Bogue Sound Distillery

Overview of the Distillery

Bogue Sound Distillery is located in Bogue, North Carolina, and combines active spirit production with a small museum and public tastings. The distillery produces gluten-free vodka, white whiskey, single malt whiskey, and gin, and guests can see both a 500-gallon production still and a 27-gallon test still, as well as historical items such as a restored 1923 Model T and a grist mill from the 1900s.

History

Richard Chapman, with a background in textiles, real estate development, and construction, chose to pursue the dream of a local distillery in Bogue. Chapman hails from a family with distilling traditions and focused from the start on making both the product and the visitor experience exceptional. The on-site museum houses tools and vehicles that connect today’s production to local and regional distilling history. In recent years, the distillery has expanded its range of labels and flavors and describes 2021 as a time when the place is well established and thriving. Local stories and archives, including tales about people such as John A.P. Conoley and events such as the so-called 'Stolen Stills Story', are part of the narrative foundation for many of the distillery’s labels. Finally, changes in the law (HB890) opened up new opportunities for sales and events on Sundays.

Raw Materials and Production

The entire production chain takes place on-site in Bogue: from milling the grain through mashing and distillation to bottling and labeling. The distillery uses 'safe-distilling' techniques, including low-pressure steam distillation, and operates a production setup consisting of a 500-gallon still and a 27-gallon test still, which guests can see during tours. They also state that they use the best available grains as raw material, and that rainwater is used in cooling processes to reduce environmental impact. The museum and the open production reflect a commitment to transparency and communication: visitors can see the processes in practice and taste the finished products.

Whiskeys

The range spans American bourbon and rye to white whiskey and single malt, as well as flavored varieties. Some labels bear local names such as John A.P. Conoley, Vitzellen, and John Newland Maffitt. Several products are actively used in recipes and cocktails, and the distillery offers both limited editions (e.g., a limited edition rye) and more regularly released varieties such as their bourbon line and flavored whiskeys.

Whiskey Style and Flavor Profile

Across the products there is a mix of sweeter, spicier, and bold directions: a limited rye is specifically described as 'smooth' in finish, there is a peanut butter variant with a pronounced nutty character, and there are caramelized variants such as 'salted caramel'. Additionally, a coconut-based liqueur features in cocktail material, so the flavor expressions range from soft sweetness elements to more pronounced flavor variants.

Visit the Distillery

The distillery offers a bar, shop, tours, and tastings. The bar and shop are open on a set schedule, and tours can be booked at selected times (typically Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 1:00–3:00 PM). Tours cost $15 per person, and advance bookings are required to secure a guide and capacity; group bookings are made via the phone number 252-354-9131. Note that the site is an active production workspace, so tours may be delayed or rerouted due to operating reasons. The distillery is dog-friendly and has a mascot named Vitz.

The stated hours are Sunday 1:00–8:00 PM; Monday closed; Tuesday 1:00–6:00 PM; Wednesday 1:00–10:00 PM; Thursday 1:00–11:00 PM; Friday 1:00–11:00 PM; Saturday 1:00–11:00 PM.

Philosophy and Craft

The distillery's stated values focus on craftsmanship, local roots, and accessibility. Emphasis is placed on using good raw materials and reliable distillation methods (low-pressure steam distillation), while also sharing local history through an accompanying museum. Environmental considerations are integrated into practical measures, for example by using rainwater for cooling, and the products are produced as gluten-free, reflecting a desire for broad accessibility.

Sustainability

Uses rainwater to cool production equipment as an environmental improvement.

Awards and Recognitions

• Vitzellen Vodka – award-winning (Vitzellen Vodka)

• Bombshell Gin – award-winning (Bombshell Gin)

Latest News

Old Cuban | John Newland Maffitt “Barrel Rested” White Rum – 2023-05-09

Recipe and presentation of an Old Cuban cocktail made with John Newland Maffitt 'Barrel Rested' White Rum. The post is part of the distillery's recipe series and is accompanied by a video.

Not So Thin Mint | Vitzellen Vodka – 2023-02-20

Cocktail recipe based on Vitzellen Vodka, presented as a seasonal drink for St. Patrick's Day and supplemented with an instructional video.