Note from 10Best: Someday, we'll all be ready to pack our suitcases again and head out on our next adventures. In the meantime, we'll keep supporting the places that inspire us.
The number of craft distilleries in the United States grew by more than 11 percent between 2018 and 2019; the country now has more than 2,000 of them. With so many distilleries opening up each year, we decided to highlight some of the best on the scene.
We asked a panel of American spirits experts to nominate 20 of the best new craft distilleries in the USA, each opened in the past three years. Our readers then voted for their favorites, and the results are in.
The top 10 winners in the category Best New Craft Distillery are as follows:
- Lost State Distilling - Bristol, Tennessee
- Ballmer Peak Distillery - Lakewood, Colorado
- Rhode Island Spirits - Pawtucket, Rhode Island
- Altered State Distillery - Erie, Pennsylvania
- Harmony Spirits - Harmony, Minnesota
- Dread River Distilling Co. - Birmingham, Alabama
- Hatch Distilling Company - Egg Harbor, Wisconsin
- Loaded Cannon Distillery - Bradenton, Florida
- Ferino Distillery - Reno, Nevada
- Wise Men Distillery - Grand Rapids, Michigan
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning distilleries!
License the 10Best Readers' Choice Award Logo
The Experts
Brian Christensen
Brian Christensen is the co-founder of Artisan... Read More
Brian Christensen is the co-founder of Artisan Spirit Magazine, the most trusted distilling trade journal in America, and the Still Talking Podcast, an irreverent distilling podcast his wife won’t even listen to. He is a member of multiple industry committees, advisor boards, and spirits competitions around the country. Brian is lucky enough to spend his days working with distillers, suppliers, state guilds, and industry associations around the world to tell stories that both inform and educate.
Brian Christensen
Brian Christensen is the co-founder of Artisan Spirit Magazine, the most trusted distilling trade journal in America, and the Still Talking Podcast, an irreverent distilling podcast his wife won’t even listen to. He is a member of multiple industry committees, advisor boards, and spirits competitions around the country. Brian is lucky enough to spend his days working with distillers, suppliers, state guilds, and industry associations around the world to tell stories that both inform and educate.
Wayne Curtis
Wayne Curtis is the author of And a Bottle of Rum:... Read More
Wayne Curtis is the author of And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the New World in Ten Cocktails, which was updated and re-released in 2018. He has written about cocktails, spirits, travel and history for many publications, including The Atlantic, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. He currently covers spirits and cocktails for The Daily Beast, Garden & Gun, Spirited, Distiller and 750 Daily. He lives in New Orleans except during the yellow fever.
Wayne Curtis
Wayne Curtis is the author of And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the New World in Ten Cocktails, which was updated and re-released in 2018. He has written about cocktails, spirits, travel and history for many publications, including The Atlantic, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. He currently covers spirits and cocktails for The Daily Beast, Garden & Gun, Spirited, Distiller and 750 Daily. He lives in New Orleans except during the yellow fever.
Ziggy Eschliman
Known on the airwaves as Ziggy the Wine Gal, Ziggy... Read More
Known on the airwaves as Ziggy the Wine Gal, Ziggy Eschliman is among America's most enthusiastic, authoritative and entertaining libation experts. Her internationally known company, ZigStyle, combines her artistry for wine country entertaining and gardening while integrating her expertise of wine & spirits, showcasing a unique lifestyle. For over 25 years Ziggy has set and reported trends in all things wine and spirits. Her radio shows are broadcast throughout wine country and are available online.
Ziggy Eschliman
Known on the airwaves as Ziggy the Wine Gal, Ziggy Eschliman is among America's most enthusiastic, authoritative and entertaining libation experts. Her internationally known company, ZigStyle, combines her artistry for wine country entertaining and gardening while integrating her expertise of wine & spirits, showcasing a unique lifestyle. For over 25 years Ziggy has set and reported trends in all things wine and spirits. Her radio shows are broadcast throughout wine country and are available online.
Eric Grossman
Eric Grossman is a travel and food writer who has... Read More
Eric Grossman is a travel and food writer who has visited more than 50 countries. Always up for an adventure, Eric is constantly searching for new and inspiring experiences, with a keen interest in luxury travel and urban exploration. Memorable experiences have run the gamut from discussing the future of food with Ferran Adrià to sharing a stage with Coldplay.
Eric Grossman
Eric Grossman is a travel and food writer who has visited more than 50 countries. Always up for an adventure, Eric is constantly searching for new and inspiring experiences, with a keen interest in luxury travel and urban exploration. Memorable experiences have run the gamut from discussing the future of food with Ferran Adrià to sharing a stage with Coldplay.
Samara Rivers
Samara Rivers, Chief Bourbon Enthusiast and... Read More
Samara Rivers, Chief Bourbon Enthusiast and Founder of Black Bourbon Society, has a flair for all things fabulous and is meticulous with details and event execution. Featured in Forbes and The New York Time, Samara consults and advocates for diversity and inclusion within the spirits industry. She is a certified Executive Bourbon Steward and co-hosts a weekly podcast with her husband Armond Davis, Bonded In Bourbon. Black Bourbon Society is a tiered membership organization (with over 17,000 members), open to everyone who enjoys premium spirits and is interested in gaining a deeper appreciation for America’s Native Spirit. Black Bourbon Society is crafting a movement that showcases the value of the niche lifestyle and sophisticated palates within the African American Community and beyond.
Samara Rivers
Samara Rivers, Chief Bourbon Enthusiast and Founder of Black Bourbon Society, has a flair for all things fabulous and is meticulous with details and event execution. Featured in Forbes and The New York Time, Samara consults and advocates for diversity and inclusion within the spirits industry. She is a certified Executive Bourbon Steward and co-hosts a weekly podcast with her husband Armond Davis, Bonded In Bourbon. Black Bourbon Society is a tiered membership organization (with over 17,000 members), open to everyone who enjoys premium spirits and is interested in gaining a deeper appreciation for America’s Native Spirit. Black Bourbon Society is crafting a movement that showcases the value of the niche lifestyle and sophisticated palates within the African American Community and beyond.
