History

Seven Jars Distillery has roots in Charlotte's history and a tale that goes back to before Prohibition. According to the story, Frank Ratcliffe was a bootlegger who supplied alcohol to the local community and built a business model around secret distributions. The most iconic part of the legend is the discovery of seven mason jars buried in a brick barbecue grill on a farm near UNCC; Velma, Frank's widow, decided to share the story and Seven Jars became the name of the company that today runs the distillery, winery and brewery in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. The name and story are tied to Charlotte's prehistory and a belief that small, family-owned businesses can become something bigger through determination. Ava Gardner and the Ava Gardner Trust are part of the story through partnerships around bourbon and by being part of Seven Jars' history; the Ava Gardner Story page describes the collaboration and special editions of bourbon.

Seven Jars seeks to maintain a balance between storytelling, craftsmanship and modern production, and they claim to give visitors the opportunity to experience distillation, tasting and the history behind Seven Jars.

Production / Manufacturing

Seven Jars produces rum, vodka and bourbon with unique techniques and recipes. The rum is made from genuine BlackStrap molasses and sugar and undergoes carbon filtration, giving a smooth finish. The vodka is distilled seven times and finished with a combination of processes for a clean, fresh character, which nevertheless reflects Seven Jars' signature. The range includes both bourbon and rye, including products such as Preamble Rye Whiskey and Seven Jars Straight Bourbon Whiskey, as well as special editions like Ava Gardner Select Bourbon Whiskey (First Edition and Second Edition) and Apple Pie Whiskey. There is also a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and history in the marketing of the products, and certain products are linked to the Ava Gardner story.

Products / Whiskey Series

• Preamble Rye Whiskey - a precursor to the premium Seven Jars Rye Whiskey
• Seven Jars Straight Bourbon Whiskey (the original bourbon, which later became a precursor to Special Reserve)
• Ava Gardner Select Bourbon Whiskey (First Edition and Second Edition)
• Seven Jars Apple Pie Whiskey

Visits / Experiences

Seven Jars offers guided tours of the distillery and winery. Tours include tastings of seven spirits, seven wines and other beverages in various combinations and normally last about an hour. The price is 25 USD per adult with credit card, and tours are held on weekdays and some Saturdays with fixed times. The tours also include an overview of the family's history and the work at the distillery, kettles and mashing. In addition to the distillery experience they also offer Bourbon Steward Certification, Cocktail Class and Seven Jars Distillery School - hands-on experience with mashing, distillation and bottling. Tours and events give visitors the opportunity to experience the complete Seven Jars experience with spirits, wine and beer.

Philosophy

A core part of Seven Jars' identity is the motto 'Sometimes You Have To Dig A Little Deeper' and the phrase 'The best things in life are rarely easy to get'. It reflects a belief in perseverance, storytelling and thorough craftsmanship in the art of distillation.