South Mountain Distilling Co.

About the Distillery

South Mountain Distilling Co. is located in the South Mountains in western North Carolina and produces handcrafted moonshine, fruit brandy, and whiskey based on a generational family heritage. The distillery highlights locally sourced water and traditional recipes, and offers tastings, on-site shop sales, and guided tours in the tasting room.

History

The Smith family's history in the South Mountains dates back to the mid-1700s. The gold discovery in 1828 created jobs and at the same time a tradition of producing spirits such as whiskey, fruit brandy, and moonshine. Family stories mention Ben "Poppy" Hudson and subsequent generations, where children like Beesie Hudson Smith learned the craft early. An episode in 1955 involving revenue agents is part of the oral history. In 1979, James "Jack" Smith returned to the area. Don Smith grew up with these stories and learned the craft from older family members. David "Doc" Friedenberg became a close partner in building the distillery's business from 1998 until his death in 2018.

Raw materials and Production

Production is anchored in family practice and small-scale craft. The water from Connelly Springs is noted as special due to a chemical analysis from 1855, and family accounts mention traditional mash methods, including the use of large sugar sacks. Don Smith learned the process from his relatives and worked with David "Doc" Friedenberg to establish the operation; a still sourced from Missouri is part of the distillery's history. The production includes moonshine, fruit brandy, and whiskey made according to family recipes rather than industrial mass production.

Aging and Barrel Types

There are no detailed public details about specific barrel types or aging periods for the distillery's whiskies. The site, however, mentions the distillery's finished products and award-winning spirits without describing barrel profiles.

Whiskeys

The range includes handcrafted moonshine, fruit brandy, and whiskey, sold in the tasting room, online, and through selected retailers. The website mentions products as 'award-winning' but does not provide a complete list of individual releases, age statements, or ABV in a central product catalog.

Visit the Distillery

The distillery has a tasting room and shop with fixed opening hours during the week and longer hours on Friday and Saturday. Tastings and guided tours are offered, and booking is recommended for tours and larger groups via email or phone. Products can be purchased on-site or via the distillery's online store.

The stated opening hours are Monday 10:00 - 16:00; Tuesday 10:00 - 16:00; Wednesday 10:00 - 16:00; Thursday 10:00 - 16:00; Friday 10:00 - 21:00; Saturday 12:00 - 17:00; Sunday Closed.

Philosophy and Craft

The distillery's values are built on continuing a family heritage through traditional recipes and small-scale, artisanal production. Local source water and collaboration among family members and close partners are central elements of their approach.