Exhibiting at International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2025

BLU Distilling Company LLC, operating under the brand identity Liberty & Plenty Distillery, is a North Carolina-based craft distillery renowned for its premium small-batch spirits. Located in Durham, NC, the distillery is built on the principles of authenticity, innovation, and artisanal excellence. Through its growing portfolio of distinctive spirit brands, the company has emerged as a rising star in the American craft spirits market.

Company Overview

Founded by Tina Williford, BLU Distilling Company represents the intersection of Southern heritage, sustainable distilling practices, and flavor-forward spirit innovation. The company operates a state-of-the-art distillery that produces bourbon, rum, vodka, and gin — all crafted in small batches with a strong emphasis on sourcing, flavor development, and unique finishing techniques.

Liberty & Plenty Distillery takes its name from historical ideals of freedom and abundance, mirroring the company’s mission to create bold, expressive spirits that honor both tradition and creativity.

Core Product Lines

BLU Distilling Company manages four flagship spirit brands under the Liberty & Plenty umbrella, each catering to different segments of the craft spirits market:

1. Bronze Bull Spirits

• Premium Small-Batch Bourbon Finished in Rum Barrels
• Bourbon Finished in Honey & Fig Barrels
• Bourbon Finished in Madeira Barrels

Targeted at high-end bourbon enthusiasts seeking experimental and complex barrel finishes.

2. Cap & Cane Spirits

• Premium Coffee Rum
• Premium Spiced Rum
• Premium White Rum

Focuses on Caribbean-inspired flavor profiles with a North Carolina craft approach.

3. Slate Belt Spirits

• Premium Vodka
• Cold Distilled Grapefruit Vodka

Clean, crisp, and highly mixable vodkas designed for both retail and on-premise markets.

4. Whirligarden Spirits

• Premium Navy Strength Gin

A bold, herbaceous gin formulated for bartenders and gin aficionados, ideal for cocktails.

All spirits are distilled using custom equipment and traditional methods, emphasizing purity, precision, and regional influence.

Manufacturing and Production Capabilities

The distillery utilizes:

• Custom pot stills and column hybrid systems
• Cold vacuum distillation technology (used in Slate Belt Spirits)
• On-site barrel aging in various cask types

Each product is distilled in small batches to maintain consistency, control, and craft quality. Aging is done under monitored climate-controlled conditions, particularly for bourbon and rum, with experimental finishes using:

• Madeira casks
• Rum barrels
• Honey-fig-infused oak

The company also emphasizes clean-label formulations, using no artificial flavors or additives.

Sustainability and Local Sourcing

BLU Distilling Company prioritizes sustainability in both sourcing and production:

• Local North Carolina grains and botanicals used wherever possible
• Spent grains and distillation by-products are composted or used in agriculture
• Glass packaging is primarily recyclable and locally sourced
• Commitment to low-waste operations and reducing water and energy usage

The company is part of a regional movement of craft beverage producers contributing to sustainable economic development in North Carolina.

Market Presence and Distribution

Though relatively young, Liberty & Plenty Distillery is rapidly expanding its reach:

• Currently distributed across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia
• Available through state-run ABC stores and select private retailers
• Growing presence in the cocktail bar and upscale restaurant sectors
• Plans for e-commerce and DTC shipping in compliant U.S. states

The company is targeting 15+ new retail markets by 2025, supported by distributor partnerships and tasting room activations.

Branding and Customer Experience

Liberty & Plenty has positioned itself as a lifestyle-forward spirits brand appealing to:

• Craft spirit connoisseurs
• Cocktail mixologists
• Boutique retailers
• Culinary and hospitality venues

Design elements include vintage Americana aesthetics, bold label design, and storytelling-driven brand narratives. The company frequently hosts tastings, distillery tours, pop-up events, and educational sessions.

Recognition and Collaborations

While still gaining recognition on the competition circuit, BLU Distilling Company has been featured in:

• Local media such as WRAL, Triangle Food Guy, and Durham Magazine
• Regional spirits expos and food festivals
• Collaborations with North Carolina chefs and bartenders for limited-edition spirits and cocktails

The unique barrel-finished bourbon range under Bronze Bull Spirits has been noted for its innovation in aging and flavor infusion.

Leadership and Vision

Tina Williford, the founder and CEO, brings a strong background in entrepreneurship, branding, and product development to the company. Her vision is to build a nationally recognized premium spirits house rooted in craft, culture, and community.

Future objectives include:

• Expanding the tasting room and event space in Durham
• Launching ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails
• Increasing exports to Europe and Asia
• Enhancing sustainability and achieving carbon-neutral operations

Conclusion

BLU Distilling Company LLC, through its Liberty & Plenty Distillery brand, is redefining what American craft distilling can look like — rooted in local identity, elevated through creative aging and blending, and aligned with a future of conscious consumption. With an expanding portfolio and growing recognition, the distillery is poised to be a major voice in the next wave of premium American spirits.