How far is the distillery from Louisville?

Neeley Family Distillery is about 45 minutes northeast of Louisville in Sparta, Kentucky. It's in Gallatin County, off the main Bourbon Trail routes, so plan for a bit of a drive through rural Kentucky.

What makes their bourbon different from larger distilleries?

The Neeleys grow some of their own corn right on the property and handle most of the production themselves as a family operation. You're tasting spirits made in small batches with direct family involvement from grain to bottle, rather than mass-produced bourbon.

CRAFT DISTILLERY

North Carolina

Call Family Distillers

Wilkesboro,

North Carolina

— Moonshine, Whiskey

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🏔️

Mountain Heritage

Generational distilling knowledge from moonshine capital

🌽

Traditional Methods

Family recipes adapted for legal production

💧

Local Sources

Same mountain water that made region famous

🏭

Working Operation

Industrial facility focused on craft not flash

🥃

Authentic Tastings

Sample moonshine and whiskey done right

📚

Real Knowledge

Learn from family with decades of experience

📞 (336) 990-0708

🌐 http://www.callfamilydistillers.com/

📍 1611 Industrial Dr, Wilkesboro, NC 28697, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Generations of Mountain Tradition Now Legal

Call Family Distillers sits on Industrial Drive in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains where moonshine history runs deep. Founded by the Call family who wanted to bring their generations-old distilling knowledge into the legal craft spirits world, this operation represents a bridge between Appalachian tradition and modern craft distilling. The facility produces moonshine, whiskey, and flavored spirits using time-tested methods passed down through the family line. Wilkesboro’s location in Wilkes County puts you in serious moonshine country—this area was once known as the moonshine capital of the world, and the Calls are carrying that legacy forward legally. The distillery operates in a working industrial space that feels authentic rather than polished, which fits the down-to-earth approach they take to their craft. You’re not getting a fancy tourist experience here, but rather a genuine look at how mountain distilling traditions translate to today’s craft spirits market.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Real Moonshine Lineage Not a Marketing Story

The Call family brings legitimate generational distilling knowledge to their operation, something you can’t fake or learn in a weekend workshop. Being located in Wilkes County gives them serious moonshine credibility—this is where NASCAR drivers got their start outrunning revenuers, and where families like the Calls perfected their recipes over decades before going legal. The mountain water and local grain sources they use are the same ones that made this region famous for producing some of the smoothest, most sought-after spirits in the country. Their approach stays true to traditional mountain distilling methods rather than trying to reinvent everything for the craft market.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Working Distillery Authenticity No Tourist Polish

You’ll get a straightforward, no-nonsense tour that focuses on the actual distilling process rather than flashy presentations. The facility has that working distillery feel where you can see and smell the real operation happening around you. Tours walk you through their traditional methods and explain how they’ve adapted family recipes for legal production. The tasting lets you sample their moonshine and whiskey offerings while learning about the flavor profiles that made mountain spirits famous. Don’t expect elaborate gift shops or Instagram-worthy photo ops—this is about understanding the craft and tasting spirits made the way they’ve been made in these mountains for generations.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

For Serious Spirits Fans Absolutely Worth It

If you’re interested in authentic Appalachian distilling tradition rather than polished tourist experiences, this is worth your time. The Call family’s generational knowledge gives you insights you won’t get at newer craft distilleries that are still figuring things out. Moonshine and whiskey enthusiasts will appreciate tasting spirits made using methods that have been refined over decades in this exact region. However, if you’re looking for elaborate facilities, fancy cocktails, or extensive food offerings, you might want to look elsewhere. This appeals most to people who want to understand the real history and craft behind mountain spirits rather than those seeking a luxury experience.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead to confirm they’re open and doing tours, as working distilleries sometimes adjust schedules based on production needs. The Industrial Drive location is straightforward to find, but GPS should get you there without issues. Ask about their traditional mash bills and how they’ve adapted family recipes for legal production—the Calls are knowledgeable about the technical aspects and happy to share details with genuinely interested visitors. Don’t expect elaborate facilities or extensive retail offerings, but do expect to learn something about authentic mountain distilling. If you’re serious about moonshine or whiskey, bring specific questions about their processes and ingredient sourcing.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Call Family Distillers — Visitor FAQ

What’s the connection between Call Family Distillers and traditional moonshine?

The Call family brings generational distilling knowledge from the days when moonshine was the primary spirit produced in Wilkes County. They’ve taken traditional family recipes and methods and brought them into legal craft distilling, maintaining the authentic mountain distilling approach that made this region famous.

Do I need to book a tour in advance?

Yes, it’s best to call ahead since they’re a working distillery that adjusts schedules based on production needs. This ensures they can give you proper attention and that someone will be available to show you around and explain their processes.

What makes Wilkes County significant for distilling?

Wilkes County was historically known as the moonshine capital of the world, where families perfected their distilling techniques over generations. The mountain water, local grain sources, and generations of knowledge created some of the most sought-after spirits in the country, and that tradition continues with legal operations like Call Family Distillers.

GETTING THERE

Find Call Family Distillers

📍1611 Industrial Dr, Wilkesboro, NC 28697, USA

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📞 (336) 990-0708

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