7 Essential Facts About Five Mile Mountain Distillery's Moonshine And Whiskey You Need To Know In 2025
Floyd, Virginia’s distilling scene has never been more vibrant, and at its heart is the Five Mile Mountain Distillery. As of this current date, December 25, 2025, this establishment is not just a producer of fine spirits; it’s a living museum of Appalachian history, using traditional methods and locally-sourced grain to craft some of the most authentic and celebrated moonshine and whiskey in the region. The distillery continues to anchor the Virginia Craft Spirits movement, blending deep historical roots with innovative, small-batch flavors that are capturing attention in the 2025 awards circuit.
For those seeking the true taste of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a visit to this Floyd gem offers an unparalleled experience, from smelling the mash to sampling their latest, high-proof releases. From their anchor product—authentic, high-proof corn whiskey—to their unique flavored moonshines, Five Mile Mountain Distillery has solidified its reputation as a must-visit destination for enthusiasts of small-batch Virginia craft spirits.
The Deeply Rooted History and Appalachian Authenticity
The story of Five Mile Mountain Distillery is intrinsically linked to the history of Floyd, Virginia, and the spirit of the Appalachian mountains. Unlike many modern distilleries, this operation is steeped in the lore of its location, serving as the first legal distillery in Floyd since the Prohibition era.
The building itself carries a piece of local history, having begun its life as the Floyd County Public Service Authority (PSA). This unique location is where the distillery honors its predecessors by ensuring every handcrafted batch of whiskey and moonshine maintains the same high quality and historical integrity.
1. Commitment to Traditional Methods and Local Sourcing
What truly sets the distillery apart is its unwavering commitment to old-world techniques. They are one of the few operations still using the same old recipes, employing traditional copper stills and open flames to craft their high-end, authentic products. This meticulous, hands-on process ensures a flavor profile that is both robust and true to the region's distilling heritage.
Furthermore, their dedication to the local community is evident in their sourcing practices. The distillery makes a point of using local grain, specifically from Gracious Day Grain, ensuring that their spirits are a true product of the Virginia soil. This farm-to-bottle approach is a key factor in the freshness and quality of their high-proof corn whiskey and rye.
2. The Anchor Product: Authentic High-Proof Moonshine
While they produce a range of spirits, the distillery’s lineup is anchored by its authentic, high-proof corn whiskey, commonly known as moonshine. This clear spirit is a nod to the region’s deep-seated connection to illicit distilling that defined the area during Prohibition.
The moonshine is micro-distilled and known for its true, unadulterated flavor, providing a taste of history in every bottle. It is the foundation upon which their more adventurous, flavored products are built, maintaining a signature sweet corn whiskey base.
A Deep Dive into Five Mile Mountain Distillery's Unique Spirit Lineup
Beyond the classic corn whiskey, Five Mile Mountain Distillery has expanded its offerings to include a diverse and highly sought-after range of flavored moonshines and premium rye. Their small-batch production allows for experimentation while maintaining rigorous quality control, resulting in a product list that is both exciting and consistent.
3. The Moonshine Flavor Portfolio: A Taste of Innovation
The flavored moonshine line is where the distillery truly shines, offering unique, complex profiles that move beyond simple sweetness. These flavors are perfect for cocktails or sipping neat, and have become major talking points among Virginia craft spirits aficionados.
- Elderberry Moonshine: This flavor is celebrated for its perfect balance of sweet and tart, finishing with a subtle hint of the underlying sweet corn whiskey.
- Lemon Ginseng Moonshine: Crafted with 100 proof corn whiskey and fresh lemons, this is a vibrant, zesty, and slightly herbal offering.
- Vanilla Plum Moonshine: A richer, smoother option, the Vanilla Plum provides a deep, fruity sweetness balanced by the warmth of the spirit.
- Sweet Mtn. Moonshine: This is generally a sweeter, more approachable option, ideal for mixing or for those new to high-proof spirits.
4. The Premium Rye and Whiskey Offerings
While moonshine is the anchor, their aged spirits are equally impressive. Their Clear Rye, bottled at a robust 105 proof, is lauded for its crisp opening, followed by a smooth, peppery middle, and a satisfying smokey caramel finish. This rye is a testament to the distillery's ability to produce high-quality, complex spirits that stand up against national brands.
The small-batch whiskey production is kept intentionally limited to ensure the product maintains the high standards of their predecessors, focusing on quality over volume.
The 2025 Experience: Tours, Tastings, and Topical Authority
The best way to appreciate the artistry of Five Mile Mountain Distillery is to experience it firsthand. The distillery has become a key stop on the Floyd Farm Trail and the wider Virginia Spirits Trail, offering an educational and enjoyable experience for visitors.
5. An Immersive Tour and Tasting Experience
The distillery welcomes visitors to its location at 489 Floyd Hwy South, offering tours and tastings that provide an intimate look into the production process. During a visit, you can literally smell the mash and see the spirits flowing from the traditional copper stills.
Visitors can partake in a full sampling where they can taste the latest releases and products, getting a direct comparison between the classic moonshine and the unique flavored varieties like Elderberry and Lemon Ginseng. This hands-on experience connects the consumer directly to the Appalachian tradition.
6. Recognition and Current Buzz in 2025
The quality of Five Mile Mountain Distillery's spirits has not gone unnoticed. The distillery was recently featured in discussions surrounding the 2025 awards season, specifically being sampled at the Craft Spirits Showcase. This recent topical authority highlights their continued relevance and excellence within the competitive landscape of Virginia craft spirits.
Their focus on small-batch production and high-quality, authentic recipes ensures they remain a standout in the region, constantly pushing the boundaries of what high-proof corn whiskey and moonshine can be.
7. A Must-Visit Destination on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Located in the heart of the Appalachian mountains, the distillery is an ideal stop for anyone traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway or exploring Southwest Virginia (SWVA). It offers a unique cultural and historical detour, providing a taste of the region’s heritage without the dangers of the old moonshine operations of yore.
The opportunity to purchase a bottle of their Vanilla Plum or 105 proof Clear Rye directly from the source makes it a perfect place to find a unique souvenir of your visit to Floyd, VA. Five Mile Mountain Distillery is a powerful blend of history, tradition, and modern craft, making it an essential destination for any spirit enthusiast in 2025.
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