Discover how Boatman Spirits Company is making vodka, gin, and innovative craft spirits in downtown Raleigh, plus what to expect from its distillery tours, North Carolina whiskey program, and locally inspired approach to production.

What does it take to build a working craft distillery in the heart of downtown Raleigh?

For the team behind Boatman Spirits Company, the answer involves a long-awaited business plan, changing North Carolina alcohol regulations, a copper still shipped across the ocean, and a commitment to making spirits with a distinctly Southern identity.

Located at Seaboard Station, Boatman brings together a working distillery, cocktail bar, and Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. But behind the cocktails and dining experience is something especially ambitious: a production operation creating its own spirits, experimenting with North Carolina ingredients, and building a whiskey program from the ground up.

Boatman describes itself as downtown Raleigh's first full-production distillery since Prohibition, a milestone that reflects both the city's history and the evolution of North Carolina's craft spirits industry.

From corn-based vodka and two distinct gins to an acorn-inspired amaro and whiskeys aging in barrels, here's how Boatman is bringing its grain-to-glass vision to life.

Boatman Spirits Company at a Glance

What is Boatman Spirits Company?

Boatman Spirits Company is a craft distillery, cocktail bar, and restaurant located at Seaboard Station in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. The business produces its own vodka, gin, and specialty spirits, while developing a whiskey program using North Carolina grains.

• Location: Seaboard Station, Downtown Raleigh, NC
• Restaurant address: 713 Seaboard Station Drive, Raleigh, NC 27604
• Distillery address: 715 Seaboard Station Drive, Raleigh, NC 27604
• Known for: House-made vodka, dry gin, Navy Strength Gin, specialty spirits, and distillery experiences
• Whiskey program: Rye whiskey and American single malt in development
• Experiences: Distillery tours, spirits tastings, craft cocktails, and dining
• Website: boatmanspirits.com
• Instagram: @boatmanspiritsco

How Boatman Spirits Company Became a Downtown Raleigh Distillery

Boatman's story began long before the first spirits came off the still.

The founders had spent years working in hospitality and developing ideas for the kind of business they wanted to create.

They envisioned something different from a traditional distillery or cocktail bar: a destination where guests could experience the entire process, from spirits production to thoughtfully crafted cocktails and food.

For years, North Carolina's alcohol regulations made that vision difficult to execute.

Unlike breweries, which had established pathways for combining production and on-site hospitality, distilleries historically faced significant restrictions on tastings, bottle sales, and operating alongside other alcohol-serving businesses.

As North Carolina modernized its distillery and mixed-beverage regulations, the team's vision became increasingly feasible.

Cofounder George Ghneim had repeatedly encouraged the team to move forward with the business plan.

Once the regulatory environment began to change, the founders were ready to take the next step.

But opening a distillery, restaurant, and cocktail bar simultaneously was no small undertaking.

The team had to navigate equipment costs, construction, licensing, supply chain challenges, and the complexity of launching three interconnected businesses.

The copper still itself became part of the story.

While the equipment was being manufactured and shipped internationally, changing tariffs added unexpected expenses to an already substantial investment.

For a new independent distillery, every additional cost mattered.

Still, the team pressed forward, determined to create a business built around its own production rather than relying exclusively on spirits made elsewhere.

What Spirits Does Boatman Spirits Company Make in Raleigh?

Boatman's production program centers on a straightforward idea: create approachable, high-quality spirits with a consistent base and a recognizable regional identity.

According to the team, its vodka, two gins, and amaro begin with a corn-based distillate made using corn sourced from Southern states.

The team favors corn for the soft mouthfeel it brings to its spirits and the flexibility it provides across different recipes.

That shared base allows Boatman to build multiple products while maintaining a consistent approach to sourcing and production.

Boatman's House Vodka

Boatman's vodka is part of its introductory spirits lineup, which the team refers to as the Boatman House Tier.

The goal is to create a versatile spirit that works just as well in a home bar as it does in a professionally made cocktail.

Rather than positioning every bottle as an ultra-premium product, Boatman aims to make its core lineup approachable for everyday use.

The team has also discussed developing a more premium potato-based vodka as part of a future collection.

Dry Gin

Boatman's dry gin is designed with versatility in mind.

Built from the team's corn-based spirit, it is intended to work particularly well in gin and tonics and other refreshing cocktails.

For guests interested in exploring gin beyond familiar national brands, Boatman's approach offers an opportunity to discover a spirit made in downtown Raleigh.

Navy Strength Gin

For cocktails that call for a bolder gin, Boatman produces a Navy Strength Gin.

This higher-proof expression is designed for drinks such as martinis and spirit-forward stirred cocktails, where the gin's character needs to remain prominent alongside other ingredients.

The two gins give bartenders and home cocktail enthusiasts different options depending on the drink they're making.

Acorn Amaro: A Spirit Inspired by Raleigh's City of Oaks

One of Boatman's most distinctive creations is its Acorn Amaro.

