Deep Creek Distilling

Royall Ferguson and David Emmons have been enjoying the smooth flavors and complexities of the spirits for over 40 years. Royall grew up in Lynchburg, VA, where most people knew “someone” who was making whiskey in the woods or on their farm- where fresh apples and peaches were plentiful. David grew up in Mississippi in an area rich in moonshine history.

In 2015, each one had purchased almost identical 26 gallon stills and were experimenting with different mash bills and grains in search of a product that would be smooth and rich in flavor. In 2016, while they were volunteering with the Norfolk Greek Festival and enjoying a Greek Gyro, they discussed their “moonshine” making skills. They also were trading samples they created with their stills.

In 2017, they again mentioned joining their efforts into making spirits that they both enjoyed, especially, taking the good flavors from spirits that were their favorites. “We were discussing starting a distillery that would showcase Virginia’s grain that grew in it’s nutrient rich soil.”

They decided to give it a try since the spirits they were making was as good or better than the store-bought spirits. Dave had offered a small warehouse he owned in an area of Chesapeake called Deep Creek, where they could hone their distillery skills.

Between 2015 and now, they have both read almost every book, magazine, and article they could find on their new craft business. Deep Creek Distilling was officially incorporated in November 2018 and they received their Distillery Plant license in March 2019, which allowed them to legally produce spirits. They received their ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) license in April 2019 and their license to sell to the public in April 2021. They are the first licensed legal distillery in the city of Chesapeake since prohibition.

Author: Dirk Jahn