You know Georgia. It’s the one next to Alabama. It’s the one that keeps Florida down. It’s the one with the busy airport that gets 1000 flights a day. It’s also the state perhaps least known for making whiskey. Well, fuck that. I had the pleasure of visiting the Peach State at the beginning of 2022 and discovered it’s knocking out some impressive liquor. Sure, a lot of the distilleries are making clear spirits and a disproportionate number are running shine, but hey, you gotta pay the rent. If you drop below the Mason Dixon line, then do yourself a solid and visit these Georgia distilleries. Drink their bourbon. Buy their rye.
If you’re in Georgia or anywhere near it, and reading this on your mobile, please tap “Show the way,” to open directions to a distillery in the GPS program of your choice. You’re welcome.
ASW Atlanta’s Hometown Whiskey
I’m a sucker for a good label and a great name so before we even get started can I just praise ASW for the labels on their bottles and also for their peated Tire Fire Single Malt Whiskey. Best name out there. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used this exact phrase to describe the flavor of a smoky scotch or even a strongly charcoaled petit syrah. I’ve also used the phrase “Just go die in a tire fire,” when yelling at my day. I don’t think ASW had that in mind.
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Independent Distilling Company
Michael Anderson launched this distillery in 2014 with Hellbender Corn Whiskey. Anderson joined the growing list of grain-to-glass makers by using corn from Riverview Farms, only a short drive north in Ranger, GA. Since then Independent has put out barrel-aged rum, Hellbender Bourbon, and Hellbender straight rye, all from a 100-gallon copper pot still.
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Lazy Guy Distillery
In 2017, Lazy Guy launched the first Straight Bourbon in the state of Georgia. Lazy Guy’s Embers Georgia Straight Bourbon is aged at least two years in new oak barrels and as of 2020 is available aged for six.
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Moonrise Distillery
This four-grain rye whiskey was developed to be a kind of sipping rye, balancing the best aspects of bourbon with the heft of rye. Moonrise markets it as a better experience for people who’ve given up on regular, sharper rye whiskies.
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Savannah Bourbon Company
This is a real low-country bourbon. It’s made from sweet corn and coastal rye which gives it a peppery start with a caramelized finish. However, getting there can be a problem since they don’t show their location on their website. Good luck.
Thirteenth Colony Distillery
What started as a gift project among friends has turned into one of Georgia’s most distinctive lines of spirits. Thirteenth grows their own grain and pulls water from one of the oldest aquifers in the southeast. Plus, look at that bottle.
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Old Fourth Distillery
O4D distills short runs of this award-winning bottled-in-bond bourbon of only 100 barrels. The bourbon is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and a dash of malted barley which gives it a true southern profile with chocolate and pecan right out in front.
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Ghost Coast
You have to love Ghost Coast for making a peach flavored whiskey. They use actual Georgia peaches so the finished whiskey has a subtle peach flavor. They claim it’s perfect for a splash in your iced tea and I couldn’t agree more.
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R.M. Rose Distillers
R.M. Rose has one of the most respectable pedigrees in distilling. The original distillery opened in 1889 and thrived until 1917. The company was resurrected by the son of famed moonshiner, George Sudderth. Young Sudderth built all the stills and equipment and launched his line of spirits based on the still knowledge handed down to him by his father.
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Swamp Fox
Swamp Fox is a Georgia distillery with a distinct attitude and vibe. They’re named after Revolutionary War hero, Francis Marion who was so good at fighting the British in the adverse conditions of South Carolina, he was nicknamed the Swamp Fox. Their white whiskey is named for the famous and elusive swamp lights phenomenon most southern people are familiar with from their grandma’s ghost stories.
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