The perfect rum, it’s made right here in Gaston County
- Melissa McCauley
- Nov 1, 2024
- 2 min read
If I told you the perfect rum recipe existed, and it’s made right here in Gaston County, would you believe me? There’s only one way to find out – by visiting Muddy River Distillery, now located in the beautifully restored Mount Holly Cotton Mill in Mount Holly, NC!
Founded in 2011 on the banks of the Catawba River in Belmont, Muddy River Distillery began as a dream of owners Robbie and Caroline Delaney to craft the perfect rum. Their dedication and passion quickly turned that dream into a reality, growing from a 500-square-foot operation into North Carolina’s oldest legal rum distillery. In June 2024, Muddy River proudly opened the doors to their new 17,000-square-foot home, a historic cotton mill perched on five scenic acres along Dutchman’s Creek.
What You Can Do at Muddy River Distillery
Whether you're a rum enthusiast or just looking for a unique outing, Muddy River offers something for everyone:
Distillery Tours: Held every Saturday from 1:00 PM to 3:15 PM, these tours begin every 45 minutes (1:00 PM, 1:45 PM, 2:30 PM, and 3:15 PM). For $10, you’ll enjoy a guided walkthrough of the production level where the distillery team showcases their fermentation, distillation, and bottling processes. Tours include samples, a complimentary shot glass, and stories about the transformation of the Mount Holly Cotton Mill into a modern-day distillery. No reservations are required—just arrive 10 minutes early to check in and grab a drink for the tour. (21+ only with proof of ID; pets are not permitted inside the production area due to FDA regulations.)
Cocktail Classes, Live Music, and Food Trucks: Keep an eye out for special events like craft cocktail workshops, live music performances, and visits from local food trucks. It’s the perfect mix of education, entertainment, and great flavors.
Host Your Own Event: Muddy River’s upstairs event space is ideal for private gatherings, and they also offer private tours for groups of 10+ by appointment.
Craft Cocktail Bar & Canteen Kitchen: Enjoy small bites paired with expertly crafted drinks that highlight their Carolina Rum and Queen Charlotte barrel-aged rum. Relax on the side patio overlooking Dutchman’s Creek or in the cozy back lounge with family and friends.
About the Stills
Muddy River takes pride in their custom-built stills, each contributing to the unique flavors of their rums:
Democracy: A hybrid reflux column still designed and built in-house with five plates, distilling to 90% alcohol for unparalleled taste.
Liberty: A 200-gallon production still that showcases the craftsmanship of their team.
Independence: Their largest still with a 450-gallon capacity, more than doubling their production capability.
A Legacy of Growth and Innovation
After years of growth, including navigating the challenges of a pandemic, the Delaneys took a bold step forward by purchasing and refurbishing the 150-year-old Mount Holly Cotton Mill. Their dedication breathed new life into this historic structure, turning it from mill to still. Today, the distillery stands as a testament to adaptability, perseverance, and community spirit, offering not just great rum but an unforgettable experience.
So what are you waiting for? Come experience Gaston County’s own Muddy River Distillery and discover why their rums are making waves across North Carolina and beyond.
Muddy River Distillery
250 North Main Street
Mount Holly, NC
