By Kathy Ahrendt

We often try to visit places that are unique. The South Mountain Distilling Co. is one of those places. Once the group gathered at our meeting spot we took them over some twisty back roads to our destination. It had been a rainy week until the day of our tour; the sunshine was a welcome change.

South Mountain has only been open for about a year and have succeeded in making a very nice set of products and has a great tasting room. Since we had 18 people for this visit they closed the doors and catered to our group only. We got to see the whole process from the intake of the raw ingredients, the water filtering system and on to the still nicknamed “Ole Bessie #4” named after the grandmother of the owners, 'Ole Bessie #4' is a 200 gallon custom built still that is a unique 3 plate custom column design. They grind and process their own grains, not something that you see often at the distilleries in our area. Trying to maintain their family moonshine heritage is very important to the owners.

After taking us through the process of how they create the spirits that they sell, we were allowed to taste both of the current products and also got to discuss some of what they have coming out in the future. Each member who did the tasting can now purchase up to 5 bottles during the year, a North Carolina regulation.

While we tasted we noticed a man who came in and stood over at the tasting area. Most of us were busy shopping the wide variety of specialty items so we didn't really pay much attention to him. He stayed for a while and then left. As we finished up someone asked. “Who was that man?” The owners then informed us that he was the Mayor of the town and had heard there were a “bunch of old cars at the distillery.” Being an old car guy, he had to check it out.

Once we finished with all of our purchases, we head a mile down the road to a local favorite BBQ restaurant. They are never fazed by 18 people showing up on their door step – it is one of the busiest places in town and they seem to be able to handle anything.

After our tasty lunch, we headed to the Ahrendt's house for desserts and tire kicking. We always have room for more food and conversation. Drives don't have to long and involved... any time spent in your LBC is a good time.