Craft Distilleries in West Virginia & North Carolina

🥃 Blog #16 & #17 - “From Wedding Toasts to Whiskey Trails: Bold Stops on the Road to North Carolina”

My recent trip to North Carolina—centered around my daughter’s wedding—offered more than just family celebration. It became a journey of discovery, connection, and bold spirits. Along the way, I visited two standout craft distilleries that couldn’t be more different in setting, yet equally compelling in character: MannCave Distillery in Weston, West Virginia, and Fainting Goat Spirits in Greensboro, North Carolina.

🥃 Blog #16 - “My Return to MannCave Distillery”

 I carved out time for a return visit to a distillery that’s earned its own kind of reverence: MannCave Distillery, tucked just outside Weston, West Virginia.

This was my second trip since discovering the location, and once again, it delivered. MannCave’s mash bills are 100% corn, a choice that gives their bourbon a distinctive flavor profile I’ve come to truly enjoy. It’s not just bold—it’s unapologetically different. It’s also not by definition, “Corn Whiskey!”

Eric, the master distiller, welcomed conversation and shared insights into their unique production methods. Because they use only corn across their entire product line, they’ve developed a specialized approach: grinding the corn into ultra-fine granules to maximize starch exposure and fermentable sugar production. The result? A spirit that’s both technically impressive and deeply flavorful.

They also use local spring water sourced from a nearby mine, with a pH of 6.8 and exceptional purity. That, combined with a week-long fermentation process, likely contributes to the intriguing mix of fruity and floral aromas I consistently pick up.

My personal favorite from the lineup is their Cask Strength Distillers Reserve, a 4-year-old, 99-proof straight bourbon whiskey. While it doesn’t carry the Bottled-in-Bond designation due to its 49.5% ABV—just 0.5% shy of the requirement—it still delivers a rich, satisfying experience. Eric didn’t mention why they chose that proof, but it works beautifully.

MannCave is a rugged, off-the-beaten-path distillery that blends Appalachian grit with international acclaim. Under SpikeWorld Enterprises, they’ve earned 58 major international medals, including honors from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the SIP Awards.

You can learn more at manncave.com.

🥃 Blog #17, “Two Border Collies Walk Into a Bar: Southern Hospitality at Fainting Goat Spirits Distillery”

I had to make one more stop before the festivities for my daughter’s wedding in North Carolina—a weekend filled with joy, family, and new beginnings—I made a stop that felt celebratory in its own way: Fainting Goat Spirits Distillery, nestled in the heart of Greensboro, NC.

From the moment I arrived, the tone was set by Dave, the assistant distiller, whose warmth and generosity made the visit unforgettable. Not only did he welcome me into the tasting room—he welcomed Jax and Rip, my two Border Collies, with open arms and a few friendly pats. That kind of hospitality isn’t just rare—it’s emblematic of the spirit behind this distillery.

Dave shared the story of Fainting Goat’s founding, rooted in a historic building that’s seen more than a century of change. The distillery itself is Greensboro’s first legal operation since 1908, and it wears that legacy with pride. The space feels both timeless and rebellious—refined, but never pretentious.

The pours? Generous and memorable. Dave was more than happy to walk me through their lineup, and two expressions stood out to me:

• 🥃 The American Single Malt: Elegant and expressive, with a depth that speaks to careful maturation and thoughtful grain selection.

• 🌾 The High-Wheat Whiskey: Crafted from corn and 30% wheat, while being matured for 7 to 8 years. It’s soft on the palate, with a gentle sweetness and a long, satisfying finish.

Both spirits reflect the distillery’s grain-to-glass philosophy, using 100% North Carolina USDA-certified organic grains—most sourced from a single farm in Union County. It’s a commitment to local character that shows up in every sip.

Fainting Goat Spirits isn’t just a distillery—it’s a conversation. One that includes dogs, stories, and pours that linger long after the glass is empty.

You can learn more at faintinggoatspirits.com.

Reflections:

In a weekend defined by family and celebration, these stops reminded me that bold spirits aren’t just about flavor—they’re about connection. The trip also reminded me that special moments are often found just off the main road. Whether it’s a wedding toast or a distiller’s pour, the best experiences come from those who dare to do things differently and are shared, unexpected, and full of heart.