By Rachel Kriegsman, CFSA Development Coordinator
Photo by CFSA
The next time you find yourself in the Charlotte area, especially if you identify as a whiskey enthusiast, you’ll want to consider stopping by Southern Grace Distilleries.
Located 20 minutes northeast of Charlotte in Cabarrus County, Southern Grace distills and ages a variety of liquors at the site of a former North Carolina prison that operated from 1929 to 2011. Unique through and through, this is the only U.S. distillery located in a former prison. The distillery brings new purpose to the building, converting the spaces that used to be behind bars into fermentation rooms.
As unique as the setting is though, it’s not just the refurbished site that is making a difference. Each of Southern Grace’s liquors benefits a different non-profit.
We’re excited to share that the company’s award-winning Conviction Small Batch Bourbon benefits our very own Lomax Farm in Concord, NC! Conviction, which is described as, “remarkably smooth and complex,” won a gold medal at the MicroLiquor Awards in Los Angeles and won a double gold medal at the Fifty Best Bourbons Competition in New York City. You can find Conviction in nine states around the country, including, of course, North Carolina. Whenever possible, Southern Grace uses local products from the Old North State in the distilling process.
For every bottle of Conviction sold, Southern Grace is making a donation to support Lomax Farm. Above is Aaron Newton, Lomax Farm Manager, accepting the first donation. Photo by CFSA
More and more, the company is working directly with local suppliers to build a supply chain that allows for greater local sourcing in support of the local food and farming community. Conviction is composed of 88% corn and 12% malted barley. You’ll find the proof, the barrel number, and the bottled date individually handwritten on each Conviction label.
Photo by Southern Grace Distilleries
CFSA and Lomax Farm are excited by this new partnership and look forward to adding locally-distilled Conviction bourbon to accompany locally-sourced meals this summer.
If you’re jonesing to see this setting yourself, know that the distillery tours frequently sell out, so it’s worthwhile to check their site before your visit.