Drink local: Get North Carolina-distilled whiskey, vodka and gin in Fayetteville

Taylor Shook, Fayetteville Observer
·2 min read

Cumberland County has yet to see a distillery of its own, but folks need not travel far to indulge in North Carolina-crafted liquor.

Fayetteville restaurants like Circa 1800 stock spirits distilled in the Tar Heel state, from whiskey, gin and vodka to specialty almond and walnut liqueurs.

Here’s a look at some of the North Carolina spirits you can sip at local spots.

Want a bottle to take home? These liquors can be purchased at local ABC stores, though availability may vary. Prices are listed according to the ABC price list.

Oak City Amaretto is distilled and bottled by Raleigh Rum Company in Raleigh, NC.
Oak City Amaretto is distilled and bottled by Raleigh Rum Company in Raleigh, NC.

Oak City Amaretto, Raleigh Rum Company

Oak City Amaretto, inspired by owner Anthony Scalabrino’s Sicilian-born grandmother’s original recipe, is distilled in Raleigh. The sweet, almond-flavored liqueur is made with American ingredients.

At 27% alcohol by volume, the Italian-born spirit can be enjoyed on the rocks or in an amaretto sour cocktail.

Price: $28.95

Rye Fidelity, a rye whiskey, from Broad Branch Distillery in Winston-Salem, NC.
Rye Fidelity, a rye whiskey, from Broad Branch Distillery in Winston-Salem, NC.

Rye Fidelity, Broad Branch Distillery

Broad Branch Distillery in Winston-Salem makes Rye Fidelity, which is barrel-aged for six years.

At 50% alcohol by volume, the whiskey has notes of toffee, chocolate, coffee, green apples and dark berries.

Price: $69.95

Rockfish Whiskey, House Vodka and House Gin from Weldon Mills Distillery in Weldon, NC.
Rockfish Whiskey, House Vodka and House Gin from Weldon Mills Distillery in Weldon, NC.

Rockfish Whiskey, Weldon Mills Distillery

Rockfish Whiskey, made by Weldon Mills Distillery in Weldon, is similar to Irish whiskey, with notes of caramel and vanilla.

At 40% alcohol by volume, it is said to be the perfect choice for a standard highball cocktail.

Price: $24.95

House Vodka, Weldon Mills Distillery

Weldon Mills, a distillery founded along the Roanoke River by friends Bruce Tyler and Michael Hinderliter, makes House Vodka. The spirit is a no-frills vodka at an affordable price.

The vodka is 40% alcohol by volume.

Price: $12.95

House Gin, Weldon Mills Distillery

Another spirit from Weldon Mills Distillery is the House Gin, which has notes of cucumber and juniper, with a spicy finish.

The gin is 40% alcohol by volume.

Price: $12.95

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Conniption American Dry Gin from Durham Distillery in Durham, NC.
Conniption American Dry Gin from Durham Distillery in Durham, NC.

Conniption American Dry Gin, Durham Distillery

Conniption American Dry Gin is made by Durham Distillery, a Durham operation specializing in gin. With notes of coriander, cardamom and juniper, this spirit is said to be approachable and smooth.

Conniption Gin is 44% alcohol by volume.

Price: $29.95

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Rustic Nocino, a black walnut liqueur, from Eda Rhyne Distilling Co. in Asheville, NC.
Rustic Nocino, a black walnut liqueur, from Eda Rhyne Distilling Co. in Asheville, NC.

Rustic Nocino, Eda Rhyne Distilling Company

Based in Asheville, Eda Rhyne Distilling Company specializes in herbal liquors, like this Rustic Nocino black walnut liqueur, which is made from wild walnuts found in Western North Carolina.

Rustic Nocino is 35% alcohol by volume.

Price: $40.35

Food, dining and culture reporter Taylor Shook can be reached at tshook@gannett.com or on Facebook. Want weekly food news delivered to your inbox? Sign up for the Fayetteville Foodies newsletter. 

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Sip North Carolina-made whiskey, vodka and gin in Fayetteville