Aristotle Spirits
105 Rand Mill Road, Garner, NC 27529
Unfortunately Aristotle Spirits closed doors in 2025 😢
Aristotle Spirits first opened doors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jake, the owner & founder, was a chemist prior to opening his distillery. He invested his life savings to open this amazing distillery and named it after a philosopher:
As far back as the fourth century B.C., the great philosopher Aristotle suggested the possibility of spirit distillation. It is an age-old operation that today combines complex mental calculations and formulas with new technologies. Using several principles of natural science and chemistry, Jake produces a portfolio of spirits, second to none, that are made the right way every time.
It is worth mentioning that spirits are made on-site from local ingredients. Sometimes Aristotle Spirits will team up with other local businesses to craft special batches of spirits or a unique craft drink.
Currently the distillery makes the following spirits:
- Aristotle Spirits Vodka
- Aristotle Spirits Habanero Vodka 🌶
- Philosopher New American Gin
- Philosopher Bourbon Barrel Aged Gin
- Explorer Navy Strength Rum 💪
- Discovery Bourbon Finished in Apple Cider Casks
- Discovery American Single Malt Whiskey
Our absolute favorite is the Habanero Vodka which goes really well in a variety of mixed drinks made & taught (more on that below) at Aristotle Spirits. Yes, it is spicy! You’ve been warned.
Bonus: they make a delicious inhouse bloody marry mix that goes very well with habanero vodka. If you appreciate a loaded bloody marry — give it a try at Aristotle Spirits.
Fun seasonal menus
Aristotle Spirits features a seasonal menu that rotate 4 times per year in addition to classic cocktails which also do not disappoint. It’s fun to explore their menu, but if you’re not feeling a mixed drink, they do have 6 beers on tap.
Learn how to make your own
The distillery also runs cocktail classes for drinks. You may learn how to make one of their seasonal drinks or a unique drink dreamt up by their knowledgeable bartenders. We have done a couple of these classes and it’s an excellent atmosphere for a fun date where you get to taste spirits and learn how to make delicious cocktails 🍹.
Pro tip: In each class you’re given the opportunity to sample the liquors and make 2 cocktails. I highly recommend having a full meal before class.
A great place to relax and have fun
Aristotle has a relaxed and laid back atmosphere with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.
Besides their cocktail making classes Aristotle hosts a variety of events. Every Tuesday is Game Night. Enjoy the board games there or bring your own, and sip on their Game Night special $8 two ingredient drinks.
Test your skills at Aristotle’s Drunken Spelling Bee hosted by Bahr, the owner of Pedal 2 Petal the Bicycle & Plant Shop (another local Garner beloved business), and see if you could win a bottle of Aristotle’s spirits to take home 🎲.
The historic downtown of Garner
The historic downtown of Garner (where Aristotle Spirits is located) is a great place for a date overall. After grabbing a drink at Aristotle’s, you can stroll the chill streets of the downtown and explore other cool spots.
Follow Aristotle’s Instagram to stay on top of all the events 🙂.
Did you know?
You can buy a bottle of liquor in Garner on a Sunday at Aristotle Spirits even though ABC stores are closed on Sundays 🥳. Cheers!