The Ultimate West Virginia Distillery Road Trip

Moonshine, whiskey, bourbon… oh my! If you have a taste for the wild side, we have the perfect road trip for you with a focus on some modern moonshiners serving up local spirits. While you sip on a glass of the good stuff be sure to enjoy the view amid the mountains of Almost Heaven.

Get in the “spirit” with this trip routing through distillery stops all across the state while finding some other fun along the way.

Hatfield & McCoy Moonshine

Embark upon your distillery road trip at Hatfield and McCoy Moonshine in Gilbert. Here, you can taste the original moonshine recipe that belonged to Devil Anse Hatfield and is made in a micro-distillery located on original Hatfield land and produced in small, handmade batches. While you’re there tour the distillery, which is located in the beautiful mountains of southern West Virginia, taste “The Drink of the Devil” Moonshine for a truly unique moonshine experience.

Things to Do: Keep the fun going 30 just minutes away in Lyburn at Hatfield-McCoy Trails. Hatfield-McCoy Trails is made up of over 600+ miles of trails. The trails are open 365 days a year and perfect for any level ATV, dirt bike and UTV ride.

Smooth Ambler Spirits

Your next stop is a two hour and 45-minute drive to Smooth Ambler Spirits in Maxwelton. Situated in the historic and beautiful mountains of West Virginia, Smooth Ambler Spirits is the perfect place to learn about the process of making whiskey. It’s a must that you visit their warm and welcoming tasting room for a taste of their Big Level Bourbon, Smooth Ambler Contradiction, Old Scout Bourbon Whiskey and Old Scout Single Barrel Bourbon. It’s safe to say you might find a new favorite during your visit here.

Things to Do: Head 15 minutes to the charming town of Lewisburg and stroll its historic and beautiful streets. Lunch at the French Goat is always a good idea or experience complete serenity at the Salt Cave and Spa.

Kirkwood Winery & Isaiah Morgan Distillery

Keep the good times rolling one hour and 45 minutes away at Kirkwood Winery and Isaiah Morgan Distillery in Summersville. At the distillery, you’ll find corn whiskey made in small batches and visitors can observe the crafting of the Southern Moon, Rye and Grappa. Located in the heart of the mountains of West Virginia, no visit to the Mountain Lakes region of the state is complete without a visit to this incredible distillery.

Things to Do: In Summersville, adventure awaits at every corner. Explore Summersville Lake, the largest lake in West Virginia and go boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, jet skiing, stand up paddle boarding, scuba diving and rock climbing.

Appalachian Distillery

For a taste of premium sour mash moonshine, whiskey and bourbon visit Appalachian Distillery in Ripley, a two-hour drive from Isaiah Morgan Distillery. A family-owned business, Appalachian Distillery does everything from fermentation, to distillation and bottling all on site and offers daily tours of the distillery. Appalachian Distillery offers a little bit of everything from 11 different flavors of moonshine to sour mash corn whiskey and single barrel bourbon.

Things to Do: Immerse yourself in Civil War history in Ripley. Home to four historical markers on the West Virginia Civil War Trail, you can visit courthouse square and learn about the roles that a local grist mill, post office and courthouse played in the war.

Sweeter Side of the Feud Distillery

Make the short 45-minute trip to the Sweeter Side of the Feud Distillery in Spencer where they exclusively produce the Original Hatfield Moonshine and Whiskey. The moonshine is made from the recipe that was passed down from Devil Anse Hatfield’s ancestors, which was kept secret in the family bible. Now you can taste the recipe for yourself as well as their single barrel bourbon whiskey and WV Mt. Honey Shine.

Still Hollow Spirits

Head to your next stop at Still Hollow Spirits in Harman. Still Hollow Spirits is family-owned and -operated located in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. They specialize in traditional mountain style whiskey and unique botanical infusions. Stop by for a tour of their distillery nestled in scenic beauty and for a tasting of their amazing corn whiskey, rye whiskey, ginseng moonshine, cranberry moonshine and mint moonshine.

Things to Do: Make the 30-minute trip to Elkins where you can bask in the Victorian elegance of Graceland Inn, fine dine at the Forks Inn or take a scenic train ride aboard the New Tygart Flyer.

Black Draft Distillery

Next, visit Black Draft Distillery in Martinsburg, a two-hour and 40-minute drive from Still Hollow Spirits. Black Draft Distillery was founded in 2013 and produces whiskey and bourbon using unique and all-natural ingredients. Stop by for a tour and tasting of their Black Draft Straight Bourbon Whiskey, First Harvest Moonshine, Rise and Shine Coffee Moonshine and White Julep Moonshine.

Things to Do: While in Martinsburg, visit one of its many incredible farmers markets, go indoor rock climbing at Climbing New Heights or eat at one of the city’s delicious restaurants.

Does this spirited trip have you dreaming of some Almost Heaven adventure? Keep the good times rolling with a free copy of our 2021 Vacation Guide in hand!

This post was last updated on May 25, 2021