Good stuff.
Interestingly, an article was posted 6 days ago about Wilmington and distilleries and it looks like a distillery called High Tide applied for a change in zoning and it was accepted. http://portcitydaily.com/2015/07/06/new-legislation-city-ordinance-aim-to-jump-start-craft-distillery-businesses-in-wilmington/. Looks like they are planning to do something similar to what I had in mind (Vodka, Gin, Bourbon, Rum vs Vodka, Tequila, Gin). Downtown Wilmington isn't very big so our business would be in pretty direct competition. They also have a pretty good head start as I won't even begin the zoning/application/permit process till next year and from the looks of it they have been going at Wilmington for a couple years.
Thanks for the summary of the NC ABC process. I think I get the concept and will review the specifics.
I think one of the stronger parts of my business plan is the marketing/advertising section as this is my forte, and I'll be looking for a partner for the finance side of things.