Rock Town Distillery Logo

Rock Town Distillery

Region
  • USA, Arkansas
Awards
  • 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition,
Website
  • https://www.rocktowndistillery.com/
Phone Number
  • +15019075244
Address
  • 1201 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72202

Exterior view of Rock Town Distillery building.

History of Rock Town Distillery

Founding and Vision

Rock Town Distillery, nestled in the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas, was founded by Phil Brandon in 2010.

Phil left his corporate job in 2009, driven by a passion to create a distillery that would produce top-notch spirits using all-natural ingredients sourced from local farmers across Arkansas.

His vision was to craft an affordable product that could stand shoulder to shoulder with any top-shelf competitor in the nation.

Early Recognition and Growth

Despite its small-town origins, Rock Town Distillery quickly gained international acclaim. By 2013, just three years after its inception, the distillery was already making waves on the global stage.

It garnered prestigious awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (WSC) for its Bourbon, Gin, and Vodka, marking the beginning of its journey to international recognition.

The Column Still Collection

In March of 2020, Phil Brandon embarked on a mission to meet the growing demand for Rock Town’s bourbon. This led to the creation of the Rock Town Column Still Collection.

The collection is a result of a partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company through their Collaborative Distilling Program.

This collaboration allowed Phil to use his own bourbon recipes and the same Arkansas-grown grains that had become a hallmark of Rock Town’s quality.

A staggering 180,000 lbs. of corn and wheat were transported from Stuttgart, Arkansas, to Bardstown, Kentucky, to begin this new chapter.

A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Today, Rock Town Distillery proudly presents the Column Still Collection, a special line of expertly distilled and creatively finished bourbons.

Each bottle is a testament to the distillery’s dedication to the art of bourbon making. The collection symbolizes a journey through the heart of Kentucky and into the soul of Arkansas, bringing the best of both worlds together in a single bottle.

Awards Won by Rock Town Distillery

  • 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition:
    • Double Gold: Craft Cordials Elderflower Liqueur
    • Double Gold: Arkansas Vodka
    • Gold: Arkansas Bourbon Whiskey
    • Gold: Craft Cordials Ginger Beer Liqueur
    • Gold: Cognac Cask Finished Single Malt Whiskey​​.
  • 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition:
    • Double Gold: Single Barrel Bourbon
    • Gold: Four Grain Sour Mash Straight Bourbon
    • Gold: Single Barrel Gold Promise Straight Bourbon​​​​.
  • Previous Notable Achievements:
    • Double Gold for Gin at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
    • Double Gold for Single Barrel Bourbon at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
    • Near win for Brandon’s Vodka at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in New York
    • Gold for Arkansas Lightning whiskey at a competition in Chicago, Illinois
    • U.S. Micro Whisky of the Year in the 2015 edition of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible​​.

Rock Town Distillery Tour Information and Experience

Cocktail Bar and Mixology

After the tour, the experience continues at Rock Town’s full cocktail bar. Here, you can relax and savor the artistry of their spirits transformed into expertly crafted cocktails.

Whether you’re in the mood for classic favorites or eager to try innovative concoctions, their skilled bartenders are ready to impress your palate and elevate your libation experience.

It’s the perfect spot to unwind with friends and toast to the craftsmanship that sets Rock Town apart.

Cocktail Classes

For those looking to dive deeper into the world of mixology, Rock Town Distillery offers an array of cocktail classes. Led by experienced mixologists, these classes are your gateway to mastering the art of cocktail creation.

You’ll learn the techniques and secrets behind Rock Town’s signature drinks, from classic cocktails to your own unique creations. It’s a hands-on experience that’s not only educational but also incredibly fun – and the best part? You get to drink what you make!

Rock Town Distillery’s tour experience is more than just a behind-the-scenes look; it’s an invitation to explore, learn, and indulge in the world of craft spirits.

Whether you’re a spirit enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Rock Town promises an experience that’s both enlightening and enjoyable.

Flask & Barrel Review of Rock Town Distillery

I recently checked out Rock Town Distillery, and honestly, it was pretty awesome. As a whiskey collector, I’ve seen my fair share of distilleries, but Rock Town has something special.

The tour was super engaging, diving deep into the distillation process. Their Spirit Guides know their stuff and make the whole experience feel personal.

But the real game-changer? The cocktail bar. After the tour, chilling at the bar and trying those expertly crafted cocktails was just the perfect way to wrap up.

The bartenders there are legit artists, mixing up both classic and unique drinks that seriously impressed.

And the cocktail classes – such a cool touch! Learning the tricks of the trade and then getting to sip on your own creations is just plain fun. It’s not every day you find a distillery that gives you that kind of hands-on experience.

I’m giving Rock Town a solid 4.7/5. The only thing holding back that perfect score is I wish the tour dove a bit more into the history of their whiskeys. But hey, when it comes to the spirits and the vibes, Rock Town Distillery is definitely doing it right.

What To Do Nearby Rock Town Distillery

  • ESSE Purse Museum (0.6 miles): A unique museum dedicated exclusively to the art and history of handbags. Exhibits cover fashion, craftsmanship, and the legacy of women who carried these purses, offering a distinctive cultural experience​​.
  • Riverfront Park (0.7 miles): Spanning 33 acres, this park offers a beautiful view of the Arkansas River and features an amphitheater, sculpture gardens, war memorials, and junction bridges. It’s a serene place for a walk or to enjoy various events​​.
  • Allsopp Park (0.9 miles): Located in downtown Little Rock, this park is perfect for a peaceful retreat amidst nature. You can explore its creeks, streams, and rare bird species, making it a great spot for relaxation and bird watching​​.
  • Mystery Mansion Escape Room (1.2 miles): Test your sleuthing skills with a variety of family-friendly escape challenges. It’s an excellent choice for families, dates, parties, and team-building events​​.
  • William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum (1.5 miles): Explore the life and presidency of Bill Clinton through exhibits featuring artwork, fashion pieces, and objects gifted to the Clinton family from foreign leaders. The museum also features a replica of the White House Cabinet Room and the Oval Office​​.
  • Pinnacle Mountain State Park (approx. 12 miles): A natural haven offering activities like mountain biking, hiking, and picnicking. The park is also home to the Arkansas Arboretum and offers over 22 miles of trails​​.
  • MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History (0.7 miles): A museum celebrating the state’s military heritage through artifacts, photographs, and temporary exhibits located in the historic Tower Building of the Little Rock Arsenal​​.
  • Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center (0.8 miles): Located along the Arkansas River, this nature center showcases local fish and wildlife, featuring aquariums, a theater, and native Arkansas plants​​.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Rock Town Distillery?

  • All Aboard Restaurant & Grill: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 6813 Cantrell Rd, Little Rock, AR 72207.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15019757401. 
  • Red Door: It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 3701 Cantrell Rd, Little Rock, AR 72202.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15016668482. 
  • Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen: It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 400 S University Ave, Little Rock, AR 72205.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15016147578.

What hotels are near Rock Town Distillery?

  • Comfort Inn & Suites Presidential: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 707 I-30, Little Rock, AR 72202.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15016877700. 
  • Best Western Southwest Little Rock: It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 6100 Mitchell Dr, Little Rock, AR 72209.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15015626667. 
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Little Rock: It has a rating of 4.0 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 424 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15013724371.