New $13m distillery to open in South Carolina

The US$13 million Burnt Church Distillery will open in the US state of South Carolina next month.

Founded by brothers, Billy and Sean Watterson, the 25,000 square foot distillery has been under construction since May 2019. The distillery will open its doors for the first time on 5 March and houses a production facility, tasting room, gift shop, humidor and history room.

Once open, the site will create more than 40 full-time and 20 part-time jobs, and is projected to attract 150,000 tourists to the area in its first year alone.

Opening in Bluffton, South Carolina, the distillery will produce spirits that ‘honour local history’ and give back to the community.

The distillery will offer a portfolio of 17 spirits, including Anita’s Choice Bourbon, Sin Eater cinnamon whiskey, Burnt Church Vodka and Devil’s Elbow Gin.

Sean Watterson said: “I am thrilled to share with everyone our interesting flavour profiles that we’ve worked so long and diligently on.

“I’m equally as excited, and hope, that everyone will also join us in our ongoing journey of creating new and unique spirits for the future.”

Once operational, Burnt Church Distillery will also create non-alcoholic ‘spirit’ Amethyst.

Billy Watterson added: “We discovered that 20% of visitors would not do a tasting.

“It ignited a second vision for us. To create a non-alcoholic ‘spirit’ as a unique alternative specially crafted for those who have made the choice not to drink.”

Burnt Church Distillery has also created the Lowcountry Legacy Fund, which will support programmes that build infrastructure, expand education opportunities, and achieve economic equity in the local Black community.

The distillery will pledge US$0.50 from every purchase to the fund, and customers will be invited to donate further by rounding up their purchases.

Burnt Church Distillery will also donate 5% of its monthly revenue from memberships and public events to charities supporting its local community.