Seven Jars Distillery
Overview of the Distillery
Seven Jars Distillery in Charlotte is a family-owned operation that carries forward a local story: seven Mason jars unearthed on the family property contained recipes, which today form the basis for the distillery's products and storytelling. The distillery invites the public to experience the artifacts and taste beer, wine or spirits, while products are distributed via local ABC stores and online channels.
History
History begins with Frank Ratcliffe during Prohibition, where he worked as a supplier of various alcoholic beverages and later as the owner of a nightclub in Charlotte. After his death in 1977, his widow Velma and the children preserved the legacy. In 1984, the family found seven mason jars buried by a brick grill; the jars contained recipes and knowledge from Frank's work. Decades later, this discovery led the family to take steps to establish a licensed distillery in Mecklenburg County. Velma died in August 2013 while the establishment process was underway, but the family continued the work to realize the vision.
Raw Materials and Production
Production starts with the family recipes found in the seven jars, and these recipes are used in modern products. A concrete example is Seven Jars Apple Pie Whiskey, which is stated to have the same mash bill as Frank’s Special Reserve Bourbon. Apple Pie Whiskey is a flavored whiskey marketed as ready-to-drink, while the bourbon project is described as something that will require several years of aging. There are no technical details about distillation equipment, yeast, fermentation times, or water sources in the available material.
Aging and Barrel Types
It is noted that Frank’s Special Reserve Bourbon will not be available for many years, indicating a long-term barrel aging for the release. There are no documented details about specific barrel types, origin of the oak, or storage conditions.
Whiskeys
The documented range currently includes one flavored whiskey, Seven Jars Apple Pie Whiskey, which is available now, and a planned bourbon project, Frank’s Special Reserve Bourbon, which will require longer aging. The products are distributed through North Carolina ABC stores, and customers outside the state can order online through a retailer.
| Whiskey | Type / Series | Flavor Profile | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seven Jars Apple Pie Whiskey | Flavored whiskey | A flavored whiskey, marketed as available now. It shares the same mash bill as Frank’s Special Reserve Bourbon, but is produced and sold as a ready-to-drink apple pie-flavored whiskey. | Current; Core range; Available in North Carolina via ABC Boards; can be ordered online through Cask Cartel for customers outside North Carolina. |
| Frank’s Special Reserve Bourbon | Bourbon | Internally referred to bourbon project, which according to descriptions will require several years of aging before a release is possible. Mash bill is noted as the same used for the Apple Pie whiskey. | Upcoming; forthcoming release; not available yet. |
General Flavor Profile
Whiskey from Seven Jars includes an apple pie-flavored whiskey, with the apple character from the flavoring central to the product.
The fruitiness is described as Apple.
Visit the Distillery
The distillery invites visitors to drop by to see the family’s artifacts, including a Model A Ford and a copy of the brick grill, as well as to taste beer, wine or spirits. There are no fixed opening hours or requirements for advance booking stated in the material, but the site is presented as a visitor-friendly venue with tasting options.
Philosophy and Craft
The distillery's story and values are rooted in the family heritage of Frank and Velma Ratcliffe, in perseverance, and in the desire to share the history through the display of artifacts and tastings. The message of never giving up is highlighted as a central lesson.