Distilling Golden Valley Prime



Tim Ferris with his German Kothe still


How'dee, Miss Minnie might say. How ya'll doin"? Funny thing happened on the way here tonight.... And Miss Minnie herself wouldn't have been a bit more surprised than I was when Timmy Ferris, a young feller I've known since he was a teen, replied to my email with the iPhone mobile location: the distillery. So, I email Tim, "When will you be back in the valley?" My phone rings, Tim's called me, "Um," he says, "When's the last time you were here?"

Ah hem. A lot has happened at the Ferris' since the 4th of July, pig pickin, and fireworks show. I was so surprised I only just now realized Tim has mobile service at Grayson Creek. Surprise, surprise, surprise.

All stories start somewhere and Blue Ridge Distilling Company has a start, too. This world-class distillery has been conceived of created and constructed by commercial divers - a salvage team. Professionals in a world where a single goof can be your last. My daddy was a Merchant Seaman, as was Uncle SA; Uncle John was a Navy pilot, so it's not hard for me to imagine how these commercial divers considered maybe, someday building a still. I mean, who hasn't? Considering it and actual construction however, are two different things.

Do you know Tim? He's a pretty innovative guy and he's a can do, go to, kind of a fellow, who gets things done. From the beginning they had the site picked out, all that remained was a few pesky details: acquire a $137,000 still, 6 or 8 stainless holding tanks, bottling equipment, three phase electricity, water, and oh-yeah, licensing. Federal licensing.

All that's behind them now and Blue Ridge Distilling Co. is set to open for business, soon. They'll be making the barley grist with a Meadow Mills NC pink granite stone-mill. Water will come from a new well sunk deep into blue granite that's only one ph point off from being perfect, Tim says, for making liquor. They plan to brew single-malt vodka, whiskey,and seasonal fruit brandy.

Office Manager, Valerie Blanchette says "Tim will be buying local malted barley and rye, seasonal fruits - peaches, pears, and apples." At full operation the distillery will employ 10 - 15 people.
And mobile phones? Can you check in at the distillery? Let's save that for another story.