Southern Distilling Co. of Statesville, North Carolina, has entered a multi-year deal with Charlotte Football Club as an official partner in the alcohol-whiskey category, which is sure to elevate the fan experience in the stadium and beyond. Southern Distilling Co., founded in 2013 by Vienna and Pete Barger, is reviving the forgotten distilling history of Statesville with its premium Southern Star family of spirits.
“This partnership is a great fit,” Vienna Barger says. “There are many similarities between Charlotte FC and our Southern Star spirits. Both are born of the Charlotte region, and we are collectively driven by the spirit of innovation and pursuit of excellence.”
Five Southern Star products — Double Rye, Paragon Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Standard High Rye Straight Bourbon Whiskey, White Whiskey and Double Shot Coffee Bourbon Cream Liqueur — are now available in the stadium behind the bar, at coffee stands and in signature frozen cocktails.
“We are happy to share our artisan spirits with Charlotte FC supporters as we continue to reignite the distilling industry of the region,” Pete Barger says. “We’re looking forward to savoring the celebratory moments on the pitch with fans and Southern Star.”
Two cocktails featuring Southern Star whiskey, created by award-winning mixologist Justin Hazelton of Top Shelf Co. and Leah & Louise, are exclusively available in the pitch-level VIP bars at The Vault and The Gallery.
In addition, numerous locations throughout the stadium are serving Southern Star products, including the fan favorite blue frozen drinks, appropriately named the Southern Star Slushie, which features Southern Star White Whiskey.
“We’re excited to welcome Southern Distilling Co. as an official partner for Charlotte FC during our inaugural season,” said Charlotte FC President Joe LaBue. “We look forward to working together with their Southern Star products to enhance experiences for fans during our memorable, high-energy home matches.”