In the heart of South Carolina's Midlands, Hollow Creek Distillery has built something increasingly rare, a family-owned craft distillery rooted in place, tradition, and community.
Known for its award-winning bourbon, vodka, whiskey, and moonshine, Hollow Creek Distillery has become a destination for spirit enthusiasts looking for handcrafted small-batch spirits and an authentic connection to the people behind the bottle.
What started as a family dream has grown into one of South Carolina's most respected craft distilleries.
A South Carolina Distillery Built Close to Home
When Meredith and Craig Amick decided to enter the craft spirits industry, South Carolina's distilling scene was still in its early stages.
"The craft distilling industry in SC was young when we jumped in," Meredith says. "We had a good family friend with more experience than the law allows and decided it was time to try our hand."
Rather than choosing convenience, the family chose significance.
They purchased more than 10 acres of land just three miles from where Craig grew up, creating a distillery that reflects the landscape and heritage of the community they serve.
"We wanted the distillery to be true to our roots," Meredith explains. "The hustle and bustle of city life just slows down a bit when you make it this far out of town, and we wanted our customers to experience that peaceful feeling too."
Today, Hollow Creek Distillery serves customers through its tasting room while distributing spirits to liquor stores, bars, and restaurants across South Carolina.
More Than Spirits—A Story in Every Bottle
In a crowded market, many distilleries focus on awards, production methods, or flavor profiles.
While Hollow Creek Distillery has earned plenty of recognition for its products, Meredith believes the real difference is the personal connection behind every label.
"Everybody will tell you their spirits are the best in the market," she says. "While we believe we have great spirits and our awards speak for themselves, we believe that our connection to our brands and the pride we have in our business shows."
That connection runs deep.
Their William Alan Bourbon is named after their son, the 10th generation of Craig's family to live along the waters that now form Lake Murray.
Even the bottle seal carries historical significance.
"Every bourbon and vodka bottle has HE stamped on the top seal," Meredith explains. "HE was Henry Emig's mark. Henry was Craig's 8x great grandfather that fought as a Patriot in the American Revolution."
These details may seem small, but they reflect what Hollow Creek Distillery is all about, creating spirits with meaning, not just products for a shelf.
Award-Winning Bourbon, Whiskey, and Vodka
Hollow Creek Distillery's commitment to quality has earned national recognition.
Among its most celebrated spirits are:
- High Cotton Bourbon
- William Alan Bourbon
- Low Water Vodka
- White Hot Cinnamon Whiskey
The biggest honor came in 2024 when High Cotton Bourbon 105 Proof captured one of the industry's most prestigious awards.
"High Cotton Bourbon 105 proof won Best Whiskey at the Los Angeles Spirits Competition in 2024," Meredith says.
The distillery has also developed a loyal following for its limited-release flavored spirits.
Fans regularly anticipate the return of specialty offerings like Blood Orange Vodka and Blackberry Whiskey, often counting down the days until they're available again.
These small-batch releases have become some of the most sought-after products the distillery produces.
Creating Merchandise Customers Want
Like many successful craft beverage brands, Hollow Creek Distillery discovered that customers wanted more than great spirits.
They wanted a way to represent the brand.
"Being from the community we serve, we love our customers and they have connected with us and our brand," Meredith says. "They requested hats, and we wanted hats that represented us well."
Instead of treating merchandise as an afterthought, the team focused on creating hats that matched the quality and authenticity of their spirits.
The response has been immediate.
"We have several different hat designs we have purchased thus far and are constantly trying new colors or new leather patch designs based on customer feedback," Meredith says. "We love when we are out in the community and see our hats in the wild."
Many of the hats feature not only the Hollow Creek Distillery name but also individual spirit brands, including High Cotton Bourbon.
For a local business, that's the ultimate goal—turning customers into proud ambassadors.
A Partnership Built on Quality
As Hollow Creek Distillery expanded its merchandise program, finding the right partner mattered.
According to Meredith, Authentic Leather Patch Company delivered exactly what they were looking for.
"Authentic Leather Patch Company has been a fantastic partner," she says. "From attention to detail to speed of delivery, we are thankful to be working with such a great company."
The result is merchandise that reflects the same craftsmanship customers expect from every bottle that leaves the distillery.
Business Advice from the Amicks
Building a successful distillery isn't easy.
Like most entrepreneurs, the Amicks have faced challenges, setbacks, and moments when walking away would have been easier.
Their advice for anyone starting a business is simple.
"Perseverance is key," Meredith says. "There have been many steps along the way where the easy thing to do was quit."
Her solution?
"With a deep breath, a snack (Meredith gets hangry), and maybe a good night's sleep, there's always a solution."
It's practical advice from people who have lived it.
What's Next for Hollow Creek Distillery?
The team isn't slowing down.
Hollow Creek Distillery is preparing to launch a new lineup of bourbon and whiskey experiences designed to give visitors a deeper look into the craft spirits industry.
"We're getting ready to launch a whole new set of bourbon and whiskey events to allow folks hands-on, flavorful experiences," Meredith says.
The goal goes beyond simply selling bottles.
"These won't just be a chance to pick up a great bottle, but more of an opportunity to immerse yourself in the industry for a little while."
For bourbon lovers, whiskey enthusiasts, and anyone interested in craft distilling, that's an experience worth watching for.
Visit Hollow Creek Distillery
From award-winning bourbon and vodka to deep family roots and community pride, Hollow Creek Distillery represents what makes craft distilling special.
Every bottle tells a story. Every label has meaning. And every customer becomes part of that story.
To learn more, visit Hollow Creek Distillery online or follow along on social media.
Website: www.hollowcreekdistillery.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hollowcreekdistillery
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hollowcreekdistillery
