Trophy Brewing Company Opens Raleigh’s Only Downtown Distillery

Raleigh-based Trophy Brewing Company owners recently expanded their downtown footprint with the opening of Young Hearts Distilling at 223 South Wilmington Street. “We have always dreamed of owning a distillery and imagining the possibilities — and we decided now was our time,” says owner, Chris Powers.

Powers and other owners David “Woody” Lockwood and David Meeker partnered with Les Stewart and brought on head distiller Mena Killough to make Young Hearts Distilling happen. Banking on a downtown resurgence in Raleigh, the group thinks that the new Wilmington Street establishment will draw in crowds curious to learn about the distilling process, while getting a chance to sample the gin, amari, and other spirits in fanciful cocktails. Expect those Instagrammable concoctions to show up on numerous influencer feeds from the rooftop patio at Young Hearts.

In addition to plenty of drinks, the distillery also offers a full restaurant offering ambitious dishes like Brunswick rillettes, sweet potato pappardelle, beet bourguignon, local pork torchon and more. Chef Alex Ricci and sous chef Josiah Halbohm lead the kitchen.

Young Hearts opens from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays. There are plans for brunch and lunch services in the future.

• Trophy Brewing Company [Official]
• Young Hearts Distilling [Resy]