Calling all whiskey drinkers! The next time you visit the Blue Ridge Mountains, you need to swing by and tour Defiant Whisky. Located in Bostic, North Carolina, Defiant Whisky is changing the way that whiskey is made and aged. Because of their simple ingredients and unique storing technique, this award-winning whiskey is worth a sample! Here are some things you should know about the distillery.
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What is Defiant Whisky?
Since hitting the shelves on 12/12/12, Defiant single malt whiskey has been making waves in the spirit community. They start with quality and end with quality in every batch. Defiant is made using a simple recipe of just three ingredients: cereal, yeast, and pure water from the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Another aspect that sets Defiant apart from competitors is that it’s stored in steel tanks with oak spirals, rather than aged for years in oak barrels. The lack of aging is a definite selling point. The result is a smooth, 82 proof single malt whiskey packed with flavor. Defiant was the Drammie Awards’ 2016 winner of Most Underrated Whiskey and was even named the Best New Spirit of 2013.
Tours and Tastings
Located just an hour from The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant, Defiant Whisky is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours, which include a tasting, are offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on weekends by appointment. Call the distillery at (828) 245-2041 for reservations!
Defiant is now offered in 24 states plus Malaysia, Canada, Estonia, and Singapore. If you are unable to visit the distillery but would still like to purchase a bottle, check out their online store. You can place your order and start crafting your own Defiant cocktails at home! Some of our favorites include:
The Defiantly Chocolate Martini
- 2 oz Defiant Whisky
- 1 oz Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
- 1 oz Crème De Cocoa
Shake over ice, then strain mixture into a martini glass. Garnish with white chocolate shavings and fresh raspberries.
The Defiant
- 4 oz Defiant Whisky
Defiant Whisky is best enjoyed NEAT. Garnish with good friends and a fine cigar!
Book Your Stay at The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant
If you need to unwind after your whiskey tour, book your stay at The Esmeralda. Our rustic mountain lodge is the perfect place to recharge and get away from the everyday hustle and bustle. An incredible onsite restaurant, 14 beautiful guest rooms, and the finest amenities available will make you feel at home.
When booking your reservation, be sure to ask about our Mountain Adventure Package. This package is ideal for first-time visitors and includes dinner for two, a two-hour horseback riding trip, and a picnic lunch. Visit our specials page for details and start planning your getaway to The Esmeralda Inn today!
For more great places to explore, read our blog about the best wineries in NC.