Craft Liquor is Booming in North Carolina

Consumers’ desire for local libations is fueling growth in the NC distilling industry. Today, there are 68 licensed distilleries in the state; two years ago, there were half that many.

“Craft spirits is speaking to the idea of not drinking more, but drinking up. It’s not about quantity, it’s about quality,” said Melissa Katrincic, co-owner of Durham Distillery.

Her company and other small distilleries offer tasting tours, which are a good way to try craft spirits. In the Triangle, Raleigh Rum Company and TOPO Organic Spirits in Chapel Hill are worth visiting. The state also provides this handy map.

– Amber Keister, S&A Communications