Smoky Quartz Distillery

Overview of the Distillery

Smoky Quartz Distillery is located in Seabrook on the south coast of New Hampshire and is veteran-owned. The distillery produces in small batches under a grain-to-glass concept: organic locally grown corn for vodka, moonshine, and bourbon, as well as rum based on Grade A American molasses. The range spans from unaged corn whiskey to barrel-aged bourbon and añejo rum, and the site offers tours and close contact with the local community.

History

The idea for Smoky Quartz Distillery arose in 2008, when founder Kevin Kurland, while serving in Iraq, decided to establish a distillery. In the years that followed, local mentions appeared, and by the end of 2013 and in 2014 plans for a microdistillery in Seabrook were widely described in the local community. In 2015 there were several mentions of the distillery's first year of operation and local events, and in 2016 the distillery's products received recognition at the American Craft Spirits Association awards. Throughout the process, there has been an emphasis on small batches, locally sourced grain, and a craft approach to distillation and aging.

Raw Materials and Production

Smoky Quartz operates under a grain-to-glass principle with a focus on locally sourced grain and American ingredients. All grain-based products are produced with organically certified grain, and the rum is made exclusively from Grade A American molasses. Granite Coast Rum is fermented at high temperature with champagne yeast and distilled once in an 8-plate column still; only the heart of the distillate is used, and the rum is allowed to rest for over two weeks before dilution. Granite Lightning Moonshine is a traditional corn whiskey, made from 100% organic local corn and distilled single-run; it undergoes slow charcoal filtration before bottling. Solid Granite Vodka is made from grain grown within 125 miles, and both vodka and moonshine are said to be slowly charcoal-filtered and diluted with New Hampshire spring water to ensure purity and balance.

Aging and Barrel Types

The distillery's aging practices include small barrels: V5 Bourbon is aged in 15-gallon white oak barrels, while Granite Coast Añejo is bottled after aging in barrels that previously held V5 Bourbon. Granite Coast Rum also comes in a white edition, which is not actively filtered after distillation. Reuse of bourbon barrels for añejo rum shows a direct link between the distillery's bourbon production and the rum aging.

Whiskies

The range covers several base categories: Solid Granite Vodka, the locally produced 100% corn Granite Lightning Moonshine (an American corn whiskey), Granite Coast Rum in both white and añejo editions, and V5 Bourbon. The products are produced in small batches, with a focus on the origins of the raw materials: organic corn for grain products and Grade A American molasses for the rum. Some releases are highlighted with aging in small white oak barrels, while others remain unaged or only lightly rested before bottling.

Whisky Style and Flavor Profile

Three throughlines run through Smoky Quartz's flavor expression: a pronounced sweetness from grain and molasses, expressed as caramel or butterscotch in the rum; oak and vanilla from aging in white oak barrels, especially evident in the V5 Bourbon and in the añejo rum's use of bourbon barrels; and a light spicy note (pepper/cinnamon) that appears in both rum and bourbon. These directions recur in descriptions of several products and give a consistent picture of the distillery's style.

Visit the Distillery

The distillery welcomes the public with an 'Advanced Tour' for two people, which can be purchased for $25 and includes a Smoky Quartz glass. Tours are held on Thursdays and Fridays from 3:00–6:00 PM (on the hour) and Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00–6:00 PM (on the hour). In the summer period the site is open every day from 12:00–18:00; outside these hours, a phone appointment is recommended. For events and updates, refer to their Facebook page.

The stated hours are Summer Hours: seven days a week, 12:00–18:00. Tour times: Thursday–Friday 15:00–18:00 (on the hour), Saturday–Sunday 12:00–18:00 (on the hour). Outside these hours: please call first.

Philosophy and Craft

Smoky Quartz is built on a grain-to-glass mindset with a focus on local ingredients and organically certified grain for grain-based products. The distillery's philosophy highlights American origin for key ingredients such as Grade A molasses for the rum, as well as American-made bottles. As a veteran-owned business, craftsmanship, small batches, and control over the entire production chain are emphasized.

Awards and Recognitions

• Silver Medal (2016, Silver, V5 Bourbon)

• Silver Medal (2016, Silver, Granite Coast Rum)