Tucked just three miles from where co-founder Craig Amick grew up, Hollow Creek Distillery sits quietly along a namesake creek that winds its way into Lake Murray — the same waters the Amick family has called home for ten generations. The setting feels intentional: peaceful, rooted, and unmistakably Southern.
“When you make it this far out of town, the hustle just slows down,” says Meredith Amick, who co-owns the distillery with her husband. “We wanted our customers to feel that same calm — like they’re part of the family when they visit.”
That sense of welcome is the hallmark of Hollow Creek, one of South Carolina’s most celebrated small-batch distilleries. Founded when the state’s craft distilling industry was still young, Hollow Creek began as a dream and a bit of a gamble — inspired by a good family friend who had, as Craig puts it, “more experience than the law allows.”
The Amicks purchased over 10 acres of land and built the distillery from the ground up, guided by a simple mission: stay true to their roots. But in those early days, state legislation for micro-distilleries was tight, limiting what and how much they could sell or serve. “Our lawmakers have really helped create a better environment for small distilleries to thrive,” Craig says. “But in the beginning, we leaned heavily on the community — and they showed up for us in a big way.”
That same community support became even more meaningful during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Hollow Creek pivoted to produce more than 16,000 gallons of hand sanitizer for first responders and hospitals. “It was one of those moments where we realized — this isn’t just a business. We’re part of something bigger,” Meredith recalls.
By 2022, the small distillery that started on a dusty country road was winning big on the international stage. Their High Cotton Bourbon, William Alan Bourbon, White Hot Cinnamon Whiskey, and Low Water Vodka took home eight medals across competitions in Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. “We hoped for one medal,” Craig laughs. “When the results came in, we were stunned.”
Each Hollow Creek product tells a family story. Their William Alan Bourbon is named for their son, the tenth generation of Amicks to live on the Lake Murray waters. Every cork seal bears the initials H.E., honoring Henry Emig — Craig’s eighth-great-grandfather and a Patriot in the American Revolution.
“Everybody says they have the best spirits,” Craig says, “but for us, it’s the pride in what each bottle represents.”
The Amicks source as much as possible from local and American suppliers — even their corn comes from an old high school friend’s farm. “Sometimes ‘local’ means as close as we can get,” Meredith says with a smile. “Maple syrup’s tough to find in South Carolina — so we get ours from a family farm in Pennsylvania.”
That mix of Southern soul and American craftsmanship has earned Hollow Creek a loyal following — especially for limited releases like their Blood Orange Vodka and Blackberry Whiskey, which fans eagerly await each season.
For Craig and Meredith, community connection isn’t just marketing — it’s legacy. “Our family has been part of this area since the 1750s,” Meredith says. “This state made us who we are, and giving back is just part of the deal.”
The distillery regularly hosts events like Lexington County’s Ag + Arts and Small Business Saturday, welcoming local vendors, artisans, and food trucks to their property. “Small businesses are the backbone of America,” Craig says. “If we can help other entrepreneurs grow while celebrating our community, that’s success.”
Looking ahead, Hollow Creek is expanding its guest experiences — from bourbon and whiskey events to immersive hands-on workshops. “We want visitors to do more than taste,” Meredith explains. “We want them to feel connected — to the process, to the land, and to us.”
For the Amicks, being named one of Anderson Magazine’s People to Watch is both humbling and full-circle. “We spent our college years at Clemson,” Meredith says. “The Upstate will always have a special place in our hearts. To think that two ‘country mice’ from Gilbert could end up here — it’s mind-blowing.”
As for what keeps them going? “Perseverance,” Craig says. “There were times quitting would’ve been easy. But we take a deep breath, grab a snack, and figure it out. There’s always a way forward.”
When asked who they’d share a drink with if they could, their answer comes easily: Lamar, the friend who taught them everything about distilling. “We’d love to show him what we’ve built,” Craig says quietly. “He’d have his moonshine, I’d have my bourbon, and Meredith would have her vodka and club soda with lime. We’d raise a glass to how far we’ve come.”
And somewhere between the grain, the glass, and the generations, that’s exactly what Hollow Creek represents — the spirit of South Carolina: resilient, rooted, and always ready to share a story.
