7 Woman-Run Gin Distilleries in the Carolinas

Juniper berries are responsible for something amazing: gin! Without gin, we wouldn’t have martinis, negronis or gin & tonics. That’s why we’re so thrilled to find woman-owned and woman-operated distilleries crafting gin across the country.

Gin making seems to be particularly popular in South and North Carolina. We found seven woman-run distilleries delivering innovative takes on gin. If you’re on the east coast, we highly recommend exploring each one.

Let’s get started in Charlotte.

Great Wagon Road Distilling

Michelle Piechowicz arrived in Charlotte, looking to escape New England winters – where she had earned her degree in environmental conservation from University of Connecticut. Soon she’d become the distiller for Great Wagon Road Distilling. She continues to craft whiskey, vodka and gin at the distillery.

Developed with a botanical-forward method, 704 Gin features flavors of citrus and lemongrass, finishing with soft juniper. The spirit works well in a cocktail or paired with the simple combination of toni and lime juice – or a rosemary sprig, as suggested by the distillery itself.

Try 704 Gin to your specifications when you visit the main location and Barrel Room during operating hours: Tuesday through Friday, 4pm to 11pm; Saturday, 12pm to 11pm; and Sunday, 12pm to 8pm.

610 Anderson Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28205

Liberty & Plenty Distillery

After a career in wine, Tina Williford became the sole owner and chief dreamer of Liberty & Plenty Distillery in Durham. With a Master of Science degree in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot Watt University, she draws from family influences and an insatiable curiosity to lead the team and develop a portfolio of spirits brands, including Whirligarden.

Whirligarden Navy Strength Gin delivers on the promise of gin with a balance of juniper, coriander and angelica that meets citrus peel (macerated in whey spirits). It gets a boost from jasmine vapor, infused during re-distillation. Finally, cold distilled yuzu is added for a final product that features citrus and floral notes.

Get a taste of the gin at Liberty & Plenty’s Cocktail Bar, open Wednesday and Thursday, 4pm to 10; Friday, 4pm to 11pm; Sunday, 12pm to 11pm; and Sunday, 12pm to 4pm.

609 Foster Street, Durham, North Carolina 27701

Twelve 33 Distillery

Owned by Rebecca Osborn and her husband, Kevin, Twelve 33 fulfills a dream to create a small-batch distillery that produces spirits from the ingredients that best represent Little River, South Carolina. The two combined forces to craft a wide range of spirits, from vodka and bourbon to gin.

Named for a Prohibition-era beverage, Jo-Jo Gin is a blend of ten different botanicals. This spirit emphasizes cardamom, coriander and chamomile over juniper for a well-balanced gin flavor.

If you want to find out more about this spirit, visit the distillery Monday through Thursday, 1pm to 7pm or Friday and Saturday, 12pm to 9pm.

593 Highway 90 East, Little River, South Carolina 29566

Durham Distillery

Co-founder Melissa Kantrincic started Durham Distillery with her husband to accomplish the goal of crafting modern gin in North Carolina. And she’s done that and more. In fact, she is one of the only U.S. female distillers to be inducted into the highly respected Gin Guild.

With an impressive resume under her belt, Melissa produces four different kinds of gin, including the original Conniption American Dry Gin. Base botanicals include juniper, Indian coriander, angelica root and cardamom – all infused through a customized German pot still.

Taste that final product when you drop by the distillery: Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12pm to 6pm; Saturday from 1pm to 8pm; or Sunday from 1pm to 6pm.

711 Washington Street, Durham, North Carolina 27701

Beyond Distilling Company

A board-certified behavioral analyst and distillery owner, Kerianne Krause founded Beyond Distilling with her partners to build a business that could help her patients find sustainable employment. In the process, she’s designed an inclusive space for adults with disabilities – and developed impressive spirits.

Beyond Distilling’s Tropical Gin blends the traditional botanicals of juniper, citrus and coriander with mango, melon and pineapple. It’s a take on London dry gin that inspires any drinker to take off on an island vacation.

Take your own flavor vacation when you visit the distillery for a scheduled tour. Visit the website to book your tour and tasting today.

2157 Rich Street, Suite 203, North Charleston, South Carolina 29405

Striped Pig Distillery

Owner “Pixie” Paula Dezzutti founded Striped Pig to follow a “Southern Way” tradition but to also innovate on a classic spirit. From this North Charleston-based distillery, the production team delivers a variety of spirits, including rum, whiskey and gin.

Crafted with only four botanicals, the Striped Pig Gin offers an accessible and delicious flavor that any drinker could appreciate. It blends well in a cocktail but can also be served simply over ice for anyone to enjoy.

Order it the way you like it when you visit Striped Pig Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm to 6pm.

2225 Old School Drive, North Charleston, South Carolina 29405

Rotten Little Bastard Distillery

A grain-to-glass distillery in Beaufort, Rotten Little Bastard is owned by Brigid Fackrell and her husband Brian. The pair source local grains to craft their portfolio of spirits, which ranges from whiskey, vodka, rum and gin.

The Spanish Moss Gin earned its name through an online contest but it reflects the local area, calling to mind common regional flora. As for flavor, the spirit features citrus notes that result from lemon, angelica root and chamomile infused during the distillation process.

Experience that Spanish Moss for yourself by dropping by the distillery Tuesday through Friday, 1pm to 7pm or Saturday, 11am through 7pm.

2139 Boundary Street, Unit 102, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902