West Virginia’s capital could soon be home to a spirited new attraction.
The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports the Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals approved a conditional use permit for a downtown microdistillery Thursday. Jeff Arthur’s proposed Mountain State Distillery would allow visitors to witness the entire process of distilling alcoholic beverages, including whiskey, rum, vodka and moonshine.
The actual distillery would be separated from the rest of the building, visible through windows. Visitors could sample products and purchase the bottled spirits at a gift shop.
Once the work on the space is done, Arthur needs to get approval from the state and federal government. He anticipates opening within three to four months.
Downtown business owner Anthony Paranzino advocated for Arthur’s proposal, emphasizing the main attraction of watching the alcohol being made.