Inspired by Raleigh's identity as the City of Oaks, the spirit uses acorns to create an earthy, slightly bitter profile.

The team describes it as a less-sweet, higher-alcohol alternative to familiar amaretto-style flavors, with versatility closer to an amaro or cocktail modifier.

Originally developed for use behind Boatman's own bar, the spirit has become part of the team's plans for broader distribution.

It can be incorporated into cocktails, mixed with soda or cola, or used in a spritz.

For a distillery looking to express a sense of place through its products, an acorn-inspired spirit is a particularly fitting way to celebrate Raleigh.

How Boatman Spirits Company Uses Regional Ingredients and Suppliers

Local identity plays a central role in Boatman's production philosophy.

The team sources its corn from Southern states and has developed relationships with regional packaging suppliers.

According to Boatman, its glass bottles come from Charlotte, North Carolina, while its labels are produced in Charleston, South Carolina.

That approach keeps important parts of the supply chain relatively close to home.

It also helps the distillery reduce its exposure to some of the shipping complications, international supply disruptions, and cost fluctuations that can affect smaller producers.

Boatman's regional sourcing strategy extends into its whiskey program, where the team is experimenting with heirloom North Carolina grains.

Rather than simply producing spirits in Raleigh, the goal is to create products that reflect the ingredients, agricultural history, and craftsmanship of the surrounding region.

What to Expect on a Boatman Spirits Company Distillery Tour

For visitors interested in seeing how craft spirits are made, Boatman has developed a distillery tour experience that takes guests behind the scenes of its production operation.

The tours are designed to combine education, storytelling, and an introduction to the equipment and techniques involved in distilling.

How Long Is a Boatman Distillery Tour?

According to the team's description of its tour program, a typical experience lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

The exact duration may vary depending on group size, questions, and the format of the visit.

What Happens During the Tour?

Guests learn about the process of turning raw ingredients into finished spirits, including the equipment, techniques, and decisions involved in production.

The experience also introduces visitors to the history and vision behind Boatman Spirits Company.

The team has described tours as concluding with a tasting and a short educational session at the distillery bar.

Who Leads the Tours?

Boatman's tour experience draws on the knowledge of its distilling and hospitality team.

Distiller Geremy contributes expertise in production science and equipment, while the founders' hospitality backgrounds help connect the technical process to the larger story of the business.

When Are Distillery Tours Available?

Boatman has described a tour schedule running Thursday through Sunday, with sessions generally beginning around 3 p.m. and continuing hourly.

Because tour schedules, tasting inclusions, and booking availability can change, visitors should confirm current details directly before making plans.

How Do You Book a Boatman Distillery Tour?

Visit the Boatman Spirits Company website to find current tour information and booking options.

The team has also identified Resy as a booking option, although availability should be checked through its official channels.

For couples, groups of friends, and spirits enthusiasts, a distillery tour offers a different way to experience downtown Raleigh beyond the typical restaurant or cocktail bar visit.

Where Can You Buy Boatman Spirits Company Vodka and Gin?

Boatman's spirits aren't limited to cocktails served at its own bar.

The team has been working to expand availability throughout Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle.

According to Boatman, its products have appeared at approximately 20 bars, restaurants, and hotels in the region.

Locations identified by the team include:

• William and Company in Raleigh
• Longleaf Swine in Raleigh
• Sir Walter Coffee in Raleigh
• Blotto in Raleigh
• La Terraza
• The Fall Line in Zebulon

Availability at these locations may change, so guests should contact the business directly before visiting specifically for a Boatman product.

Can You Buy Boatman Spirits at North Carolina ABC Stores?

Boatman has described its products as being available through special-order channels within North Carolina's ABC system.

Customers interested in purchasing a particular Boatman spirit may be able to request it through their local ABC store, subject to current product listings, ordering procedures, and availability.

The distillery has also provided guests with product-ordering information to help make those requests easier.

For the most accurate purchasing information, contact Boatman or consult the North Carolina ABC Commission.

Boatman's North Carolina Whiskey Program

While Boatman's vodka and gin form the foundation of its current spirits lineup, whiskey represents an important part of its long-term vision.

The team is developing both rye whiskey and American single malt whiskey, with a focus on heirloom grains sourced from North Carolina.

These ingredients connect the spirits to the state's agricultural heritage while giving Boatman opportunities to explore different flavor profiles.

Rye Whiskey Made With North Carolina Grains

Boatman's rye whiskey program incorporates heirloom grains, including rye and corn, sourced from within the surrounding region.

The team sees this as an opportunity to create a whiskey that reflects the character of North Carolina's agricultural landscape.

American Single Malt Whiskey

Alongside its rye program, Boatman is developing an American single malt whiskey.

American single malt is a distinct whiskey category built around malted barley and specific production requirements.

For Boatman, the project represents another opportunity to explore grain selection, fermentation, distillation, and barrel aging.

