Welcome to Modern Alchemist, Old Fort
Distillery, Restaurant and Bar Opening Soon
Exciting things are brewing -Â follow along as we build something bold in Old Fort.
A New Kind of Gathering Place
in Old Fort
At the intersection of flavor and innovation, Modern Alchemist Co. is a new culinary and beverage destination from the founders of Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Nathan Kelischek and Chris Zieber. Nestled in the heart of Old Fort, our new distillery and restaurant invites you to explore bold, Latin-inspired fusion dishes paired with expertly crafted cocktails made from our house-distilled spirits.
Sip & Savor
From vibrant cocktails showcasing our small-batch spirits to THC- and CBD-infused mocktails, every drink is a testament to our love of innovation. Our menu, will bring Cali-mex inspired favorites to life in dishes like street tacos and burritos offering familiar flavors with a fresh culinary perspective to Western North Carolina.
Distilled by Experience
Meet Eric Meech
At the helm of our distilling program is veteran distiller Eric Meech, whose deep knowledge of the craft ensures that every spirit produced at Modern Alchemist Co. reflects the highest standards of quality and creativity.
With years of hands-on experience, Eric brings both technical precision and artistic vision to our full 16 plate still, guiding the creation of everything from classic small-batch liquors to forward-thinking botanical infusions.
A Space That Tells a Story
Housed in a beautifully restored historic brick former sock factory, Modern Alchemist Co. blends old-world character with vibrant modern design. The space is brought to life with bright, eclectic décor, a mix of textures, curated vintage touches, and colorful accents that reflect our playful, inventive spirit. Every detail-from the murals by a trio of local artists including Gus Cutty, Dustin Spagnola and Tommy Lee McGee to the warm lighting and inviting communal seating—has been carefully chosen to create a comfortable, welcoming vibe that encourages connection, conversation, and curiosity.
Designed for Connection
Whether you're stopping by after a hike, grabbing an after-work taco & cocktail, or simply exploring something new, Modern Alchemist Co. is designed to make you feel at home. It’s more than a restaurant—it’s a destination built for shared experiences and lasting memories.
“We love creating a space for people to gather, and Modern Alchemist allows us to do that while showcasing a wide array of beverages,” says co-founder Nathan Kelischek “A place like this hasn’t existed in Old Fort until now, and we’re proud to offer it to the community.”
From Beer to Beyond
After reacquiring Appalachian Mountain Brewery from Anheuser-Busch and launching successful ventures like Mountain Hippie Soda Co. and Modern Alchemist’s cannabis-infused beverages, Chris and Nathan continue to push boundaries. Modern Alchemist Co. is their latest expression of creativity, quality, and community.
Where can you find us?
Modern Alchemist Co. 78a Catawba Ave Old Fort NC, 28762
Exciting things are brewing -Â follow along as we build something bold in Old Fort.
