Mount Washington Distillers sits in Gilford, New Hampshire, just minutes from Lake Winnipesaukee and in the shadow of the White Mountains. Founded in 2017 by Tom Caron and his business partner, this craft distillery emerged from Caron’s passion for creating premium spirits using traditional methods and local ingredients. The operation runs out of a 4,000-square-foot facility on Hounsell Avenue, where they’ve installed custom copper stills and aging equipment to produce small-batch bourbon, rum, and specialty spirits.
Caron brought decades of business experience to the venture, but his journey into distilling started as a personal quest to create something authentic in New Hampshire’s growing craft spirits scene. The team focuses on grain-to-glass production, sourcing ingredients locally when possible and aging their spirits in new American oak barrels. Their master distiller oversees every aspect of production, from mashing to bottling, ensuring consistency across their product line. The distillery represents a commitment to bringing craft distilling back to New Hampshire, where the industry had largely disappeared after Prohibition.
Visitors find themselves in a working distillery where production happens alongside tastings and tours. The space combines industrial efficiency with New England charm, featuring exposed beams and plenty of natural light. You can see the copper stills in action, smell the mash cooking, and watch barrels being filled. The tasting room offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can sample their current releases while learning about their process. It’s not the largest operation you’ll visit, but the hands-on approach and attention to detail make it a worthwhile stop for spirits enthusiasts.