Jessica Halling and her husband, Brad, are Army veterans and proud owners of what will become the newest distillery in Moore County, NC – the Brad Halling American Whiskey Ko. (BHAWK). The destination distillery is expected to open in early 2024, just in time for the U.S. Open which is set to be played at Pinehurst No. 2 in June of that year. The campus will be located off Yadkin Road in Southern Pines, very close to the intersection of Midland Rd. and Highway 1.
The Hallings began their journey to business ownership three years ago. Throughout 2020 and 2021, the two decided to divide and conquer and received both formal and informal training to learn the skills required to successfully run a distillery. Jessica attended distillery operations training and Bradley attended distillers training, including receiving an opportunity to shadow master distillers and a full distillery team.
Along with brewing up whiskey, the brand will also focus on “expressing Gratitude™ for extraordinary service by common Americans, both uniformed and private citizens.” According to the Halling’s social media, a feather will be a prominent part of the BHAWK campus design, serving as a nod to the fallen. “Our lives have been dedicated to service,” said Halling. “The BHAWK Distillery Campus in Southern Pines, NC and BHAWK’s purpose driven brands are a second calling. Our vision to honor others was clear from the start, and we just wouldn’t have it another way.”
The Hallings are part of that large Sandhills military community. Jess was a Russian linguist and interrogator during her time in the service. She retired in December 2020 with a combined reserve and active career of 29 years. Brad joined the Army in 1980 and participated in the Battle of Mogadishu (the battle that the "Black Hawk Down" book and film are based on) in 1993. During the battle, he suffered injuries when the Black Hawk helicopter he was on was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. His left leg was amputated above the knee.
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