By Ron Green Jr.

The 16,000-square-foot facility that has come to life in Southern Pines near the intersections of Highways 1 and 2 (yes, that’s right, 1 and 2) is technically a distillery with a tasting room, a dining area, a small store, and other assorted comforts.

But when it’s alive and kicking this spring, it will be much more than that.

BHAWK – Brad Halling American Whiskey Ko – was conceived and constructed as much as a recognition of the men and women of the military and their extraordinary contributions as for the spirits that will be made and sold there.

It is a business, for sure, but it’s also being done for something more than money.

“We want to recognize extraordinary service,” Jessica Halling, Brad’s wife, said.

Brad and Jessica Halling are retired from the Army, and both have exceptional stories to tell.

He was in the Special Forces for many years, retiring as a sergeant major, and was part of the 1993 battle in Mogadishu when two American helicopters were shot down. Halling lost the lower part of his left leg when his damaged helicopter went down in a battle that was later documented in the movie “Black Hawk Down.”

Jessica Halling, who retired as a colonel, culminated her distinguished career as the staff judge advocate for Joint Special Operations Command at nearby Fort Bragg (Liberty) after having served on multiple deployments overseas.

In early 2019, they began considering various business options while visiting California’s Wine Country. Understanding that the North Carolina Sandhills don’t produce great grapes for wine, the idea of a distillery was hatched.

Being just a few miles from Fort Bragg (Liberty), the largest American military base, the pairing of place and purpose felt right.

“Whiskey has had a long tradition within the military, whether it’s for celebrating or mourning,” Jessica Halling said. “It’s a natural fit.”

Whiskey and vodka will be made on site, but they will not be the only spirits featured in the state-of-the-art facility. The spirit of military members will feature prominently in everything at BHAWK (hallingwhiskey.com).

The company’s label features a single fallen eagle feather, a recognition of what eagles represent to American servicemen and servicewomen in battle.

When visitors enter the new facility, they will visit a Gratitude Room where troops and leaders will be recognized and remembered. It’s a theme that will run throughout the facility, which has multiple seating areas and room for entertainment outside.

Each batch of whiskey made will honor someone. The first batch will recognize the helicopter pilots who were involved in the battle in Mogadishu. Subsequent batches will have different designees.

“There are people in this area and in other communities who didn’t have the benefit of a movie capturing their experience for everyone to see,” Jessica Halling said. “We want to represent everyone.”

At full capacity, the facility will be able produce 3,000 barrels of whiskey per year. It also will make vodka and offer varieties of each spirit.

The whiskey bottles will feature specially designed labels befitting a premium brand.

“We believe it will properly respect our military community,” Jessica Halling said.

“Through this journey, we have heard from people who want to tell their stories about people who have served, whether it was in Vietnam or World War II. We want our building to welcome the entire military community, their families, and other extended communities.”

A version of this story originally appeared in Global Golf Post in September 2023.