Rock Town Distillery

Immerse yourself in the world of craft spirits and experience the true spirit of Arkansas at one of Little Rock's most iconic spots — Rock Town Distillery. This unique enterprise became the state's first legal distillery since the end of the Prohibition era. Located in a historic 1950s warehouse in the trendy SoMa district, it represents a harmonious blend of industrial aesthetics and Southern hospitality.

Founded in 2010, the distillery became famous for its "grain-to-glass" principle. All raw materials — corn, wheat, rye, and barley — are sourced from farms in the USA, specifically located in Arkansas. This makes Rock Town's products truly local and eco-friendly. They produce over 13 types of spirits, including excellent bourbon, aromatic gin, smooth vodka, and even unusual dessert moonshine-based liqueurs with flavors like apple pie or peach.

For tourists, this place is valuable not only for the chance to purchase high-quality spirits but also for its educational component. Rock Town Distillery is a full-fledged tourist attraction where you can see the entire birth process of whiskey: from mashing the grain to aging in oak barrels. The establishment's high ratings and numerous international awards confirm that the creators' passion for their craft turns every sip into a little journey.

For those planning a visit to Rock Town Distillery, it’s helpful to have up-to-date contact information on hand. The distillery is always happy to welcome guests, and the staff is ready to answer questions about the availability of specific spirits or the tour schedule.

The highlight for every guest is a fascinating tour of the distillery. Here, you will see all stages of production with your own eyes: from grain milling and fermentation in massive vats to the magic of distillation in copper pot stills. Guides explain the science of whiskey-making in detail and share secrets of how Arkansas water and white oak influence the flavor of the final product.

After the tour of the production floor, you will be invited to the tasting room. Visitors are offered a chance to try both the classic Arkansas Bourbon and experimental samples, such as hickory-smoked whiskey. This is a great chance to compare different varieties and find a drink to your liking, appreciating the wealth of nuances and aromas of craft production.

Be sure to stop by the distillery's bar, where professional mixologists create signature cocktails using their own spirits. Here you can relax in good company, try a drink from the seasonal menu, and even participate in a masterclass. Before leaving, don't forget to visit the brand store: there you can purchase hand-labeled bottles and unique souvenirs that will serve as a great reminder of your trip to Little Rock.

Finding Rock Town Distillery is easy — it is located in the heart of the vibrant SoMa (South Main) district at 1201 Main St. If you are already strolling through the city center, you can easily walk to the distillery while enjoying the atmosphere of the historic neighborhoods. The entrance is located at the intersection with 12th Street.

For those who prefer public transport, METRO Little Rock bus and streetcar routes run nearby along Main Street. A taxi or Uber/Lyft ride from Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport will take no more than 10 minutes, as the distance is about 10 kilometers.

If you are traveling by car from other parts of the state, follow I-40 leading into the city center. Visitor parking is available near the distillery building, making the visit as convenient as possible.

The story of this place began in 2009 when Phil Brandon decided to leave his corporate career to pursue his passion for craft spirits. In 2010, Rock Town Distillery opened, becoming the first legal distillery in Arkansas since the end of Prohibition in 1933. Initially, production was housed in an old warehouse where Phil, inspired by the traditions of the masters at Maker’s Mark, began creating spirits from local raw materials.

From its founding, the distillery's core principle has been the "grain-to-glass" approach. Corn, wheat, and rye are sourced exclusively from local farmers, such as Stratton Seed in Stuttgart, and the white oak barrels are produced in Hot Springs. While waiting for the first bourbon to mature, the company initially released vodka, gin, and the famous Arkansas "moonshine" — a legal version of the traditional spirit that quickly gained popularity.

By 2013, the distillery gained widespread recognition, winning prestigious awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. This success required expansion, and in 2018, production moved to a modern 25,000-square-foot building on Main Street. Phil Brandon also put significant effort into changing local legislation so that visitors could not only taste but also purchase spirits directly in the tasting room.

Today, Rock Town continues to surprise whiskey connoisseurs. A major milestone was the partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company in Kentucky, where some spirits are produced using Phil's recipes and Arkansas grain, then returned home for aging. This allows the distillery to meet growing demand while maintaining the unique character and authenticity of its products.

For a standard visit to Rock Town Distillery, most tourists need between 1 and 2 hours. This time is sufficient to take a full tour of the production facilities and enjoy a tasting of the main whiskey and gin varieties in the cozy tasting room.

If you plan to not only learn about the distillation process but also relax in the on-site bar with a signature cocktail, and thoughtfully choose gifts and branded bottles in the shop, it's better to set aside about 3 hours. The atmosphere here encourages a leisurely pace and conversation with fellow enthusiasts.

Rock Town Distillery is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday. The distillery is closed on Mondays. From Tuesday to Thursday and on Sunday, the doors are open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. On Friday and Saturday, the distillery is open until midnight (00:00), making it an excellent spot for late-evening relaxation.

Please note that tours are conducted several times a day according to a specific schedule. It is recommended to check the official website in advance or call to confirm tour start times and book a spot, especially on weekends.

The area around the distillery is rich in cultural and historical sites. After your tasting, you can continue your stroll through South Main or head toward the riverfront to see other iconic city landmarks.