History

Black Draft Distillery is a family-owned distillery based on a farm in West Virginia, where three generations are typically present on site. The distillery emphasizes West Virginia's agricultural traditions as part of its identity and product range.

Hannisville Rye and Regional Roots

Hannisville™ Straight Rye Whiskey traces its roots back to 1868, when Henry Hannis built Hannisville Mills along Tuscarora Creek in Martinsburg, West Virginia. This historical foundation is linked to the modern Black Draft and its farm-to-glass philosophy, which also describes the farm's role as a source of corn and rye for the spirits lineup.

Philosophy and the region's flavor

The distillery describes a commitment to preserving local flavors and traditions and to expanding the product line through innovation and creativity. This is evident in descriptions of their products and their approach to craftsmanship and quality.

Production/Manufacturing

General approach

Black Draft Distillery describes that its production techniques combine traditional methods with modern creativity and a focus on quality and purity in their spirits range.

Farm materials from the farm

According to their descriptions, corn and rye are used in the production, and the farm's own fields serve as the source of the raw materials (farm-to-glass).

Specific products

• Rise & Shine Coffee Moonshine gets its coffee from local roasteries located eight miles up the road from the distillery.
• First Harvest Moonshine is described as West Virginia unaged corn whiskey.
• Just Peachy Vodka and The Blues! Blueberry Vodka illustrate the expansion of the product line and the use of flavors from natural ingredients.

Whiskey-Specific Details

• Straight Bourbon Whiskey is listed as one of the products; mash bill and aging method are mentioned as central to the production.
• Hannisville Straight Rye Whiskey is described as around 65 percent rye in the mash bill (plus corn and malted barley) and has a sweeter profile; available in a 750 ml bottle.

Products/Whiskey Series

• Hannisville Straight Rye Whiskey – 750 ml. Mash bill: about 65% rye (plus corn and malted barley); sweeter profile.
• Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 750 ml. Mash bill and aging mentioned as important elements in the production.

Visit/Experiences

The distillery is described as a functioning farm facility, and according to their family policy, all ages are welcome on Saturdays and Sundays (12:00–5:00 PM). Outside these hours, you must be at least 16 years old. They also emphasize that the distillery is an agricultural operation and that the parents are responsible for the children.

Practical notes

The distillery is motorcycle-friendly and has a dedicated parking area at the Production House; it states that club colors are not allowed.

Philosophy

Black Draft Distillery combines tradition with modern creativity, placing emphasis on craftsmanship and regional traditions. The expansion of the product line with innovative flavor variants reflects the region's traditions and agricultural history, and the farm-to-glass philosophy is central to their identity and approach to raw materials and products.