage. They were working on a prototype bio-diesel plant and it didn’t go as planned. They realized that distilling whiskey might be an easier endeavor. Their award winning spirits include Artisan Gin, Red Absinthe, Vanilla Bean Vodka, Spiced Rum, Triple Smoke, Quinoa Whiskey, Ryemageddon and a vast selection of seasonal and experimental offerings.
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Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine
Founder Joe Baker’s family has been growing corn and making moonshine in the Great Smoky Mountains for over two-hundred years. Located in Galtinburg, Tennesee, Ole Smoky was founded after a state law was changed that made the distillation of moonshine legal. They currently produce White Lightnin’, Moonshine Cherries, Original Moonshine, Blue Flame (126 Proof), Lemon Drop Lightnin’, Strawberry Lightnin’, Hunch Punch Lightnin’ as well as over ten more unique flavors.
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Garrison Brothers Distillery
Not surprisingly, Texas is still like the wild west when it comes to distilling. Located in Hye, Texas, Garrison Brothers is the first and oldest legal whiskey distillery in the State. Jim Murray named their Cowboy Bourbon as the “American Micro Whiskey of the Year” in the 2014 Whiskey Bible.
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Tuthilltown Spirits
Makers of Hudson Whiskey, Tuthilltown Spirits distills its products from grain that is harvested only a few miles from the distillery. On top of Hudson New York Corn Whiskey, Single Malt Whiskey, Manhattan Rye, Baby Bourbon and 4-Grain Bourbon, the distillery also produces gin, vodka and bitters.
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FEW Spirits
Paul Hletko started Few Spirits in Evanston, Illinois in 2011. Family history inspired Hletko to open the distillery. Prior to World War II, his grandfather's family owned a major brewery in what is now the Czech Republic. After the Nazi invasion, they lost ownership of the brewery. FEW currently produces Bourbon, Barrel Gin, American Gin and Rye Whiskey.
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Koval Distillery
Chicago’s, Koval Distillery was started by husband and wife doctors Robert and Sonat Birnecker in 2008. Robert felt a need to continue his family’s distilling history that began in Austria. His hope was to craft unique, organic spirits from scratch. Koval currently produces Bourbon, Four Grain Whiskey, Millet, Oat, White Rye, Rye, Dry Gin, Vodka as well as various brandies and liqueurs.
