The craft sprits movement is alive and well in North Carolina, but the state hasn’t always made it easy!  John Trump, author of Still & Barrel: Craft Sprits in the Old North State, Rebecca Lassiter, cofounder of Lassiter Distilling Company, and  Melissa Katrincic of Durham Distilllery, will share an inside look at distilling in NC—its rich and colorful history, current legislation, and an inside look at the women distillers.  
A tasting is on the agenda!

 

John Trump is the managing editor of the Carolina Journal and author of Still & Barrel: Craft Spirits in the Old North State.  John traces the history of North Carolina liquor through today’s artisan boom.  He profiles thirty-six of the states and shares the stories of these distillers and their passion.  John’s interest in distilled spirits was piqued in 2015 when John and his wife, Lisa, embarked on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.  John has twin boys, and loves all things Pittsburgh.

 

Rebecca Lassiter is a UNC alumna who moved back to North Carolina to launch Lassiter Distilling Company with her husband, Gentry.  Lassiter Distilling Company makes their award-winning rum from raw ingredients to bottling and labeling in-house in their facility in Knightdale.  In addition to her love of distilling, Rebecca currently is the Vice President of Commercial Credit for Synchrony Financial serving the Lowe’s portfolio.  Rebecca spends her free time with her husband, and two daughters, Emma Lee and Rose.

Melissa Katrincic manages business and marketing operations for Durham Distillery, a gin, vodka and liqueur distillery located in downtown Durham. Durham Distillery won more than 40 national and global awards and was named the #2 Craft Gin Distillery in the U.S. by USA TODAY in 2016. Prior to Durham Distillery, Melissa led a successful career with twenty years as a digital marketing and e-Commerce executive for larger companies including Burt’s Bees, DIGITAS HEALTH and EURO RSCG. Melissa serves as Vice President of the Distiller’s Association of North Carolina.