When Will Boatman's Whiskey Be Released?

The team has described an aging timeline of approximately 18 months to two years for its initial whiskey releases.

Actual release dates will depend on when the barrels were filled, maturation progress, production decisions, and regulatory requirements.

Visitors interested in future releases should follow Boatman's Instagram for official announcements.

Future Collaboration Whiskeys

Boatman is also exploring a collaboration whiskey program that involves blending bourbon produced by other distilleries, followed by additional barrel aging.

This approach differs from its grain-to-glass production program, but it allows the team to experiment with blending and maturation while its own whiskeys develop.

No confirmed release timeline has been announced for that project.

Why Boatman's Distillery Matters to Downtown Raleigh

Raleigh has a growing food, beverage, and hospitality scene, but a working spirits production facility in the downtown area represents a different kind of destination.

Boatman combines manufacturing, hospitality, and visitor experiences within the same location.

Guests can learn about spirits production, explore locally inspired ingredients, enjoy cocktails made with the finished products, and dine at the restaurant.

The business also reflects a broader evolution in North Carolina's craft distilling industry.

As regulations and consumer interest have changed, independent distilleries have gained new opportunities to connect directly with customers through tastings, educational experiences, and on-site hospitality.

Boatman's founders have embraced that opportunity while taking on the challenges of operating several businesses simultaneously.

From the cost of imported distilling equipment to regional sourcing and developing new spirits, the operation represents a significant investment in downtown Raleigh's hospitality landscape.

For the team, it's about more than producing another bottle of gin or vodka.

It's about building something that belongs to Raleigh.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boatman Spirits Company

Is Boatman Spirits Company a working distillery? Yes. Boatman Spirits Company operates a working craft distillery at Seaboard Station in downtown Raleigh, producing spirits for its own cocktail program and broader distribution.

Is Boatman Spirits Company downtown Raleigh's first full-production distillery since Prohibition? Boatman describes itself as downtown Raleigh's first full-production distillery since Prohibition. The distinction refers to its on-site spirits production and its role in the city's modern craft distilling scene.

What spirits does Boatman Spirits Company make? Boatman's lineup includes vodka, dry gin, Navy Strength Gin, and an acorn-inspired amaro. The team is also developing rye whiskey and American single malt whiskey.

Does Boatman Spirits Company offer distillery tours? Yes. Boatman has offered educational distillery tours that introduce visitors to the production process, equipment, and spirits program. Check the official website for current tour schedules and booking information.

How long does a Boatman distillery tour take? Boatman has described its tours as lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on group size and the experience offered.

Do Boatman distillery tours include tastings? The team has described its tour experience as including a tasting and a short educational session. Confirm current inclusions and eligibility requirements when booking.

Where is Boatman Spirits Company located? Boatman Spirits Company is located at Seaboard Station in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. The distillery address is 715 Seaboard Station Drive, and the restaurant address is 713 Seaboard Station Drive.

Can I buy Boatman spirits at an ABC store? Boatman has identified North Carolina ABC special ordering as one way to request its spirits. Availability and ordering procedures vary, so check with your local ABC store or contact the distillery for current information.

What is Boatman's Acorn Amaro? Acorn Amaro is a specialty spirit inspired by Raleigh's City of Oaks identity. It features an earthy, slightly bitter flavor profile and was developed for use in cocktails, with broader distribution among the team's goals.

Is Boatman Spirits Company making whiskey? Yes. Boatman is developing rye whiskey and American single malt whiskey using North Carolina grains. Release timing depends on production and barrel aging.

Does Boatman Spirits Company also serve food? Yes. In addition to its working distillery, Boatman operates a cocktail bar and Mediterranean-inspired restaurant at Seaboard Station.

Plan Your Visit to Boatman Spirits Company in Downtown Raleigh

Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast, a cocktail lover, or simply curious about how spirits are made, Boatman offers an opportunity to explore Raleigh's craft distilling scene firsthand.

Here's what to know before visiting:

Location: Seaboard Station, Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina

Distillery: 715 Seaboard Station Drive, Raleigh, NC 27604

Restaurant: 713 Seaboard Station Drive, Raleigh, NC 27604

Distillery experiences: Behind-the-scenes tours, spirits education, and tastings, subject to current availability

Spirits: Vodka, dry gin, Navy Strength Gin, specialty spirits, and whiskey projects in development

Booking and information: boatmanspirits.com

Instagram: @boatmanspiritsco

From grain selection and distillation to aging, bottling, and the final pour, Boatman Spirits Company is building a spirits program rooted in craftsmanship and a sense of place.

Book a tour, explore the distillery, and discover what's being made right here in downtown Raleigh.

Boatman Spirits Company is a proud Best of Raleigh Partner.

Learn more on its Best of Raleigh partner profile, and follow @thebestofraleigh for more stories about the local businesses shaping Raleigh.