The Tar Heel State
One of the 13 original states, North Carolina is on the Atlantic coast midway between New York and Florida. With the Southern charm of Raleigh and Charlotte, the region is known for the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, historic heartlands, the Outer Banks coastline, and a rich distilling heritage.
The Piedmont region of North Carolina traces its origins back 250 million years to a series of volcanic island chains between Africa and North America. Leaving an enduring mark on the landscape, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, shared with Tennessee, is the most visited national park in the United States. Renowned for its rugged terrain in the highest mountains in Eastern America and deep-rooted Appalachian culture, Asheville, a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, will interest rum lovers.
Better known for tobacco, cotton, rice crops, and Christmas tree farming, North Carolina does have a surprising rum heritage. From a history of moonshine distilling and rum runners to a vibrant craft rum scene today, North Carolina has 90+ distilleries – more than Kentucky, and nearly a third make rum. Our journey travels west to east, to discover North Carolina’s rum scene, visiting local distilleries. It’s time to sip NC rum and savor the state’s famous barbecue.
Western Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains, and the Black Mountains rise – from the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi, to the historic grandeur of the Biltmore Estate near Asheville. This region is known as a nature lover’s paradise Appalachian culture and stunning vistas with 4 distinct seasons. For centuries, the rugged terrain and isolated communities provided the right conditions for making moonshine spirits, which continues to this day.
Cultivated Cocktails Distillery
Cultivated Cocktails Distillery was founded in 2012, in Asheville by father and son Wendell and Taylor Howard. The distillery produces a wide array of spirits including multiple gins, whiskies, liqueurs, and rums. Their signature rum Hazel 63 is made entirely in-house from a molasses base. It is aged on toasted French oak as well as charred American oak to create a balanced flavour that is sweet, smooth, and easy to sip neat.
In recent months they have released several single-barrel rum bottlings. Featuring the base Hazel 63 rum aged in several different whisky casks including oat, wheat, and millet. Cultivated Cocktails has two tasting rooms in Asheville; one at 25 Page Avenue, downtown, and one at 161 Charlotte HWY in the Fairview community.
Find out more on Cultivated Cocktails Distillery
Dalton Distillery
Downtown Asheville’s first legal distillery founder and owner Adam Dalton. The range includes Hammond Rum, clear rum is a blend of four types of sugars and is inspired by Caribbean recipes. Adopting the island process learned, they ferment at higher temperatures to keep the flavours consistent.
Hammond Oak Rum is aged with 100% French oak wood chips for 3 months, this barrelling process accelerates the ageing. Hammond Coffee Rum is made with a dash of sugar, locally roasted organic dynamite coffee beans, and organic vanilla extract. The distillery is temporarily closed at the time of writing and has Dalton’s After Dark Dive Bar to try the rums.
Find out more on Dalton Distillery
Locōrum Distillery
Locōrum Distillery produces community distilled spirits in historic downtown Warrenton, NC. Founded in 2021, Locōrum aims to support regional farmers and independent businesses, distilling rum, vodka, and moonshine, primarily from locally sourced ingredients and supplies, when possible.
Locōrum’s Eagle Rum is oak-aged with a classic earthy blend of cane sugar and hearty blackstrap molasses. Rum lovers describe it as full-bodied yet not overly sweet; spicy with a smooth texture; able to stand on its own, served neat, on the rocks, or mixed in a cocktail. Stop by to try their signature Pineapple MoonRunner cocktail; a blend of their Eagle Rum and Empty Saddle Moonshine with pineapple and coconut flavors.
A boutique distillery, Locōrum only sells their spirits onsite, subject to availability: Eagle Rum, 1779 Vodka, and 1779 Truffle Vodka, as well as Apple Pie, Coffee, Lemonade, and Sweet Tea Moonshines.
