Meet Our Team

Chuck Bearden and Finley Hootsell, both natives of Natchez/Vidalia, have been passionate about distilling for years. Chuck, a chemical engineer, has experience in brewing beer, wine, and spirits. Finley's interest in distilling began when he read his first Foxfire book as a young man. After sampling Chuck's creations, they decided to open a distillery in Vidalia, LA. This makes us the first legally recognized distillery in Concordia Parish in over a century.

Our distillery's story is entwined with American history, as the Natchez/Vidalia region has deep roots in our country's heritage. To honor this, we chose a name inspired by the infamous Bowie Sandbar Duel, which occurred on September 19th, 1827, on the nearest sandbar north of Vidalia. We hope you enjoy our "Rum Worth Fighting For".