Two friends and four dogs are how Four Hounds Distilling in Carolina Beach got its start. Max Sussman and Chris Stellaccio set out on a journey to create spirits more than a year ago and now the two own and operate the only distillery on Pleasure Island.

“Rum is our specialty, and we have 4 different signatures presently,” Sussman said.

The business partners are proud to declare that all liquors are created on site with plenty of love going into every drink.

“We have a 'pain killer' which is a very island-type drink as well as orange cream. That is a very crisp and clean drink,” Sussman said.

The distillery also has a Silver Rum which seems to be a favorite amongst bargoers.

A unique pair, self-declared introverts Sussman and Stellaccio brought their own distinctive qualities to create a distillery. Sussman says his background in e-commerce and food science allowed him to understand the process of making spirits while his counterpart Stellaccio's engineering and building background brought the technical side to the space.

“My wife and I own Veggie Wagon so I am familiar with restaurant processes,” Sussman said, adding that opening a distillery is a completely different ballgame. He said it takes a full year in North Carolina to obtain a license to be able to make liquor.

Despite the long wait, it allowed the business owners to dive into their business plan and fully execute it once they were allowed to operate.

“We were very fortunate. It gave us time to really make our plans and learn our product.”

The pair first opened to the public from its original location, which shares space with The Veggie Wagon, last fall. The new spot is located just a few hundred feet across N. Lake Park Boulevard. 

On May 14, Four Hounds moved into its new location at 1202 N. Lake Park Blvd. Sussman said the new space is unique and they are most proud that they were able to integrate some Carolina Beach history into the place.

“This space was an old heating and air conditioning office, so we gutted everything and started over,” he said.

The new space includes lumber from part of an old boardwalk along Alabama Avenue that was replaced by the town. Sussman said he and Stellacio looked for ways to integrate pieces of the town’s history into the new location as both share a deep love for Carolina Beach. 

Staying true to its name, Four Hounds is dog friendly. To keep visiting pooches safe as well as people, the distillery doesn't serve drinks in glasses. They chose an aluminum ball cup that won’t shatter if dropped and can be taken home. 

“We love our rums. We have made our tasting room something for everyone so come on out," Sussman said.

Four Hounds is open Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 
 
For more, visit www.fourhoundsdistilling.com