our roots

Remarkably dynamic, Asheville has managed to preserve all the mystical qualities for which it’s known-unparalleled Mountain setting, historic architecture, loyal locals, and vibrant arts scene -all while continuing to be energized by new trends and remain unpredictable. The city has transformed into a craft drink hotspot which has become the number one economic driver in the Asheville area and will continue to positively impact the tourism rate. The diverse blend of deep-rooted tradition and modern innovation is just one of the many reasons Dalton Distillery decided to plant its roots in this now-famous city. Asheville offers the perfect trifecta — a mountain water source, plenty of spirit enthusiasts, and a prosperous tourism industry.

Dalton Distillery’s story starts just a few towns over in Kernersville, NC, where founder and owner Adam Dalton grew up and first discovered his interest in spirits after meeting a countryside moonshiner. Fascinated with the process, he began researching and experimenting with his own recipes while studying business administration at UNC- Asheville. He travelled to the Virgin Islands and St. Kitts where he learned the Caribbean process first hand and Rum became his true passion. Determined to jump into the new flourishing craft distilling industry, set out to take the first steps to create his own product line. Each spirit starts from scratch and is distilled with our hybrid copper still that was built in house.

We take pride in knowing every aspect of our equipment - inside and out. We strive to practice eco-stability by utilizing rainwater and the crisp clean mountain water of our hometown to bring you the highest quality spirits straight from the Asheville Appalachians.

Dalton Distillery spirits are handcrafted top shelf liquors distilled in small batches closely tended to meet our dedication to high quality and amazing taste. Resonating from our travels to the Caribbean islands, our spirits are all a blend of Caribbean style with an old-school mix of Appalachian-style distillation. 

Our process

Things are done a little bit differently here at Dalton Distillery. We use no grains for any of our products and instead use all dissolvable bases- Four forms of Sugar, Fresh Apple Juice, And Blue Agave. Due to the unique spirit bases we use, there is no mashing step. Instead we make a ‘wash’ - the process of adding hot water to the base until it diffuses.

When it’s time to ferment we add our specific yeast and keep this controlled room at a higher temperature (Around 78 Degrees) like they do on the islands.

We use a 58 Gallon custom hybrid copper still to separate the ethanol created in fermentation.

Come take a tour to get a closer look at our process!

PROCESS