Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nikki Thomas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nikki, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
My husband, Hugh Thomas, the founder and head distiller of now Gorget Distilling Co., mentioned to me back in 2012 that he’s always wanted to open a distillery. At the time, our youngest was not quite two years old. To be honest, I thought he had been watching too much of the “Moonshiners” tv show. With time I believed this too would fade, but he started researching, going to distilleries, and experimenting with designs. Over the next two years, he had recruited his friend, David Rumsey to join in this endeavor with him. By the middle of 2014 his idea was gaining traction and I was on board with the idea, however far fetched it sounded. We talked names, designs, money and potential locations for the distillery. The name came to Hugh and I one day as we were driving to Columbia and I recalled a story his father told us about the “moon on the SC flag not being a moon”. There in the car the name Gorget Distilling Co. was born. The next step was funding, most of which Hugh had from a 401K. David added some to the total, along with another partner, Dickey Butler, who has since “retired” from the business. Hugh’s wife, Nikki Thomas, also added her 401K contribution from a previous employment as the businees began to take shape. The last hurdle was to secure a location and that happened when a neighbor posted a commercial building she owned for rent. Hugh and David met with her, discused the business and signed the lease in January 2015.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Gorget Distilling Co. is a craft distillery located in Lugoff/Elgin, SC, in Kershaw County. We are founded and operated by Hugh amd Nikki Thomas, David Rumsey, and Chris Jordan after Dickie Butler retired in 2017, We are committed to making quiality spirits with as locally sourced grains as possible. When we opened our doors in December of 2015, we distilled and bottled on sight: Rum, Vodka, and Battleshine. Over the last seven years we have grown to include: Bourbon (once a year release), Whiskey (82 and Barrel Proof), Gadsden (barrel aged rum), Barrel Aged Shine, Stumphole Corn Whiskey, Culper Gin (our newest addition), 6 Flovored Rums: Cinnamon Vanilla, Caramel Apple, Vanilla Peach, Black Cherry, Root Beer and Iron Java, along with 3 Cavalier Rum Cream Liqueurs: Pecan Praline, Salted Caramel Truffle, and Midnight Mint. In April off 2022, after years of being open only on Friday and Saturdays, Nikki began running the distillery fulltime: Tuesday-Friday 1-6pm and Saturday 10-4pm. Tours and tastings are currently available during normal businness hours and we have begun hosting special events. We are looking forward to continued growth in the years to come.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Gorget Distilling Co. is a partnership between Hugh and Nikki Thomas, David Rumsey, and Dickie Butler (original partner, retired in 2017 and was replaced by Chris Jordan). Hugh Thomas had the desire to open a distillery to create local, craft spirits. Hugh and David were friends and had bounced the idea of opening a distillery around for about three years prior to the creation of Gorget Distilling Co. in 2015. The first time Nikki Thomas heard anything about this desire was in 2012. In all honesty, she believed this was dream, but Hugh persisted over the next two and a half years. He continued to research and develop ideas all while garnering a buzz around the idea. Finally in 2014, realizing that Hugh and David were serious and persistent with this business venture. Nikki came on board when Hugh mentioned needing an additional $15000 to fund the venture. She offered her 401K from her previous job.
David brought Dickey on board in 2014. The two went to church together and were friends. Dickey was intrigued by the business venture that Hugh and David proposed. Dickey was retired so he afforded working the distillery during the work week while Hugh, Nikki and David continued to work their fulltime jobs.. He would mill cron, mash in, fermant and distill the newest craft spirits in Kershaw County. For the first two years of Gorget Distilling Co., Dickey worked Thursday and Fridays. He decided to enjoy his retirement with his wife and family in spring 2018.
During this time, Chris Jordan was not only a customer but had become a friend to both Hugh and David. He was an avid wine maker, and was intrigued by the process of spirit. He came on board as a partner in late summer of 2018.
We laugh even will this day that we founded our distillery with just over $100.000 and are still in business and growing in 2023.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Commitment to creating a quality product helped up build our brand reputation, Being a small, craft distillery all of our products are handcrafted on site. Every product is sampled at numerous stages in the spirit creation to maintain consistancy. Like a baker, a recipe is followed to achieve our spirit. Sampling allows for management and quality control throughout the process. There have been times in the earlier times that during the production process that mash or product had to discarded. Not being stagnant also helps to build a reputation and brand loyalty. Products can always be tweaked and addtions from customer suggestion. Curremtly there are at least two new products in research & development.
Great customer service is essential to building a brand, At Gorget Distilling, it is a pleasure to share our story, journey, and spirits with patrons. Remaining Thankful to customers for the support, Grateful for the continued praises, and Blessed to be able to serve the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gorgetdistilling.com
- Instagram: gorgetdistilling
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GorgetDistilling
- Other: email: [email protected]