559 - That Distillery in North Carolina You'll Hear About Real Soon with Pete Barger Southern Distilling

Today, we’re joined by Pete Barger, the co-founder of Southern Distilling Company, to talk about how he’s disrupting the craft bourbon landscape from just outside of Charlotte. Pete brings a unique blend of engineering and agricultural expertise to the table, and he’s sharing the story of how they built a massive, state-of-the-art operation that’s doing everything from contract distilling for powerhouses like Brothers Bond to winning double golds with their own Paragon wheated bourbon. We’re diving into why quality and grain transparency are starting to trump provenance in the eyes of today’s consumer. Pete breaks down their commitment to regenerative farming and how sourcing local North Carolina grains creates a flavor profile that stands out in a crowded market. We also get into the fun stuff—tasting through their American Single Malt and that viral honey-cask finished bourbon. If you’ve ever been a "Kentucky-only" purist, this conversation is a masterclass in how authenticity and massive scale are putting North Carolina on the whiskey map.

Bourbon Pursuit