Muddy River DistilleryĀ is progressing with a $4 million transformation of the historic Mount Holly Cotton Mill, set to open in June at 250 N. Main St. The 18,000-plus square feet space, more than triple its current footprint, will house production facilities, offices, a craft cocktail bar, lounge, restaurant, and event space, with 700 feet of frontage on Dutchmans Creek for various activities.
Why it matters: Co-founders Robbie and Caroline Delaney, pioneers of the oldest distillery in the Carolinas since 2011, purchased the mill for $1.3 million in 2022.
The expansion caters to the changing regulatory landscape, allowing the sale of unlimited bottles and mixed drinks on-site since 2019.
The Mount Holly venture, a reinvention of the company, secures Muddy River's presence in the growing Charlotte market.
The big picture:Ā The mill, built in 1875, will feature three production stills, a bar overlooking the factory, private event and lounge spaces, a Southern-inspired kitchen, and a 2,000-square-foot event space.
āIt is a destination. Itās a whole new reinvention of the company,ā Co-founder Robbie Delaney shared.
Whatās next:Ā Future plans include a second phase with a 3,000-square-foot building for barrel aging, a rooftop deck, and a bar. The Delaneys aim to surpass last year's production of 4,000 cases of signature rums and expand their capabilities to 28,000 cases a year.
Go deeper:Ā For the full article with a slideshow of pictures, please click here.