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Get in the Winter Spirits: 10 Local Drinks to Celebrate the Season

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If there’s one thing Western North Carolina is known for, it’s our local-made spirits and ales. From moonshine and whiskey to IPAs and seasonal brews, when you’re around these parts, you’re sure to find a drink option to warm your belly. Whether it’s been a long day of winter sports or you want to kick back after working remotely, these local libations have you covered.

For What Ales You

Bearwaters Brewing Riverside

Beer aficionados: check out BearWaters Brewing Company, where they are combining classic English brewing traditions with American innovation. Try a Heavy Cream Stout to fortify you on those cold, wintery days or a Barrel Aged Saison that has been elegantly crafted and aged in Merlot barrels from the Biltmore Estate. Can’t decide? Try a flight and get a variety of samples to taste.

BearWaters Brewery Beer Pouring
101 Park Street Canton, NC 28716

Boojum Brewing Company

Bring the pup with you to this dog-friendly spot and delight in their unique brews including the sweet and sour Brambleberry Gose and the Balsam Brown Ale. Warm-up with a bite from the Taproom, like The Brueben, a take on the classic Rueben made with bacon-infused sauerkraut. Tired from a day on the slopes? Boojum has online ordering so you can make a quick pick up and head back to your accommodations for a cozy night in.

gatlinburg-day-trip
50 N. Main St Waynesville, NC 28786

Frog Level Brewing

With a back deck that faces a rolling creek, you can take in the crisp winter air while sipping a Salamander Slam IPA. Try one of their rotating guest taps too, like the Gingers Revenge: Fall Harvest featuring cinnamon basil, anise hyssop, and dried pumpkin. If you find yourself needing a nibble, Frog Level has a full menu complete with one-and-only offerings like local Trout Burgers and BBQ Mac and Cheese.

The empty bar at Frog Level Brewing, with a backlit sign behind the bar
Frog Level Brewing

Wine Down

B & C Winery

At this unique little winery, owner Chris blends grapes from around the world with mountain spring water. Stop in for a tasting flight and pick up a limited-edition Winter’s Warmth Red, perfect for sipping by the fireplace or with a special dinner. Prefer a white? Try Chilly’s Crush, a blend of white cranberry and refreshing Pinot Gris.

2427 Soco Road Maggie Valley, NC 28751

Bosu’s Wine Shop & Secret Wine Bar

The secret is out! Bosu’s Wine Shop has a large selection of wines both in-store and available as flights to try and savor. Split a Pear and Brie Bruschetta or ask co-owners Stephanie Strickland and Genevieve Bagley for a wine recommendation like a glass of Dr. Loosen Riesling.

138 Miller St, Waynesville, NC 28786

The Classic Wineseller

Housed in an underground cellar like a modern-day speakeasy, The Classic Wineseller is another exceptional retail wine and cigar shop. They keep a few bottles in stock—12,000 to be exact—but not much here can beat sharing a charcuterie board while sipping on a Cabernet Sauvignon and taking in the live music.

20 Church Street Waynesville, NC 28786

Now that’s the spirit

Elevated Mountain Distilling Company

Take a tour of this wonderful distillery where they are crafting small-batch moonshines, premium vodka, and whiskey. This 11,000 square foot facility houses huge custom stills where master distiller Dave Angel creates his signature spirits. Book a tasting by email or phone and pick up a variety of bottles to bring home with you. Don’t miss the Raymond Fairchild Root Beer White Lightning Moonshine, inspired by late legendary local bluegrass musician, Raymond Fairchild.

elevated-mountain-distilling
3732 Soco Road Maggie Valley, NC 28751

Find all these spirits and more in Haywood Country, right in the heart of the NC Smokies.

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