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Central Piedmont
Tobacco was once the main crop on this plateau of rolling hills between the Western Mountains and the Coastal Plain and is home to the dynamic city of Raleigh, known as the City of Oaks. This region is a hub of innovation, culture, and outdoor recreation. The Research Triangle is a cluster of world-class research universities. Explore historic sites, wineries, breweries, and the live music capital of the south. Golf on picturesque courses, hiking in scenic parks, and local craft distilleries make this region a must-visit.
Aristotle Spirits
Founded in Garner by Jake Howland, a former pharmaceutical chemist after many years of making spirits at home. Opened in June 2021, the rum is made from equal parts fermentable sugars of molasses and evaporated cane juice. Slowly fermented over the course of a month in an open-top fermenter. It’s run through the still as a pot still and double distilled which is then proofed down to 120 proof for the Aristotle Spirits Explorer Navy Strength Rum.
Aristotle Spirits have plans for the next batches of rum by the end of 2024 and they have rum ageing in small barrels for a special release potentially in 2025. The distillery is open 6 days a week with guided tours on Saturday and Sunday at 2pm and 4pm. You can find their spirits at many of the state ABC stores, but the rum is rarely available outside the distillery.
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Broadslab Distillery
In 2012, Broadslab opened to the public with Legacy Shine Whiskey and Carolina Coast Silver Rum. The owner and master distiller, Jeremy Norris is a fifth-generation moonshiner and the first legal one in his family. He operates Broadslab with his wife Shelly and the farm has been in his family since the 1840s. It’s one of North Carolina’s first farm distilleries in Benson, Johnston County. And, Johnston County is regarded as the Moonshine Capital of North Carolina.
Carolina Coast Silver Rum is distilled from sugarcane and premium molasses and Carolina Coast Spiced Rum uses a secret mix of all-natural spices. Tours and tastings are Friday & Saturday at 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm. The Barn at Broadslab is a wedding venue and hosts special events plus accommodation. The Broadslab tasting room is just off the road and a local hangout from Thursday to Saturday for drinks, food trucks, and live music.
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Fair Game Beverage Co.
Founded in 2013, Fair Game Distillery and Winery is located in the heart of the Chatham Beverage District on the eastern edge of Pittsboro. Fair Game believes in fairness in farming to the family. Their rums are distilled in an alembic copper pot still before being aged in bourbon oak barrels.
Fair Game Amber Rum is a small batch operation, taking a barrel or two off the wall, proofing it down, and it’s bottled. Try their Plum Daiquiri with the Amber Rum at Fair Game’s newly renovated Tasting Room which is open 7 days. Guided tours are on Saturdays at 12pm, weekday tours are by appointment. Fair Game is located at The Plant in Pittsboro which hosts festivals, conferences, private events, and weddings – and they operate the events bar.
Find out more on Fair Game Beverage Co.
Founding Fathers Distillery
This small craft whisky distillery in High Point was opened by Jeff Cooper and Marta Price in 2020. The distillery is located in the centre of the Old Parsons Farm property, which was a staging point in the Revolutionary War in 1746. Many artifacts from the war are located at the property.
The Deep River Rum is their first batch. It’s made using top-quality food-grade molasses and specialised yeast. Founding Fathers can be visited by appointment only, and the rum is available locally.
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InStill Distilling Co.
This rum distillery in the heart of Clayton, Johnston County is veteran-owned and was established in 2017. The brand is known for its striking bottle artwork by local artists for each expression. InStill Distilling Co. White rum is made from a combination of jaggery and sugar. Their Spiced Rum was first released in 2019 and made from their white rum and a blend of Ceylon cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, cardamom, star anise, and vanilla. It’s aged in oak for 8-10 weeks.
AEVA Aged Rum was first released in 2020 and is a tribute to tech and innovation being aged in partnership with AEVA Labs in Winston-Salem. InStill Distilling has tours and hosts events and parties as a venue. The cocktail bar serves Mojitos, Daquiris, Painkillers, and Mai Tais with their rum.
