358: Southern Distilling's Pete Barger on American Whiskey

In this episode of Bourbon Lens, Jake and Scott welcome back Pete Barger, Co-Founder and CEO of Southern Distilling Company and Statesville Contract Distilling, for an in-depth conversation about the growth and innovation happening in North Carolina whiskey. Pete shares insights into the distillery's world-class production operations and how Southern Distilling has positioned itself as one of the largest producers of American Whiskey in the Southeast. The discussion dives into two standout whiskeys from their portfolio — Southern Star American Single Malt Whiskey and Southern Star Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey — both of which reflect the brand's dedication to craftsmanship, quality, and authenticity. Jake and Scott also talk with Pete about Statesville's whiskey, the rise of contract distilling, and what's next for the American whiskey industry. Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast or simply curious about the craft distilling movement in the South, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the country's fastest-growing distilleries. 🎧 Listen now to learn how Southern Distilling Company is helping to shape the future of American whiskey — one barrel at a time. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform, and if you enjoy what you hear, we'd love for you to leave us a review. We're incredibly grateful for your continued support over the past six years. A special thank you goes out to our amazing community of Patreon supporters—your support helps keep Bourbon Lens going strong! If you're enjoying the podcast, consider leaving a 5-star rating, writing a quick review, and sharing the show with a fellow bourbon enthusiast. You can follow us @BourbonLens on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Want to go a step further? Support us on Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Bourbon Lens swag, access to our Tasting Club, and more. Have questions, feedback, or guest suggestions? Drop us a line at [email protected]. Explore BourbonLens.com for blog posts, the latest whiskey news, our full podcast archive, and detailed whiskey reviews. Cheers, Scott & Jake Bourbon Lens   Image Credit: Southern Distilling Co.