Georgia has long been known as a place for spirits, both the traditional and the extraordinary! You probably know Georgia for its long history of the staple of the south, bourbon. But you can also find many craft spirits, including gin, vodka, apple brandy from Georgia apples, rum, and even tequila. When looking for the best distillery adventure near you, check out our list of seven Georgia distilleries to add to your Spirit Tour bucket list. 

1. Thirteenth Colony Distilleries in Americus, Georgia

We start our list of craft tours with the oldest operating Georgia distillery. Thirteenth Colony opened in 2009 as a group of friends who simply wanted to create holiday gifts. After a few bottles, they were hooked, and a family business began. 

They source local and regional materials when they can, using corn from their own farm and water from the oldest aquifer in the southeast. Their Georgia climate is perfect for aging because of the hot temperatures followed by the grand temperature swings. As this happens, their barrels expand and contract, making the flavor incredibly intense. The whiskey then reacts with the oak to extract color, character, and aroma. 

When you visit this distillery, you’ll find the following award-winning craft spirits:

• Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey
• Southern Bourbon Whiskey
• Southern Rye Whiskey
• Southern Vodka
• Southern Gin
• Limited-Release Single Barrels

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2. Grandaddy Mimms Distilling Co. in Blairsville, Georgia

They make all of their moonshine, whiskey, vodka, and other spirits right on-site, and they love showing people just how they do it.

Their story begins with a famous bootlegger, Jack “Mimm” McClure, who was known for the best moonshine. His great-grandson founded this distillery after he stumbled upon Mimm’s legendary recipe that dates back to the Great Depression.

They have several options for tours and tastings, and you’ll find many different spirits, including:

• Grandaddy Mimm’s Moonshine in numerous flavors, including Mule Kickin’, Blueberry, Peach, Apple Brown Betty, Georgia Cream Pecan Roll, and many others. 
• Owltown Vodka in many flavors.
• Mimm’s Whiskey in Peach and a 5-Year Barrel Aged
• Sorghum Rum

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3. Moonrise Distillery in Clayton, Georgia

This award-winning distillery is crafting spirits the same way they’ve been done since 1850. There’s nothing “old fashioned” about using a time-tested method and double distillation process. They let their spirits take the lead and tell them when they’re ready. Moonrise Distillery ages by taste and not time.

Their portfolio is driven by whiskey, and you’ll find these spirits on your craft tours:

• Bourbon Whiskey
• Rye Whiskey
• Limoncello
• Many flavors of Brandy
• Vodka
• Gin
• Snow Cream Bourbon

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4. Swamp Fox Distilling Company in Buena Vista, Georgia

This distillery was named after Brigadier General Sir Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, who served during the American Revolution.

So, when you stop by for a tour and tasting, you’ll find whiskeys, moonshine, bourbon, and even a white whiskey. Some of their spirits include:

• Fr. Marion Continental Whiskey 41 ABV (82 Proof)
• King’s Town Rye Whiskey 50 ABV (100 Proof)
• Kettle CreekMalt Whiskey Cask Strength (ABV varies per batch)
• Southern Secret Moonshine 50 ABV (100 Proof)
• Southern Secret Muscadine Moonshine (ABV varies per batch)
• Will O’ the Wisp White Whiskey 50 ABV (100 Proof)

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5. Oak House Distillery in Athens, Georgia

Athens, Georgia is home to the Georgia Bulldogs representing the University of Georgia, Athens. Here you will find southern culture, many museums to tour, and a botanical garden to explore.

After spending the day in Athens we recommend making your evening reservations to tour and taste the spirits at Oak House Distillery. 

Roberts Number One American Dry Gin is the spirit made at Oak House Distillery on more than 2 acres of oak lined property. Enjoy their craft cocktail menu and explore the flavors of their house gin.

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6. Independent Distilling Company in Decatur, Georgia

Established in 2014, this company is dedicated to small-batch handcrafted spirits. They use a 100-gallon copper pot still and commit to the traditional southern methods of distilling in what they call “soulful spirits.”

Also, they dedicate themselves to bringing back southern traditions lost by the big, mainstream spirits producers.

When you visit their distillery for a craft tour, you’ll find these spirits:

• Hellbender Corn Whiskey is made with locally sourced corn.
• Independent rum is made with table molasses.
• Hellbender Bourbon comes from the same mash bill as their corn whiskey and aged in new charred American White Oak barrels.

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7. Dalton Distillery in Dalton, Georgia

This is a small craft distillery you don’t want to miss in historic downtown Dalton. They stand behind their family’s 100-plus-year-old recipe of moonshine. It’s called Raymond’s Reserve, and you won’t believe the taste. 

You can even enjoy their Sunflower Spirit, TazaRay, which is made from malted sunflower seeds and corn. Moreover, it’s the only spirit in the world made from sunflowers. 

Additionally, they’ve recently added vodka made from water that’s been distilled five times and corn.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Georgia Spirit Tour 

What is Georgia known for?

Georgia, often called the Peach State, is known for its southern hospitality, beautiful landscapes, and an abundance of scary attractions. Whether it’s the Spanish moss or the trail of graves from the Civil War, you may find as many ghosts in Georgia as distilleries! 

What is Georgia’s signature drink?

The signature drink is the Scarlett O’Hara, the South’s most famous southern belle, from Gone with the Wind.  

What do you wear to a Georgia distillery tour?

It’s generally hot and humid in Georgia, so you want to dress comfortably and casually. Moreover, don’t wear any profane attire, and dress for the weather. Inside a distillery, it can be very hot during the spring and summer. 

Time to Head Out on Your Distillery Adventure

When you head to Georgia for a distillery tour, you’re bound to find a spirit or two. So, as you head out to complete your Spirit Tour bucket list, be sure to take your imagination with you. From whiskey to vodka, to rum, and even some moonshine, you’ll love the best Georgia distilleries listed here.

If you want more information about the best craft distillery experiences in Georgia, or other places in the United States, please visit Distillerynearby.com. It’s your ultimate guide and online source for whiskey, bourbon, vodka, gin, and other spirits at distilleries near you.