Live Free Distillery sits in Manchester’s industrial district, founded in 2015 by Tim Piper, a former marketing executive who traded corporate life for copper stills and grain bills. The operation occupies a 4,000-square-foot space in an industrial park, complete with a production facility, tasting room, and retail area. They focus on small-batch bourbon, rye whiskey, and vodka, with Piper handling much of the distillation himself alongside a small dedicated team. Piper’s journey into distilling started as a hobby that grew into an obsession. After years of perfecting recipes in his garage and navigating New Hampshire’s licensing requirements, he opened Live Free as one of the state’s pioneering craft distilleries. The name pays homage to New Hampshire’s “Live Free or Die” motto, reflecting both state pride and the independent spirit that drove Piper to leave his day job behind. The distillery uses locally sourced grains when possible and focuses on traditional bourbon and rye production methods. The space feels more like a working distillery than a polished tourist destination, which is exactly the point. You’ll see the actual production happening during visits, smell the mash fermenting, and get explanations of the process from people who actually do the work daily. It’s an authentic look at craft distilling without the bells and whistles, appealing to visitors who want to understand how whiskey gets made rather than just drink it.