WRC Distillery sits on Windsor Road in Hamptonville, North Carolina, in the heart of Yadkin County’s emerging craft spirits scene. Founded by William Ray Childress (the WRC in the name), this small-batch operation opened in 2018 after Childress spent years perfecting his recipes and navigating the complex world of federal and state distilling permits. The distillery operates out of a converted warehouse space that Childress renovated himself, creating a functional production facility that doubles as a tasting room for visitors looking to sample his handcrafted spirits. Childress came to distilling later in life, driven by a passion for creating quality spirits using traditional methods and local ingredients when possible. He focuses primarily on whiskey production, though the distillery also produces other spirits depending on seasonal availability and experimentation. The operation remains deliberately small-scale, allowing Childress to maintain hands-on control over every aspect of production from mashing to bottling. Visitors to WRC Distillery get an authentic look at craft distilling without the polish of larger commercial operations. You’re likely to meet Childress himself during your visit, and he’s known for taking time to explain his process and the challenges of starting a distillery in rural North Carolina. The atmosphere is unpretentious and educational, making it appealing to both serious spirits enthusiasts and curious newcomers to craft distilling.