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- calendar_today August 24, 2026
North & South Carolina — Kaylin Pulley, a rising star in the spirits industry, has solidified her role as a leading woman distiller in North & South Carolina, earning widespread recognition for her innovative approach to creating bourbon at Weldon Mills Distillery.
From Bartender to Award-Winning Distiller
Originally hailing from Roanoke Rapids, Kaylin Pulley began her journey in the spirits world as a weekend bartender while pursuing her college degree. Her early days at Weldon Mills Distillery, one of the region’s notable bourbon distilleries, provided Pulley a firsthand look into the intricacies of spirit production. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted normal operations, she accepted a pivotal opportunity to join the distilling team under the guidance of veteran distillers Mike Norman and Andrew Daniel.
Rapid Rise Through Distilling Ranks
Pulley initially viewed her role in production as a temporary measure, yet found herself increasingly passionate about the craft. Her dedication and natural talent quickly propelled her to the position of production manager at Weldon Mills Distillery. In a field long considered a male dominated industry, Pulley’s ascent showcased both her resilience and the distillery’s commitment to equal opportunity. She credits the respect, encouragement, and distilling mentorship she received for her accelerated development among the ranks of female distillers in the United States.
International Acclaim and Historic Recognition
Pulley’s crafted bourbons—including a signature wheated bourbon and Norman’s 53—caught the attention of spirits enthusiasts far beyond North & South Carolina. These bourbons were submitted to the prestigious International Women’s Spirit Competition, a key event recognizing excellence among global craft spirits. In 2026, Pulley was honored as Best Woman Distiller, a significant achievement that helped cement her reputation as an award winning distiller.
Crafting New Bourbon Traditions
Always eager to experiment, Pulley now develops her own new bourbon recipe at Weldon Mills Distillery. Inspired by the taste of Golden Grahams cereal, her latest mashbill brings together unexpected flavors that push the boundaries of traditional bourbon. Among her projects is a honey-flavored craft bourbon currently aging, slated for future release to the delight of regional connoisseurs. These innovations not only showcase Pulley’s creativity but also highlight the evolving landscape of bourbon production in North & South Carolina.
Mentorship and Breaking Industry Barriers
Pulley’s story is a testament to the power of guidance and advocacy within the spirits sector. She continues to emphasize the importance of mentorship as more women enter the field of distillation. Weldon Mills Distillery has recognized her exceptional growth and potential, noting her contributions as signaling a new era for their operations. Pulley’s journey is inspiring to aspiring female distillers and demonstrates that success in a male dominated industry is attainable through perseverance and support.
Regional Influence and Future Developments
The impact of Pulley’s achievements extends across North & South Carolina, bringing new prestige to the region’s reputation for bourbon craftsmanship. Local communities and institutions have taken note of her accomplishments, which serve as a rallying point for greater diversity and innovation in the industry. As interest grows in unique, locally produced bourbons, Pulley’s work with Weldon Mills Distillery is positioned to draw further attention to the area’s thriving spirits culture and contribute to ongoing success in the regional bourbon distillery scene.
