Falling Rock Distillery: The Arkansas Distillery Behind RG Macon & Carson Apple Brandy

Falling Rock Distillery stands as one of Arkansas’s most authentic small-batch distilleries, located in the rolling Ozark Mountains of Huntsville. With a hands-on approach, locally sourced ingredients, and a strong connection to Arkansas heritage, the distillery has become the modern production home of RG Macon & Carson Apple Brandy—a revived brand with roots stretching back to the late 1800s.

Because of this, Falling Rock now plays a central role in preserving one of Arkansas’s oldest distilling traditions while also contributing to the state’s growing craft-spirits scene.

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A Family-Owned Ozarks Distillery

Falling Rock Distillery is owned and operated by Carol and Dirck Donson, a dedicated husband-and-wife team. They oversee every aspect of the distilling process, and their direct involvement shapes the character of each bottle that leaves the distillery.

Federal DSP listings place Falling Rock at:

27377 Highway 74
Huntsville, Arkansas 72740
Madison County

Since the Donsons manage the distillery themselves, they maintain complete control over fermentation, distillation, and bottling. As a result, each spirit reflects a personal level of attention that larger distilleries rarely achieve.

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Reviving an Arkansas Classic: RG Macon & Carson Apple Brandy

The Legacy of the Original Distillery

In 1893, the original Macon & Carson Distillery opened in Bentonville, Arkansas. It quickly grew into one of the largest apple-brandy producers west of the Mississippi River. At peak operation, the distillery produced more than 200,000 gallons of brandy per year, drawing on the vast orchards of the Ozarks.

However, Arkansas implemented statewide prohibition in 1915, and the historic operation closed. For more than a century, the Macon & Carson name remained part of Arkansas legend rather than Arkansas production.

Why Falling Rock Became the New Home

When the modern revival team searched for a distillery that could honor the brand’s historic techniques, Falling Rock emerged as the ideal partner. The Donsons had the equipment, the craftsmanship, and—most importantly—the desire to produce the brandy in Arkansas.

Because of this alignment, RG Macon & Carson Apple Brandy returned as a fully Arkansas-made spirit, distilled at Falling Rock with apples sourced from the Ozarks. The partnership blends heritage with modern precision, and it brings the brand back to life in the state where it first began.

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What Sets Falling Rock Distillery Apart

⭐ Locally Sourced Ingredients

Falling Rock consistently works with Arkansas growers. For example, they select apples and other ingredients from local farms to maintain authentic Ozark character.

⭐ One of Arkansas’s Few True Brandy Producers

Very few distilleries in the region can ferment and distill fruit-based mashes. Falling Rock not only has that capability but also uses it to produce high-quality brandy in small batches.

⭐ Hands-On Craftsmanship

Carol and Dirck manage every step themselves. Consequently, their spirits display a level of care and consistency that reflects their passion for traditional distilling.

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Why Missouri Sometimes Gets Mentioned

Some online sources mention Missouri because RG Macon & Carson collaborated with Tall Pines Distillery in Noel, Missouri for a separate limited release known as Ozark Reserve Brandy. Since that project involved Missouri production, it occasionally confuses customers.

Even so, the primary RG Macon & Carson Apple Brandy is distilled entirely at Falling Rock Distillery in Arkansas. The Missouri partnership represents only a special-edition collaboration, not the core product.

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Final Thoughts

Falling Rock Distillery has become a vital part of Arkansas’s craft-spirits identity. Because the Donsons focus on authenticity, quality, and Ozark-grown ingredients, the distillery offers a true taste of the region. By producing RG Macon & Carson Apple Brandy, they also preserve a major piece of Arkansas distilling history.

Anyone who appreciates Arkansas-made spirits should consider Falling Rock Distillery an essential stop, a must-try bottle, and a name worth remembering.