Loping Crow Distillery sits on 24 acres of countryside in Albemarle, North Carolina, founded by husband-and-wife team John and Christy Ward in 2019. The Wards transformed a former agricultural property into a working distillery after John’s career in corporate finance left him searching for something more hands-on and creative. Their 2,500-square-foot production facility houses a custom 500-gallon copper still from Vendome Copper & Brass Works, where they craft bourbon, rye whiskey, and moonshine using locally-sourced grains when possible. The journey from concept to first bottle took nearly three years, with the Wards navigating federal and state regulations while learning the intricacies of distillation. John handles most of the production work, having studied under established distillers in Kentucky, while Christy manages the business side and visitor experience. Their approach focuses on small-batch production with careful attention to each step, from mashing and fermentation to the hand-bottling process. The distillery combines working production with a welcoming tasting room that showcases their spirits alongside the story of how two corporate refugees became craft distillers. You’ll find a rustic-meets-modern aesthetic with exposed beams, copper accents, and large windows overlooking the stills. The atmosphere strikes a balance between educational and relaxed, making it accessible for both whiskey enthusiasts and casual visitors curious about the distilling process.