Outer Banks Distilling sits in downtown Manteo on Roanoke Island, where the Wright Brothers first took flight and the Lost Colony mystery still captures imaginations. Founded in 2014 by Kelly Bray, a former pharmaceutical executive who traded sterile labs for copper stills, this craft distillery occupies a renovated building that’s become a cornerstone of Manteo’s revitalized waterfront district. They produce rum, vodka, and gin using traditional methods in small batches, with their flagship Kill Devil Rum paying homage to the area’s maritime heritage. Bray’s journey from Big Pharma to craft spirits wasn’t accidental. After years in corporate America, he wanted to create something tangible that connected to the Outer Banks’ rich history of rum running and coastal trading. The distillery’s name references both the geographic location and the colorful past of barrier island bootleggers. Working with a small team, Bray focused on creating spirits that reflect the coastal character – clean, approachable, and rooted in local tradition. The operation runs on a 500-gallon copper pot still, keeping production intentionally small to maintain quality control. Visitors step into a working distillery where the smell of fermenting grain mingles with salt air from the nearby sound. The tasting room feels like a neighborhood bar where locals and tourists mix easily, and Bray or his team often lead informal tours explaining everything from mash bills to the challenges of distilling in a humid coastal environment. It’s not fancy, but it’s authentic – the kind of place where you learn something new about both spirits and local history while enjoying a well-made cocktail.