Find out more on InStill Distilling Co.
Liberty & Plenty Distillery
Founded in 2020 Liberty & Plenty is the brainchild of owner and master distiller Tina Williford. The distillery is expanding its production with a new facility in Wilson. The core range is Bronze Bull Bourbon, Slate Belt Vodka, and Whirligig Gin. However, it’s their Cap & Cane Rum that truly shines for American rum enthusiasts.
Named after the Liberty Cap on the state seal and the sugar cane used for molasses, Cap & Cane Rum is made with extra fancy-grade molasses, evaporated cane juice, and small additions of panel. The long cool fermentation with up to 3 yeast strains is then double distilled in a copper pot still. Expressions are then blended or aged in used bourbon or rye whiskey barrels.
Rum expressions include a pre-cask white rum, as well as new releases for 2024: Chai Spiced Rum, Coffee Rum, a coconut/toasted coconut rum, and a golden rum finished in small batches. Additional expressions are planned to complement their cocktail program. Their Cocktail Bar, located in the Central Park district of downtown Durham, is open Wednesday through Sunday. Visitors can enjoy a cocktail, or rum flight, and schedule a distillery tour in advance. The range of spirits will soon be available online in 35 states.
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Mystic Farm and Distillery
Mystic Farm and Distillery began in 2013 when two friends began blending a unique liqueur from bourbon, wildflower honey, and a nine-spice tea. In 2015 they purchased a 22-acre farm in Durham County and began construction on the first bourbon distillery in the triangle since prohibition.
Their rum range is distilled and bottled on site and includes Mystic Tiki White Rum, Mystic Tiki Aged Rum, and Mystic Tiki Rum Liqueur. Mystic Tiki Aged Rum is aged in their own ex-bourbon barrels for 2 years. They have guided tours Sat/Sun 2pm and 4pm and require reservations. They also host regular events, cocktail classes, and
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Raleigh Rum Company
This small, family-owned distillery began making rum in Raleigh in 2014, making small-batch rums from scratch. Sadly, in September 2024, they lost their distiller and tour lead, Ed Cleary. That same month, they announced their departure from the Corporation Pkwy site after a decade of operation.
The Raleigh Rum range includes Sweet Dark Rum, Reaper Rum, Spiced Rum, and a premium White Rum. Raleigh Rum Company has a Tasting Room and you can find Raleigh Rum at cocktail bars in PNC Arena during the Canes home games. So, the rum is still available, just check their profile and socials to keep up up-to-date on their move.
Find out more on Raleigh Rum Company
Broad Branch Distillery
Founders John Fragakis and long-time friend Nick Doumas always had a dream of producing something together. After years of planning, they opened the doors of Broad Branch in 2014. Broad Branch makes award-winning whiskey and rum. John’s motto was 53-gallon barrels and a lot of patience – never cutting corners on time or ingredients which is evident in the spirit. Sungrazer is triple pot distilled, 100% Caribbean molasses rum that rests in the Big Winston bourbon barrels for 3 months before bottling. The result is exceptional butterscotch richness and a lovely, golden hue. Sungrazer works great in everything from daiquiris to mojitos.
Broad Branch currently offers 3 rums: Sungrazer, Sungrazer Chai Spiced Rum (made with a custom chai blend courtesy of a downtown Winston Salem neighbour, Chad’s Chai), and Boykin Rum (a 4-year bottled in bond rum aged in a used Heaven Hill bourbon barrel). There are plans for a 6-year single barrel rum release in 2025. The tasting room is open 7 days a week to taste the rum and pick up a bottle. They also have an adjacent cocktail bar where you can enjoy custom cocktails that is currently open Wednesday through Sunday.
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Southern Piedmont
Crowders Mountain State Park, with its dramatic cliffs and hiking trails, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Lake Norman, a man-made lake, provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. The region is also home to Charlotte, known as the Queen City. This is a hub for NASCAR, with the Charlotte Motor Speedway attracting fans from around the world. Charlotte has a range of attractions, including art museums, historic sites, a thriving culinary scene, and rum!
