Vetus Distillery introduces a unique fusion of traditional Balkan distilling techniques and North Carolina’s agricultural bounty through its lineup of small-batch spirits. As Monroe’s first downtown craft distillery, the venture stands out by specializing in Eastern European-style brandies, fruit vodkas, and rum. All of these expressions are produced using locally sourced ingredients from the founders’ property and regional farms.

Visitors can experience the spirits firsthand through guided tastings in a 6,500-square-foot facility. The space features a handcrafted wooden bar. Individuals also have the chance to purchase bottles online. Current offerings include fruit-based brandies like Khan Kubrat (fig) and Khan Tervel (peach), alongside grape brandies, a cane-and-fruit vodka, and a pot-column hybrid rum.

Vetus Distillery boasts a Latin-derived name that translates to ‘ancient.’ This represents the brand’s commitment to preserving heritage methods while adapting them for contemporary American audiences.

Image Credit: Vetus Distillery