Shane Faulkner, along with Beth Faulkner, founded End of Days Distillery with a passion for crafting more than just spirits—he wanted to create meaningful experiences. Opening the distillery in Wilmington’s restored WWII-era Quonset hut in February 2020, Shane faced immediate challenges when the pandemic hit. Pivoting quickly, he and his team began producing hand sanitizer to support their community. Today, End of Days is known for its award-winning gin, vodka, rum, and whiskey. In this interview with Bartender Spirits Awards, Faulkner shares insights into the distillery’s journey, his commitment to quality, and his vision for the future of the brand.

Could you share the story behind your brand? What inspired its founding?

End of Days embodies the philosophy of fully embracing each day. Our brand is rooted in a passion for the art of distilling, the hard work behind crafting high-quality spirits, and an unwavering commitment to using the finest ingredients. We remain committed to this dedication as we continue to expand. My journey began humbly, brewing beer in my garage and distilling in my backyard. Over time, that hobby blossomed into a deep appreciation for the creativity involved in distillation, barrel aging, and even the art of package design. Wilmington offered the perfect opportunity to transform this passion into something tangible, anchored in a vibrant community. The name "End of Days" draws inspiration from the cherished moments spent around a campfire, reflecting on life, family, friendships, hardships, and dreams, all while enjoying great spirits. I wanted to craft products that embody those experiences and become part of the meaningful moments you share with loved ones. Simply put, at the end of the day, we celebrate the day.

Image: Shane Faulkner, Co-founder of End of Days Distillery

What are some distinctive production techniques or ingredients central to your brand’s signature style?

Our approach centers on small-batch distillation, traditional fermentation methods, and the use of pot stills, which allow us to craft spirits with exceptional character and depth. We also incorporate unique yeast strains and follow a barrel-to-barrel aging process to develop complex and distinctive flavors. Sourcing locally is a key priority for us, and we take pride in showcasing North Carolina ingredients whenever possible. For instance, we collaborate with Riverbend Malt House in Asheville to source our grains. Our production process is a collaborative effort, driven by a commitment to bold and exciting flavors that reflect our passion for the craft. Every step is meticulously executed, and the result is something we’re genuinely proud to share with the world.

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As consumers become more knowledgeable about spirits, how are you approaching transparency in labeling, ingredient sourcing, and production methods?

Transparency is at the heart of everything we do. Our spirits are pure and unadulterated—free from artificial flavors, burnt sugars, or additives. One of the best examples of this is our Blue Agave Spirit, Castillo 1815. Since tequila must be produced in Mexico to carry the name, we chose not to compromise our integrity by bottling imported tequila. Instead, we source high-quality agave from Jalisco, Mexico, and distill it ourselves in Wilmington. While marketing it as a Blue Agave Spirit instead of tequila presents its own challenges, we believe the exceptional quality speaks for itself. We take pride in being honest about every step of our process, from ingredient sourcing to production, ensuring our customers know exactly what they’re enjoying.

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With the rise in non-alcoholic and low-alcohol options, how do you see your brand positioning itself within this expanding category?

While we greatly admire the innovation and creativity other brands bring to this growing market, it’s not our current focus. Our passion lies in crafting the spirits we love and perfecting our approach to quality and flavor. That said, we fully support the industry’s exploration of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol options and are excited to see how others push boundaries in this category. To ensure inclusivity, our distillery’s cocktail program features a variety of non-alcoholic mocktails, providing everyone with the opportunity to enjoy a thoughtful and delicious drink, regardless of their preferences.

What steps are you taking to reduce your carbon footprint, and how are you communicating these efforts to eco-conscious consumers?

Sustainability is a core part of our mission. We reclaim cooling water during production, utilize every part of our grains, and recycle barrels to minimize waste. Our craft cocktail program also focuses on reducing food waste, ensuring that our environmental efforts extend to every aspect of what we do. We’re dedicated to continuously finding new ways to lessen our impact on the planet, and we openly share these initiatives with our community. By being transparent and proactive, we aim to connect with eco-conscious consumers who value environmental responsibility as much as we do.

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How do you see your brand’s role in promoting sustainable agriculture, particularly in terms of raw material sourcing?

Growing up in North Carolina, I’ve always had deep respect for our state’s rich agricultural heritage. When founding the distillery, it was a priority to support local farmers and embrace sustainable practices. One example is how we repurpose our spent grains to feed livestock on a nearby farm, which helps reduce waste while directly benefiting local agriculture. We’re continuously exploring ways to source raw materials more sustainably and refine our processes to align with environmental responsibility. Supporting sustainable agriculture isn’t just a part of our business—it’s a commitment to preserving the legacy of the community we call home.

Image: Inside End of Days Distillery

Are you noticing any emerging regional trends or preferences that have influenced your production or marketing strategies?

As a coastal town, Wilmington has seen a surge in the ready-to-drink cocktail market, which we’ve enthusiastically embraced. Additionally, in today’s climate of economic uncertainty, we recognize that consumers are seeking value more than ever. Our team is constantly exploring ways to elevate the customer experience while delivering exceptional quality and value. We stay attuned to regional trends like these, but we also keep a close watch on national and global industry shifts to ensure our strategies remain forward-thinking and relevant.

How do you balance innovation with tradition, especially when introducing new flavor profiles or unique blends to the market?

We deeply respect the traditional craft of distilling, but we’re equally passionate about embracing bold, pre-Prohibition flavors and innovative techniques. Our commitment to quality is the foundation of everything we do, allowing us to strike a balance between honoring tradition and pushing the boundaries to explore new, exciting possibilities. By blending the best of both worlds, we’re able to create spirits that are both timeless and forward-thinking.

How do you envision the spirit industry evolving over the next five to ten years?

I see a strong shift toward empowering consumers, with direct-to-consumer options growing as laws evolve to accommodate this shift. Transparency around ingredients, production methods, and additives will become even more crucial as consumers seek authenticity and clarity. We’re likely to witness innovative packaging designs and a greater focus on storytelling. Consumers increasingly crave deeper connections with brands, and I believe that authentic, engaging narratives will be key to driving the future of spirit marketing. It’s an exciting future ahead, and while challenges will arise, our resilience and passion will keep us moving forward.

Header image sourced from End of Days Distillery

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