Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shawn Hamilton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shawn, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Native Spirits isn’t just about crafting exceptional whiskey; it’s about capturing the spirit of a place and a people. Our mission is to honor the rich heritage of Appalachian distilling, celebrating the traditions passed down through generations of my family and countless others in this region, where the art of whiskey-making has been woven into the cultural fabric since the early days of European settlement.

This mission is deeply personal to me. I’m a seventh-generation native of these mountains, and the stories of moonshiners, community gatherings around a shared bottle, and the resourcefulness of those who made something extraordinary from the land they loved are woven into my DNA.

When we carefully blend our whiskey, we’re not just making a product. We’re reviving a legacy that was nearly lost to time. We’re using local grains, drawing from the pure mountain water, and employing techniques that echo the craftsmanship of our ancestors. Each sip is a connection to the past, a tribute to the land, and an invitation to experience the unique flavors born from this place.

Our mission goes beyond simply making whiskey. We’re building a community around a shared appreciation for heritage, quality, and the simple joy of gathering together over a good drink. We support local farmers, educate about the history of Appalachian distilling, and strive to create a brand that embodies the spirit of this region.

For me, this mission isn’t just a business strategy; it’s a way of life. It’s about preserving a piece of my family’s story, celebrating a craft that’s intrinsically tied to the Appalachian landscape, and sharing the warmth and camaraderie that good spirits can bring.

We believe that every bottle of Native Spirits tells a story. It’s a story of heritage, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Appalachia. And we invite everyone to join us in raising a glass to that.

Shawn, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Shawn Hamilton, the founder of Native Spirits, a craft distillery nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains in Brevard, North Carolina. As a seventh-generation native of this region, I grew up steeped in the stories and traditions of whiskey-making, a heritage that goes back to the early settlers of these mountains.

My journey into distilling started with a curiosity about my family’s history and a desire to revive a nearly forgotten legacy. The Appalachian mountains have a rich tradition of distilling, but over time, that knowledge and those unique flavors became harder to find.

At Native Spirits, we’re bringing that legacy back to life. We craft small-batch whiskey and spirits using locally sourced grains and pure mountain water, following time-honored techniques passed down through generations. Our products aren’t just drinks; they’re a taste of history, a connection to the land, and a celebration of Appalachian ingenuity.

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity, and community. We source our ingredients from local farmers, supporting the local economy and ensuring the freshest flavors in every bottle. We educate our customers about the history and craft of distilling, fostering a deeper appreciation for the spirits we produce. We’re currently focused on expanding our reach and building a strong online presence to connect with whiskey enthusiasts across the country.

What I want potential customers and fans to know is that Native Spirits is more than just a distillery. It’s a tribute to a legacy, a celebration of community, and an invitation to experience the rich flavors and stories that have been woven into these mountains for centuries.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Starting Native Spirits was a wild ride, to be honest. I had this crazy idea to bring back this piece of Appalachian history, but I didn’t exactly have a pile of cash sitting around. So, I took a deep breath… and refinanced my house and maxed out a few credit cards.

It was a bit of a gamble, but I believed in it with every fiber of my being.

There were definitely some sleepless nights and moments where I questioned my sanity, but I just kept pushing forward. The first time we bottled a batch of our whiskey, or got it on a store shelf, or heard someone say how much they loved it – those were the moments that made it all worthwhile.

Bootstrapping taught me a lot – how to be scrappy, how to stretch a dollar, and how to never, ever give up on a dream. It wasn’t always pretty, but it built the foundation for what Native Spirits is today.

Now, we’re ready to take things to the next level. We’ve got this great product, a growing fan base, and a vision for where we want to go. So, I’m out there looking for our first round of investment. It’s a little nerve-wracking, but also super exciting. This could really allow us to share our Appalachian spirit with the world.

It’s been a journey, that’s for sure. But it’s one I wouldn’t trade for anything. It’s been all about passion, perseverance, and a whole lot of heart.

How did you build your audience on social media?

At first, it was a struggle. We were posting pictures of our bottles, talking about our process, but it felt like we were shouting into the void. Then we started sharing stories about our family history, the funny mishaps at the distillery, and the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Suddenly, people started to connect. They weren’t just interested in our whiskey, they were interested in us – in the people behind the brand.

My advice? Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. People connect with authenticity, not just perfectly polished images. Show the behind-the-scenes, the messy moments, the stuff that makes you who you are. And don’t forget to have some fun with it! Social media should be a way to express yourself and connect with others, not just a platform for pushing products.

One thing I’ve learned is that you don’t always have to be “on.” Some days, you’re just not feeling creative, and that’s okay. Take a break, recharge, and come back when you have something fresh to share. Don’t force it – your audience will be able to tell.

The most important thing is to be consistent and persistent. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away. Keep posting, keep engaging, keep experimenting, and eventually, you’ll find your groove and build a community of people who love your brand as much as you do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nativewhisky.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/native.whisky/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nativewhiskey/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/native-spirits/