SAN ANTONIO, TX — August 26, 2025 — The American Distilling Institute (ADI) has awarded its most prestigious honor, the Bubble Cap Award, to Southern Distilling Company during the Gala Awards Luncheon at the 22nd annual ADI Craft Spirits Conference & Expo in San Antonio, Texas.
ADI President Erik Owens presented the award to co-founders Pete and Vienna Barger, recognizing their pioneering contributions to the craft distilling industry.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Innovation
Since 2008, the Bubble Cap Award has honored distilleries that elevate the craft spirits industry through exceptional products and legislative advocacy.
“Southern Distilling Company is making great whiskey, but they’ve also changed the game for craft distilleries in North Carolina,” said Erik Owens.
As founding members of the Distillers Association of North Carolina, Southern Distilling helped pass key legislation, including:
- Unlimited tasting room bottle sales
- Cocktail service in tasting rooms
- In-store samplings
- ABC board requirements to stock local products
Award-Winning Spirits and Contract Distilling Excellence
Southern Distilling’s Southern Star product line has earned top international awards, including 14 medals at the ADI International Spirits Competition. Their contract distilling clients have won hundreds more.
“Southern Distilling Company has an unshakable commitment to quality — for their own brands, and for their clients,” said Owens.
A Vision That Changed the Industry
“In 2013, we set out with a radical new idea in the industry: to establish a non-corporate but large-scale, family-owned and operated contract distilling operation in Statesville, North Carolina,” said Pete Barger.
“Twelve years later, our team takes great pride in being a part of helping more than 170 brands and clients achieve their dreams,” added Vienna Barger.
About Southern Distilling Company
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Statesville, North Carolina, Southern Distilling Company is one of the largest privately owned distilleries in the U.S. It offers:
- New-fill barrel production
- Aged-barrel sales
- Barrel-warehouse aging
- Co-packaging services for over 170 brands globally
Southern Distilling supports a grain-to-glass sustainability process, sourcing grains from farms within 20 miles of its facility. The distillery also produces its own line of award-winning artisan spirits and hosts tours, tastings, and events year-round.
Learn more at SouthernDistillingCompany.com.
About American Distilling Institute
Founded in 2003, ADI is the world’s largest small-batch, independently owned craft distillery association. ADI supports the craft spirits community through:
- Industry-leading conferences
- Educational services
- Networking opportunities
- Advocacy and resources for producers
Visit distilling.com for more information.
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