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

Copper Creek Distillery

Marion,

North Carolina

— Moonshine, Whiskey

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🏔️

Blue Ridge Setting

Thirty acres of genuine mountain farmland

👴

Family Legacy

Grandfather’s illegal recipe made legal

🌽

Local Ingredients

Grown on neighboring mountain farms

🥃

Traditional Methods

Copper pot stills meet modern standards

👥

Personal Touch

Owners often greet visitors personally

🍑

Mountain Flavors

Apple and peach from local harvests

🌐 http://www.coppercreekshine.com/

📍 2550 US-221 BUS, Marion, NC 28752, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Mountain Farm Moonshine Made the Old Way

Copper Creek Distillery sits on a 30-acre farm along US-221 in Marion, North Carolina, where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet the foothills. Founded by Tommy and Jeanette Holtzclaw in 2013, this family operation started as a way to preserve Appalachian moonshine traditions while creating legal, premium spirits. Tommy’s grandfather made moonshine in these same mountains decades ago, and the Holtzclaws wanted to honor that heritage with modern distilling techniques. The distillery operates out of a rustic facility that feels authentically mountain-made, producing moonshine, whiskey, and flavored spirits using locally-sourced ingredients when possible. What began as a husband-wife dream has grown into a legitimate craft distillery that bridges the gap between old-school mountain spirits and today’s craft movement. You’ll find everything from traditional clear moonshine to aged whiskeys, plus creative flavored spirits that showcase local ingredients like apple and peach. The Holtzclaws remain hands-on owners, often greeting visitors personally and sharing stories about their family’s moonshine heritage and the journey from illegal family recipe to licensed distillery.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Real Family Heritage Not Marketing Fiction

Copper Creek stands out for its genuine connection to Appalachian moonshine heritage rather than manufactured nostalgia. Tommy Holtzclaw’s family actually made moonshine in these mountains, giving the operation authentic roots that most craft distilleries can’t claim. The location itself adds to the authenticity – you’re visiting an actual mountain farm where moonshine culture was born, not a downtown tasting room playing dress-up. They use traditional copper pot stills alongside modern equipment, creating spirits that honor old methods while meeting contemporary quality standards. The farm setting means they can grow some of their own ingredients and source others from neighboring mountain farms, creating spirits that genuinely taste of place rather than just marketing to it.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Genuine Mountain Culture No Tourist Theatrics

Visiting Copper Creek feels like stepping onto a working mountain farm rather than a polished tourist attraction. The Holtzclaws or their staff typically lead tours through their production facility, explaining both traditional moonshine-making techniques and modern safety standards. You’ll see the copper stills in action and learn about the family’s moonshine history, including stories about Tommy’s grandfather’s illegal operation. The tasting room has a down-home mountain feel with wood paneling and local touches, where you can sample their full range from traditional white lightning to flavored varieties. The atmosphere is relaxed and conversational – this isn’t a scripted corporate experience but rather feels like visiting friends who happen to make really good moonshine.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Authentic Appalachian Spirits Worth the Mountain Drive

If you’re interested in authentic Appalachian culture and moonshine history, Copper Creek delivers the real deal without the theme park treatment. It’s perfect for visitors who want to understand the actual heritage behind mountain spirits rather than just taste trendy craft cocktails. The personal touch from the founding family makes this more intimate than larger distilleries, and the mountain farm setting provides genuine atmosphere you can’t get in urban locations. However, if you’re expecting elaborate tours or fancy tasting experiences, you might find it too rustic. This appeals most to people who appreciate authenticity over amenities and want to support a family business with genuine local roots.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead to confirm hours and availability since this is a smaller family operation that may adjust schedules seasonally. The location on US-221 is straightforward to find, but GPS can be spotty in the mountains so pay attention to landmarks. Ask Tommy or Jeanette about their family moonshine stories if they’re available – they’re usually happy to share the real history behind their operation. Try the traditional clear moonshine to understand what authentic mountain spirits taste like before sampling flavored varieties. Bring cash since smaller mountain distilleries don’t always have full card processing systems. The drive through the Blue Ridge foothills is beautiful, so plan time to enjoy the mountain scenery on your way there.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Copper Creek Distillery — Visitor FAQ

Is this a real moonshine operation or just themed?

This is a legitimate family operation with actual moonshine heritage. Tommy Holtzclaw’s grandfather made illegal moonshine in these same mountains, and they’re carrying on authentic family traditions under proper licensing. You’re getting the real history and methods, not a tourist version.

What’s the difference between moonshine and whiskey?

Moonshine is typically unaged corn whiskey that comes off the still clear, while whiskey is aged in barrels that give it color and different flavors. They make both styles and can explain the production differences during your visit.

Do I need to make reservations?

Reservations aren’t typically required for basic tastings, but it’s smart to call ahead since this is a family operation that may adjust hours seasonally. For larger groups or special requests, definitely call first to make sure they can accommodate you properly.

GETTING THERE

Find Copper Creek Distillery

📍2550 US-221 BUS, Marion, NC 28752, USA

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