Muddy River Distillery
Muddy River, a family-owned and operated business established in 2011, is believed to be the oldest legal rum distillery in the Carolinas. They have a new home in a textile mill built in 1875 in Mount Holly and finished renovating it in 2024.
The rum is 100% sugarcane-based and is distilled in hybrid reflux stills consisting of a pot and a column. They pride themselves on making quality award-winning Carolina Rum using premium ingredients resulting in some of the best rum you’ll ever sip. They make a variety of rums from Muddy River Silver Carolina Rum to the Muddy River Barrel Aged line, Queen Charlotte’s Reserve. They also make deliciously flavoured rums like Muddy River Spiced and Coffee. In 2024, they expanded the product line to include Orange Curacao, Banana Liqueur, and Vodka.
You can visit their beautiful setting in Mount Holly consisting of the distillery, a large cocktail bar, as well as private event spaces, and a loading dock where they host concerts every Saturday. You can also find the rum in North Carolina ABC stores as well as South Carolina liquor stores.
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Murto Made Distillery
Founded in 2017, Murto Made Distillery has two locations, Huntersville and Mooresville. Bananas Foster Rum is a unique Caribbean rum that they flavour to taste like the world-famous desert, Bananas Foster from New Orleans. It’s a small batch operation with a 200-gallon still in Huntersville and 55-gallon still in Mooresville. Both locations offer a full-service bar and a cocktail menu with their spirits.
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Oaklore Distilling Co.
Back in 2016, neighbours Matt and Tom discovered a shared passion for well-crafted whiskey in the vibrant town of Matthews. They opened a distillery, tasting room, and patio, and became an event locale in Charlotte. Oaklore’s origins are built on the idea of community. From ingredient sourcing to partnerships with local businesses, they’re dedicated to supporting the area they call home.
Oaklore Original Rum is made from caramelised cane sugar and molasses using Caribbean yeast in fermentation. Their rum is only available to buy at the distillery. At their lively bar & tasting room, you can try the rum, and they serve up ready-made cocktails, alongside slushies and seasonal drinks.
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Old Nick Williams Co.
The farm and distillery was first established by the current owners’ ancestors in 1768. While they have a rich whiskey history, the owner loves rum, since their first trip to Jamaica years ago.
After years of learning from a Jamaican distillery, they perfected their rum recipe, using fancy molasses and a traditional Caribbean pot still. Not long after they barrelled the first batch of Jamaican-style rum in their used bourbon barrels, it was discovered by Bourbon Historian, Fred Minnick that they were possibly the first distillery in American history to send a whiskey barrel to another country to age another spirit – a barrel sent to Jamaica in 1797 to age rum.
Today, they offer three expressions of Jamerican Rum®: White (80 proof), White Overproof (126 proof), and Aged (85 proof). The aged rum is matured in their own used bourbon barrels for at least 3 years. Daily tours and tastings are available except Sunday, alongside the Busted Barrel Cocktail Bar, open every day. Signature cocktails include the Painkiller and the Overkiller. For a culinary pairing, J Butler’s Bar & Grille in Lewisville is a local favourite.
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Seven Jars Winery and Distillery
Founded in 2014, the winery makes wine and brew, and the distillery makes rum, vodka, and bourbon. Named after the history of Charlotte, their story is rooted in Prohibition-era rum runners and a love for fine spirits.
Seven Jars Rum is made from Blackstrap Molasses and pure cane sugar. Craft distilled and bottled in North Carolina, this white rum is well received in the tasting room. The recipe uses a hint of caramel, vanilla and a charcoal filter process. The distillery offers tours, tastings, and classes to learn hands-on experience of distilling.
