A Raleigh Dream, A Zebulon Triumph: The Unbreakable Spirit of Olde Raleigh

For fifteen years, a silent symphony of global whiskey flavors played in the mind of a Raleigh dreamer. Then, in January 2017, that dream dared to take form: Olde Raleigh Distillery. The initial hope of a swift unveiling soon met a challenging reality, demanding four years of unwavering dedication from Master Blender Brandon McCraney before its triumphant opening in Zebulon in January 2021.   


The journey was a testament to the human spirit. Setbacks like construction delays, bureaucratic obstacles, personal financial strain, and a dozen rejections became not roadblocks, but stepping stones. Rooted in the discipline and resilience of his military background, McCraney faced each challenge with unyielding determination. This spirit, embraced by the unwavering support of the local community, transformed adversity into opportunity, allowing Olde Raleigh to flourish even during the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Within its first two years, the culmination of this unwavering dedication reached a pinnacle. In 2023, Olde Raleigh Distillery was honored with the prestigious title of Best Micro Distillery in the US at the International Whiskey Competition, a resounding testament to its exceptional blends.

More than just crafting exceptional spirits, Olde Raleigh embodies the inspiring power of perseverance, a symbol of what can be achieved when passion meets unwavering dedication, born from a Raleigh vision and triumphantly realized – and recognized as the nation's best – in the heart of Zebulon.”

About Olde Raleigh Distillery

Olde Raleigh Distillery is on a mission to simply make unforgettable and damn good whiskey. With a laser focus on the art of blending and distilling spirits, our attention to detail is noticeable in every drop of our small batch bourbon blends.

Find us located in downtown Zebulon, North Carolina, in an abandoned 10,000-square-foot brick building that we hand crafted with the same passion we do our whiskey. Our venue is a family-owned and operated distillery, tasting room, and popular event space in The Triangle. We want to share our passion with you. Visit us today to taste our unique blend or book a tour to explore the art of making bourbon.

Meet The Man Behind The Bourbon

Our Master Blender

Brandon McCraney has spent years immersing himself in the spirits industry to dissect the world of whiskey. As Blender, he hand-selects and ages each barrel using a vigorous process known as élevage to identify the perfect point in the time to harvest our distinct and flavorful small batch spirits. When not working on production or sampling barrels, he leads Olde Raleigh’s workshops and Whiskey Master Classes. In the pursuit in mastering the art of blending whiskey, follow Olde Raleigh’s journey as to release 1000 unique blends from around the world. 

Brandon’s role extends beyond the distillery’s walls, fostering partnerships with local businesses to introduce collaborative products in the heart of Old Tobacco country. As a Raleigh resident, he aims to build a meaningful brand that gives back to the community he loves. The goal is to showcase the positive environmental and economic impacts a whiskey brand can contribute from barrel to glass.

This desire to have a broad impact stemmed from his experience as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, where he proudly served for four years. Brandon’s education includes a Bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University and Master’s Degrees from the University of Cincinnati and Harvard University. He is a certified Executive Bourbon Steward, Whiskey Sommelier, teaches at the Whiskey Marketing School and has industry affiliations with Moonshine University, the American Distilling Institute, American Crafts Spirits Association and the U.K.’s Institute of Brewing and Distilling.

As the sole owner and operator, Brandon has his sights set on making his family name one to be reckoned with in the craft whiskey world.