Tar River Distillery sits on East Nash Street in historic downtown Louisburg, North Carolina, bringing craft spirits to Franklin County – a region with deep moonshine roots. Founded by local entrepreneur Mike Williams in 2019, this small-batch operation focuses on producing bourbon, rye whiskey, and moonshine using traditional methods combined with modern equipment. Williams, who previously worked in construction, spent years researching distilling techniques and North Carolina’s rich spirits history before opening his doors. The distillery operates out of a restored commercial building in Louisburg’s downtown district, creating a connection between the area’s bootlegging past and its legal distilling future. You’ll find copper pot stills and fermentation tanks producing small batches of spirits that reflect the character of the Carolina Piedmont region. The operation emphasizes local sourcing when possible and maintains the hands-on approach that defines true craft distilling.