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Coastal Plain
This vast expanse of low-lying land has stunning beaches, historic towns, and a rich maritime heritage. The Outer Banks, a chain of barrier islands, is a popular destination for beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and history buffs alike. From the mysterious Roanoke Island to the iconic Bodie Island Lighthouse, these islands are made for rum lovers. The larger Virginia Beach Chesapeake area has beautiful beaches, vibrant boardwalks, and a thriving seafood and rum scene.
Bogue Sound Distillery
This distillery in Bogue was founded by Richard Chapman in 2018. They make Bourbon, vodka, gin, and rum. The large distillery houses a museum showing how stills and spirits were made in the late 1700s and early 1800s. A restored 1923 Ford Model-T pickup, complete with whiskey barrels is on display, along with a 1900s grist mill and some local family history.
The John Newland Maffitt ‘Barrel Rested’ White Rum is distilled from molasses and aged in a bourbon barrel. John Newland Maffitt Spiced Rum is the first addition to a line of spiced rums and has classic spice notes. Visitors can tour the distillery museum and watch Bogue Sound’s 500-gallon still and 27-gallon test still in action. Reservations are required for the tour & tasting.
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Beaufort Spirits Company
Beaufort Spirits Company is developing a rum distillery on Admiral’s Alley off Front Street in the historic district of Beaufort North Carolina. You can watch the development from Tapping the Admiral Rum Bar (beer and wine only for now) and stay upstairs at the Angel’s Share Inn.
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Cape Fear Distillery
Cape Fear got its name from sailors afraid of getting wrecked. On the outskirts of Elizabethtown in the heart of the Cape Fear region between Wilmington and Fayetteville, they created their first spirit in 2015. The winery and distillery make rum from molasses in small batches using only the hearts of the distillation run.
The latest release in 2024 is Calcutta Big Bite Rums, a flavoured rum range made in partnership with retailer Calcutta Outdoors, the fishing inspired line-up includes Caribbean-style spiced rum; jalapeno-spiced rum inspired by Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; key lime rum made with limes from Key West, Florida; and a coconut rum influenced by coquito, a Puerto Rican Christmas drink.
This a vineyard, winery, distillery, lodging, gift shop, and events centre for weddings and concerts. At the on-site restaurant, The Cork Room, you can try their rums in craft cocktails. The rum is also available in some of the nicest restaurants, most ABC stores, and newly online. Small Craft Advisory™ Cape Fear Rum has been served aboard Carnival Cruise Line ships since 2022.
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End of Days Distillery
End of Days Distillery in Wilmington was born from respecting hard work and hustle, where creating something with your hands was a day well lived. The family of premium handcrafted spirits honours their agricultural roots and timeless values taught to them by dreamers and doers. ‘Spirits With Soul’, is their motto as they craft small-batch spirits. The rum range includes Port of Entry Rum, distilled made 100% from molasses and raw cane sugar. This is a white rum that delivers a sweet yet buttery spirit.
Castaway Series Barrel Rested Rum blends aged whiskey and bourbon barrels for those who appreciate aged spirits. The ultra-premium Barrel Rested Rum is aged for 6 months in New American Oak barrels. End of Days Castaway Series Barrel Aged Rum uses the finest cane sugar and molasses, then blended using a selection of woods from around the globe, including Mongolian, French, and Brazilian oak. The extended ageing process in these diverse casks imparts a depth of flavour and complexity.
They welcome guests where you can enjoy The Lounge craft cocktail bar Wednesday-Saturday 11am-9pm, and Sunday 12-6pm, and pick up a bottle.
Find out more on End of Days Distillery
Four Hounds Distilling
Founded in 2020 by best friends and named after the families’ 4 furry friends. They distill and bottle their own rum at the distillery in Carolina Beach using a blend of molasses and demerara sugar. Currently, they have 4 rum expressions all stemming from one core recipe. Four Hounds Silver Rum is bottled at 80 proof with post-fermentation.
