Story
We’re about more than
meets the eye.
As a Watterson Brands company, the foundation of Burnt Church Distillery is deeply rooted in a culture of purpose beyond profit. This is more than just a tagline; it’s a mind set and a road map for success. While economic growth is important, we keep our focus on the triple bottom line – people, planet and profit.
Uncovering hidden local mysteries.
We began in the years surrounding the Civil War, the days of plantation life, and delved deeper into the 20th century, including a stop on the polo grounds in Old Westbury on the North Shore of Long Island in New York. Our discoveries include those of tragedy and jubilation; the demise of Lowcountry plantations, the rise of new industries, and the advent of private hunting and sporting clubs. All before developers swooped in and began building gated communities with private golf courses. We even explored the real stories behind local legends as they navigated through the Lowcountry’s deep and rich history surrounding Burnt Church Road.
The question, “Where does a name like Burnt Church Road come from?” drove us to embark on this multi-year journey.
Finally, the answers we craved have become a reality. Luckily, so have their corresponding Lowcountry spirits.
Farm to Bottle
Here at Burnt Church Distillery, we are passionate about many things. Supporting our local community happens to be one of them. People ask us all the time what it is that makes our spirits different from other distilleries, and the answer is simple. We use local grains and local ingredients every chance we get. Each of our signature whiskeys use local grains from either Palmetto Malt or Marsh Hen Mill, both located in our home state of South Carolina. Not only are these grains South Carolina-grown, but they are truly the special ingredient that make our whiskeys delicious and one-of-a-kind.
Our Founders
If Billy J. Watterson is known as the brains behind Burnt Church Distillery, Sean Watterson would be the hands.
A true entrepreneur, Billy has founded many brands over the past 20 years. When he discovered the Lowcountry in 2002, he was enamored with its aura of ease, southern hospitality, and true, inherent beauty. His love for this place and it’s deep-rooted traditions is what moved him to his latest endeavor – a distillery.
Sean is a self-taught Renaissance Man, a modern-day jack-of-all-trades. He balances the art and science of distilling with pure heart and soul – crafting each spirit so perfectly, even the most sophisticated whiskey connoisseurs are impressed.
Both Watterson brothers are passionate about crafting authentic Lowcountry spirits that honor the history of the South Carolina Lowcountry and give back to its communities. Our hope is to make a heartfelt impact on all who are eager to learn and taste. Burnt Church Distillery is a Watterson Brands company.
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Just when you think you know everything about the South Carolina Lowcountry, along comes Burnt Church Road. Our distillery is rooted in unearthing the truth behind where the road got its name, as well as demystifying local folklore that went along with it.