Sleeping Giant Distillery sits on Southern Street in Rock Hill, South Carolina, representing the craft spirits movement that’s taken root in the Charlotte metro area. Founded by husband-and-wife team Chris and Angie Belk, the distillery opened its doors in 2018 after years of planning and navigating local regulations. Chris brought his background in engineering to the distillation process, while Angie handles the business operations and customer experience. The name comes from the Catawba River region’s geological features, with Rock Hill itself sitting near what locals call sleeping giant rock formations. They produce bourbon, rye whiskey, and vodka in small batches using a combination of traditional methods and modern precision. The facility operates out of a renovated commercial space that they’ve transformed into a working distillery with tasting room. Chris does much of the distilling himself, focusing on grain-to-glass production with locally sourced ingredients where possible. The operation reflects the growing South Carolina spirits scene, where craft distilleries have been popping up as state laws became more favorable to small producers. You’ll find them part of Rock Hill’s broader effort to create a more diverse local business landscape beyond the traditional manufacturing base.