Porch Dog Rum is similar to gold rum using silver rum and is rested in oak for 30 days. The Sea Level Rum is a variation of Porch Dog that is blended with port wine and vanilla. Lastly, the Queens Share Rum is made from the tails of their other distillations, oak rested, and bottled at 100 proof. They have some barrels ageing and bottled only their second barrel. This was a Queen’s Share rum aged in a Rye barrel for 18 months and bottled at 120 proof.
You can visit their tasting room and bar with outdoor seating for craft rum cocktails – and of course, dogs are welcome. Four Hounds rum can be bought at the distillery, the Carolina Beach ABC store, and a few restaurants on the island as well.
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Momentum Distillery
Momentum is a family-owned micro-distillery created back in 2000 Started by Misti and Hunter Ford, the business began with their love for surfing. In downtown Wilmington, they are known for their NC-shaped vodka bottles but also bottle Momentum Playa Pantaleta Rum and Momentum Rum La Punta De Las Caracas named after the Venezuela locations.
Outer Banks – Kill Devil Rum
Outer Banks Distilling in Manteo was opened in early 2015. Founded by 4 local friends with backgrounds in bartending and brewing. It’s the first distillery in the area specialises in small-batch rums.
Outer Banks Distilling makes Kill Devil Rum, Kill Devil Hills is a town famous for the Wright brothers’ first powered airplane flights. The rum is distilled on a 1200-liter Arnold Holstein copper still. Everything from start to finish is done on-site at the distillery. Their flagship lineup of rums uses molasses as the base, hence their motto is “From Molasses to Glasses”. Throughout the year they have a few different small batch rums where they source unique sugar sources for fermentation and ageing in all different types of barrels.
The main lineup of rums is Kill Devil Silver, Pecan, Spiced, and barrel-aged Kill Devil Gold Rum. There’s also rum called Shipwreck Series in the Fall and Spring and a Winter Sol-Spiced rum in the winter. They welcome guests at their distillery cocktail bar visitor experience and the brand can be found in many great bars and restaurants across the region.
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North Carolina has many bars to enjoy a rum cocktail. In addition to the distilleries and their tasting rooms already mentioned, here are a few to explore on your North Carolina road trip.
Where to Enjoy Rum in North Carolina
Asheville: Asheville Yacht Club, The Tiki Easy Bar, Imperiál Bar, Little Jumbo
Beaufort: Rhum Bar at Front Street Grill
Charlotte: The Punch Room, Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails, Rum Bar and Grill, The Royal Tot
Carolina Beach: Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar, High Tide Lounge & Tiki Bar, SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar
Durham: Alley Twenty-Six, Bar Virgile, The Velvet Hippo Bar
Hatteras: The Wreck Tiki Bar
Kill Devil Hills: Mama Kwan’s Tiki Bar & Grill
Lenoir: The Rum Bar at Taste of Havana
Lewisville: J Butler’s Bar & Grille
Raleigh: The Ark Royal Tiki Bar, Watts & Ward, Bahama Breeze, Casa Cubana, Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria
Washington: Backwater Jacks Tiki Bar
Wake Forest: Bodega Tapas, Wine, and Rum
Wilmington: Sip Tiki Bar, RUMCOW, The Starling Bar
In the mountains and foothills of western North Carolina, recovery from Hurricane Helene is ongoing at the time of writing in late November 2024. Showing support to local distilleries helps businesses and families recover, fundraising and efforts are still ongoing for millions of people affected.
Liquor laws prevent many NC rums from showing up out of state, so you might have to pay a visit in person. North Carolina should be on any rum lover’s road trip or getaway.
Rum lovers can coordinate travel with rum events like the Outer Banks Rum Festival which is June every year. Make sure to try the famous local barbecue with your rum enjoyment.
For more general travel advice on North Carolina Tourism
For travel planning use our North Carolina Rum Map
Thanks to the brands for contributing to this article and for permission to use their images. Other image credits go to Canva Pro and user contributions.
