Rock Town Distillery

Overview

Located in the heart of downtown Little Rock, Rock Town Distillery is a landmark in Arkansas history. Founded in 2010, it holds the distinction of being the first legal distillery to operate in the state since Prohibition ended in 1933. Known for its “grain-to-glass” philosophy, Rock Town utilizes Arkansas-grown ingredients to craft spirits that have garnered international acclaim.

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The History: From Corporate to Craft

The story of Rock Town Distillery is one of reinvention and passion. Founder Phil Brandon was a fifth-generation Arkansan working as an engineer at Alltel Wireless when he was laid off during the corporate buyout by Verizon in 2009.

Faced with a career crossroads, Brandon decided to take a bold leap. Cashing in his savings and retirement, he pursued a lifelong interest in spirits. His goal was simple but ambitious: to put Arkansas on the map as a producer of world-class whiskey. In 2010, that dream became reality when Rock Town Distillery opened its doors, ending a dry spell for Arkansas manufacturing that had lasted nearly 80 years.

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The Process: Arkansas Grain-to-Glass

Rock Town prides itself on being a true craft distillery. Their process is rooted in the agriculture of the Natural State.

• Local Grains: The corn and wheat used in their mash bills are grown right here in Arkansas, primarily sourced from Stratton Seed in Stuttgart.
• Milling & Mashing: All grains are milled on-site at the distillery to ensure freshness and quality control before the mashing process begins.
• Distillation: The spirits are distilled in small batches using copper pot stills, which allows for a robust retention of flavor.
• Aging: The whiskey is aged in new charred white oak barrels. The fluctuating Arkansas climate—hot summers and cool winters—accelerates the interaction between the whiskey and the wood, imparting deep color and rich flavors (vanilla, caramel, spice) faster than in cooler climates.

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The Spirits Portfolio

Rock Town produces a diverse lineup of spirits, ranging from traditional whiskeys to flavored moonshines.

Arkansas Bourbon

The flagship spirit.

• Mashbill: 82% Arkansas Corn, 9% Arkansas Wheat, 9% Malted Barley.
• Profile: A high-corn bourbon that is smooth and sweet, with notes of caramel and oak.

Arkansas Rye Whiskey

A spicy and complex spirit for the rye enthusiast.

• Profile: distinctive pepper notes balanced with the sweetness of corn and the earthiness of malted barley.

The Flavor Grain Series

An experimental line where Brandon plays with unique malted barleys to alter the flavor profile without changing the primary grain percentages.

• Examples: Golden Promise Bourbon, Chocolate Malt Bourbon.

The Column Still Collection

A collaboration born out of high demand. These bourbons are crafted using Rock Town’s specific recipes and Arkansas grains but are distilled at Bardstown Bourbon Company in Kentucky to increase volume, then returned to Arkansas for aging.

Other Spirits

• Rock Town Vodka: Distilled from corn for a gluten-free, clean finish.
• Rock Town Gin: An aromatic gin featuring a blend of botanicals.
• Arkansas Lightning: A legal moonshine available in various flavors like Apple Pie and Peach.

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Awards & Accolades

Rock Town has proven that Arkansas whiskey can compete on the global stage.

• Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (2015): Named “US Micro Whisky of the Year.”
• San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Multiple “Double Gold” medals for their Single Barrel Bourbon, Gin, and Vodka.
• Global Recognition: Consistently high ratings (90+) in Wine Enthusiast and The Tasting Panel.

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Visit the Distillery

Rock Town is located in the SoMa (South Main) District of Little Rock. The facility features a full production floor, a barrel house, and a tasting room/bar.

Location: 1201 South Main Street, Little Rock, AR 72202.

Tours: Guided tours are available, walking visitors through the entire process from grain milling to bottling.

Tasting Room: A full-service bar serving craft cocktails made exclusively with Rock Town spirits.