Old Raleigh Distillery 2026 Collector’s Series–Wake & District Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Old Raleigh Distillery 2026 Collector’s Series–Wake & District Straight Bourbon Whiskey 46.5%-ABV, 750ml bottles.

About Old Raleigh Distillery:

Olde Raleigh Distillery is a celebrated microdistillery in Zebulon, NC, known for its small-batch, hand-blended bourbons, winning “Best Micro Distillery” in the US in 2023; it’s a family-owned venture by Brandon McCraney, focusing on unique flavor profiles using hand-selected barrels and traditional methods, offering tours, a tasting room, and event space in a restored historic building, with plans to put the Raleigh area on the bourbon map.

Key Aspects:

Specialty: Blending small-batch bourbons and whiskeys using hand-selected barrels from across the country, aiming for unique, complex flavors.

Recognition: Awarded “Best Micro Distillery Whiskey” in the U.S. at the 2023 International Whisky Competition.

Location & History: Located in a renovated 10,000-square-foot building in downtown Zebulon, NC, a project led by Brandon McCraney, a descendant of Scottish heritage, with roots in the area.

Experience: Features a tasting room, event space, and offers tours, educational courses, and a Whiskey Society for members.

Products: In addition to their signature bourbon blends, they offer non-alcoholic options, cider, and punch.
Mission: To create exceptional spirits and build a community hub, making a name for North Carolina bourbon.

What Makes Them Unique?

Blending Art: A strong focus on blending different spirits to create unique expressions, using traditional Scottish blending concepts.

Local Ingredients: Incorporate elements like aged White Oak from Zebulon into their toasting and charring process for unique flavor.

Community Focus: Aims to be a gathering spot in The Triangle area, revitalizing downtown Zebulon.
A Raleigh Dream, A Zebulon Triumph: The Unbreakable Spirit of Olde Raleigh

For fifteen years, a silent symphony of global whiskey flavors played in the mind of a Raleigh dreamer. Then, in January 2017, that dream dared to take form: Olde Raleigh Distillery. The initial hope of a swift unveiling soon met a challenging reality, demanding four years of unwavering dedication from Master Blender Brandon McCraney before its triumphant opening in Zebulon in January 2021.  

The journey was a testament to the human spirit. Setbacks like construction delays, bureaucratic obstacles, personal financial strain, and a dozen rejections became not roadblocks, but stepping stones. Rooted in the discipline and resilience of his military background, McCraney faced each challenge with unyielding determination. This spirit, embraced by the unwavering support of the local community, transformed adversity into opportunity, allowing Olde Raleigh to flourish even during the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Within its first two years, the culmination of this unwavering dedication reached a pinnacle. In 2023, Olde Raleigh Distillery was honored with the prestigious title of Best Micro Distillery in the US at the International Whiskey Competition, a resounding testament to its exceptional blends.

More than just crafting exceptional spirits, Olde Raleigh embodies the inspiring power of perseverance, a symbol of what can be achieved when passion meets unwavering dedication, born from a Raleigh vision and triumphantly realized – and recognized as the nation’s best – in the heart of Zebulon.”