CRAFT DISTILLERY

BootLeg Distilling

Martinsburg,
Maryland, Virginia
— Bourbon, Moonshine

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🔬
Engineering Approach
Data-driven recipes, meticulous documentation
🌙
Moonshine Focus
Clear spirits and seasonal flavored varieties
👥
Owner Operated
Michael and Lisa work the floor daily
🍎
Apple Pie Signature
Balanced flavors, no artificial shortcuts
🏭
Modern Production
Copper stills in clean, contemporary space
📍
Regional Access
Mountain State spirits, DC metro convenient
📞 (304) 707-2514
🌐 https://www.bootlegdistillingwv.com/
📍 384 Yeakley Dr, Martinsburg, WV 25403, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

West Virginia Craft Spirits In the Capital Region

BootLeg Distilling sits on Yeakley Drive in Martinsburg, West Virginia, founded by Michael and Lisa Britt who transformed their passion for craft spirits into a full-scale distillery operation. The couple opened their doors in 2019 after spending years perfecting their recipes and navigating the complex world of federal and state distilling permits. Michael brings a background in engineering to the operation, which shows in their methodical approach to production, while Lisa handles the business side and visitor experience. The facility produces bourbon, moonshine, and flavored spirits using traditional copper pot stills in a clean, modern space that feels more like a craft brewery than a rustic mountain operation. The Britts didn’t come from distilling families or bourbon country—they’re West Virginia locals who saw an opportunity to bring craft distilling to the Eastern Panhandle and decided to learn the trade from the ground up. Their approach combines respect for traditional methods with modern equipment and quality control, producing spirits that reflect both their engineering precision and genuine enthusiasm for the craft. You’ll find them working alongside their small team most days, happy to talk about everything from mash bills to the challenges of starting a distillery in a state better known for coal than corn whiskey.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Engineering Meets Moonshine Traditional Methods, Modern Precision

BootLeg’s biggest differentiator is their location in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, making them one of the few craft distilleries serving the greater Washington D.C. metro area from the Mountain State. The Britts focus heavily on moonshine and flavored spirits alongside their bourbon, reflecting both local tradition and market demand from visitors coming up from Virginia and Maryland. Their engineering background shows in their systematic approach to production—they document everything meticulously and aren’t afraid to adjust recipes based on what the data tells them. The distillery also embraces its somewhat rebellious name with playful branding and a relaxed atmosphere that feels more approachable than precious.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Meet the Owners Who Actually Run the Stills

You’ll typically find Michael or Lisa leading tastings in their clean, well-lit tasting room that feels contemporary rather than rustic. The space opens directly onto the production floor, so you can see their copper stills and fermentation tanks while sampling their products. Tastings are conversational and educational—the Britts genuinely enjoy explaining their process and aren’t shy about discussing what works and what they’re still perfecting. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with visitors often lingering to chat about everything from local history to the technical aspects of distilling. Tours happen informally as part of the tasting experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and see the equipment up close.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Real Craft Distillery Without the Tourist Markup

If you’re exploring craft distilleries in the D.C. region or curious about West Virginia’s growing spirits scene, BootLeg offers a genuine, no-frills introduction to small-batch distilling. The Britts are knowledgeable hosts who care more about education and quality than flash, making this a good stop for people who want to understand the actual process rather than just sample products. Don’t expect elaborate tours or restaurant-quality food—this is fundamentally about the spirits and the people making them. It’s particularly worthwhile if you appreciate moonshine and flavored spirits alongside traditional whiskey, or if you enjoy meeting the actual owners and hearing their startup story firsthand.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead or check their social media before visiting, as hours can vary and they sometimes close for production or events. The location is easy to find but parking is limited, so larger groups should coordinate in advance. Ask about their different moonshine flavors during tastings—they’ve experimented with several varieties that showcase their willingness to innovate. If you’re interested in the technical side of distilling, don’t hesitate to ask Michael about their equipment or process—his engineering background makes him particularly good at explaining the science behind the spirits. Plan to spend 30-45 minutes for a proper tasting and tour, and consider purchasing bottles on-site since their distribution is still limited.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

BootLeg Distilling — Visitor FAQ

Do you need to book tours in advance?
While walk-ins are often welcome, it’s best to call ahead or check their social media to confirm they’re open and not in the middle of production runs. Hours can vary seasonally and they sometimes close for distilling operations.
What’s the difference between your moonshine and bourbon?
Their moonshine is unaged and bottled clear right off the still, giving it a clean, strong flavor profile. The bourbon is aged in charred oak barrels which adds color, vanilla, and caramel notes while mellowing the spirit over time.
Can you buy bottles to take home?
Yes, they sell bottles on-site and often have products available that aren’t widely distributed yet. It’s a good opportunity to take home spirits you can’t find elsewhere in the region.

GETTING THERE

Find BootLeg Distilling

📍384 Yeakley Dr, Martinsburg, WV 25403, USA

 — 

📞 (304) 707-2514

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