When you think of American Whiskey, North Carolina is likely not the first state that comes to mind but apparently The Tar Heel State has quite the whiskey history and Southern Distilling Company continues to highlight those traditions with the launch of Hunting Creek Straight Rye Whiskey.
A bottled-in-bond release that commemorates a celebrated rye whiskey sold at the turn of the century, the expression is bottled at 100 proof and aged for a minimum of four years. It was distilled in Statesville, NC with a mash bill of 51% rye, 39% corn, and 10% malted barley.
In the late 1800s, hundreds of federally licensed farm distilleries surrounded the Statesville region and supported the major rectification companies that were shipping spirits out on the rail lines along the East Coast. Prohibition hit Statesville early in 1903, shutting down a robust industry. Inspired by the heritage, tradition, and ingenuity of Statesville, Southern Distilling obtained the Hunting Creek trademark and set out to restore another piece of local heritage.
Southern Distilling Company founders Pete and Vienna Barger hope to introduce more whiskey lovers to North Carolina’s storied distilling legacy. “Since we founded Southern Distilling Company in 2013, our goal has always been to highlight the state’s long — and sometimes overlooked — history in whiskey making,” said Southern Distilling Company Co-Founder Pete Barger. “The original Celebrated Old Hunting Creek Rye Whiskey was shipped across our early nation using Statesville’s rail lines before being lost to Prohibition. We first distilled and barreled this product in 2018 and we’re thrilled to share it, and the story behind it, with whiskey lovers everywhere.”
Southern Distilling Company’s Hunting Creek Straight Rye Whiskey is available to ABC stores across North Carolina and bottles from this release can also be purchased at the distillery for $49.95.
