Cultivated Cocktails Distillery and Tavern sits on Charlotte Highway in South Asheville, founded by Brandon and Lindsay Fore who left their corporate careers to chase their dream of craft distilling. The husband-and-wife team opened their doors in 2019 after years of planning and navigating the complex world of distilling regulations. Their 3,000-square-foot facility houses a custom copper still along with fermentation tanks, and they’ve built a reputation for small-batch spirits made with locally-sourced ingredients when possible. The operation focuses on whiskey, rum, and gin, with Brandon handling the distilling duties while Lindsay manages the business side and creates their cocktail program.
The Fores didn’t stumble into distilling by accident—they spent years perfecting their craft before going commercial, working with consultants and learning from established distillers across North Carolina. Their approach centers on traditional methods with modern precision, using a grain-to-glass philosophy that gives them control over every step of production. The couple sources corn from North Carolina farms and ages their whiskey in charred oak barrels, building inventory for longer-aged expressions while selling younger spirits and their popular rum and gin to keep cash flowing.
The tavern side of their business sets them apart from many craft distilleries—you’re not just sampling spirits neat, you’re experiencing how they work in expertly crafted cocktails. The tasting room feels like a neighborhood bar where the owners actually care about what they’re serving, with Lindsay’s cocktail expertise shining through creative drinks that showcase their spirits. You can taste their products straight or see how they perform in classic and innovative cocktails, giving you a fuller picture of what they’re capable of producing.
