Good Spirits

When Army veteran Bruce Tyler left active duty, he wanted to go into business doing something he loved. So he texted his long-time friend Michael Hinderliter and asked if he wanted to start a distillery.

“When we first saw the Weldon site we knew it was special,” says Tyler. “I love old buildings, and the historic mill dates back to 1830. The river is just gorgeous right here with the rocks, and there’s the park for the kids and plenty of space for dogs.”

With new North Carolina laws in favor of craft distilleries, Tyler knew the timing was right. So in 2019, he purchased the old mill property and began renovations. Since then, the distillery has made everything from hand sanitizer during COVID to today’s award-winning spirits. Patrons may sip, sample and purchase bourbon, whiskey, vodka, gin, tequila and rum — that also come in variety of flavors.

Weldon Mills Distillery was named back-to-back Distillery of the Year by the internationally renowned San Diego Wine & Spirits Challenge. Tyler is especially proud of their bourbon, made in small batches from the fresh water of the Roanoke River.

“Yes, you can make bourbon in North Carolina,” he says. “In fact, North Carolina was making bourbon before Kentucky even became a state. We’re proud to continue this heritage today.”

Tyler says by definition, bourbon must be made in the United States with a grain mash of 51%
corn, have a certain alcohol content and be aged in charred-oak barrels.

Tours of the distillery are offered throughout the day, and the grounds are even open to overnight RV campers through the Harvest Hosts, a hospitality network of farms, wineries, distilleries and breweries. Future plans at Weldon Mill Distillery
include a seasonal bar and grill and a boardwalk on the riverfront.

100 Rockfish Dr, Weldon, NC
252-220-4235 weldonmills.com