Lex 18, Asheville

Look closely at a bottle of Troy & Sons moonshine, and you'll find the word handmade. Owner Troy Ball and the team at Asheville Distilling Company live up to that word in every way possible. They grow their own grain, grind it, distill it, and turn it into their signature spirits: moonshine and a blond whiskey.

The bottles then arrive at local establishments, including Lex 18. Here, bartenders rely on Troy & Sons moonshine to make signature cocktails. In the kitchen, chefs focus on southern-comfort foods made with local and organic ingredients, including moonshine-buttermilk chicken strips and shrimp and grits. Live musicians often play jazz and blues to complement the dining experience.