History

Weldon Mills Distillery is located in Weldon, North Carolina, and markets itself as North Carolina's most award-winning distillery with accolades such as Distillery of the Year 2021–2024. The company highlights its location on the Roanoke River and the role of water as a base ingredient in their bourbons. According to the website, Weldon Mills NC Proud is driven by a history of two founders, Bruce and Michael, who started as a passion for making bourbon and later became known for producing some of the world's most award-winning small-batch bourbons. Emphasis is placed on a blend of tradition and innovation through the use of locally grown ingredients and small-batch equipment.

Production/Manufacturing

Their products are produced in North Carolina using Roanoke River water and locally sourced ingredients. The company identifies itself as a small-batch producer and highlights their water filtration and manufacturing process (including a description of “small batch” equipment and earthy ingredients). They also emphasize a philosophical approach that combines art and science in the pursuit of quality and consistency. Particular emphasis is placed on the bourbon collection and on creating a premium bourbon experience through craftsmanship and quality control.

Products/Whisky Series

Bourbons

• The All Malt (110 Proof): A limited-production bourbon, described as ultra-premium and barrel-proof, and claimed to be the only bourbon in America made from all malted grain.
• Reserve (110 Proof): A full-bodied bourbon, barrel-proof, based on NC corn and malted wheat/barley for a rich finish.
• Select (94 Proof): A 94-proof bourbon with NC corn, malted wheat/malted barley and a full body and smooth finish.
• Soldier's Cut (82 Proof): An 82-proof bourbon for neat or in cocktails, honoring the 82nd Airborne Division and funds for Gold Star families' charity.

House Distillates and Spirits (not exclusively Whisky)

• Rockfish Whiskey: Described as an American whiskey with notes of caramel and vanilla; signals that it is one of the company’s house spirits.
• Weldon Orchards Caramel Green Apple Whiskey, Weldon Orchards Peach Elderflower Whiskey, Southern Roots and Sweet & High Maple Whiskey: Several expressive, wild- and fruit-forward whiskeys in the house portfolio.
• Other house spirits: Dray 25 Vodka, 3 Hamlets Gin, Rey Coyote Tequila and Sabrosa Tequila as well as Royal Rhubarb Gin and Bourbon Barrel Gin underline a broad range of distilled products outside the bourbon lineup.

Visits/Experiences

• Distillery Tours: Premium bourbon distillery tours that give visitors insight into how Weldon Mills produces their spirits, with a concluding tasting.
• Tours start at the mill house and include trolley transport to the actual distillery.
• Tour times are: Monday–Sunday at 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30 and 17:30.
• The Mill: Includes the mill building where tastings take place and where bottle sales also occur.
• Event opportunities and other experiences: 11th Hour Events handles events, including weddings; RV camping is also offered as a Harvest Host partner, and there are private event spaces and a range of venues on site.

Philosophy

• NC Proud: Weldon Mills highlights locally rooted production in North Carolina and water from the Roanoke River as part of their identity.
• Local ingredients: Everything from water to corn, barley and wheat is mentioned as locally sourced ingredients, supporting their story of local pride and sustainable production.
• Art and science: Their approach is described as a fusion of art and science to achieve excellence in small-batch production and a consistently high quality in their bourbons and other spirits.
• Award-winning and small-batch: Since their launch, they have won several awards in international competitions and position themselves as the world's best bourbon experience through a range of products with high craftsmanship quality.