While Georgia is primarily known for moonshine and corn whiskey, the state’s craft distillery scene has evolved immensely and offers gin, vodka, rum, bourbon, whiskey, and more. Drinking locally-made spirits is ideal for supporting Georgia’s growing businesses and ensuring the industry grows more robust. Here is a comprehensive guide to craft distilleries worth visiting across the state. 

1. Old Fourth Distillery 

Of the few distilleries in Atlanta, the Old Fourth Distillery arguably ranks as one of the best places to visit. Established in 2014, the company has mastered making handcrafted spirits.

Currently, the distillery specializes in producing gin using fresh botanicals and vodka obtained from regionally grown sugar cane. Moreover, the company’s highly trained distilling staff likes experimenting with different concoctions, including Lawn Dart, a lemon liqueur made using ginger.

While touring, you will learn of the steps the distillery follows to only use renewable, pesticide-free, and non-GMO products in making their spirits.

Location: 6325 McDonough Dr. NW, Norcross, GA 30093

Phone: +1 844-653-3687

2. Richland Distilling Company 

It’s fascinating that almost all distilleries in Georgia specialize in one type of spirit. For instance, the Richland Distilling Company only makes rum. Their top product, Spirit of Georgia, is the nation’s sole single-estate rum. Also, the climate around Richland is perfect for making rum, meaning that they only produce authentic rum straight from the farm to your doorstep. 

To make their rum, Richland company turns sugar cane into syrup, ferments and distills it, and finally allows it to age. The final product is a fantastic drink. You can book tours in advance online.

Location: 355 East Broad St, Richland, GA 31825

Phone: +1 229-887-3537

3. Lazy Guy Distillery 

At the heart of Kennesaw, a town famous for its deep historical roots going back to the civil war days, you will find Lazy Guy Distillery. Contrary to their name, there is nothing lazy about this distillery. They make balanced small-batch whiskeys and sweet-tasting cocktails like Prairie Milk and Blue Snowflake.

In addition, the company’s facility is close to the Southern Museum, so it’s an ideal place to check out while in the area. The distillery offers free all-ages tours of their facility, though there is a small fee for tastings.

Location: 2950 Moon Station Rd, Kennesaw, GA 30144

Phone: +1 770-485-0081

4. Thirteenth Colony Distillery 

Regarded as one of the oldest operating distilleries, Thirteenth Colony founders began by making moonshine to gift to friends and family during Christmas.

After gaining traction amongst the locals, the founders decided to go all in, using local ingredients to make their spirits. The company has four top-selling products: Southern Gin, Southern Rye, Southern Bourbon, and Southern Vodka.

Tours and tastings tickets cost $15 per person, and you get a one-hour guided walk around their distillery. However, for tasting only, you’ll pay $10 per head. The tours run every Tuesday and on the first Saturday of each month. 

Location: 305 N Dudley St, Americus, GA 31709

Phone: +1 229-924-3310

5. Moonrise Distillery

Founded in 2012 by Doug Nassaur, a retired chemist, Moonrise Distillery makes high-quality rye, bourbon, and moonshine. The distillery deeply believes in being honest and transparent about its spirit-making methods. So you can book a tour to see precisely what goest  into their bottles.

They offer guided tours for all ages, but tastings are only for people over 21. Moreover, you can opt for a souvenir tour, including a site visit and a free whiskey bottle.

Location: 31 Webb Rd, Clayton, GA 30525

Phone: +1 844-994-4759

6. Ghost Coast Distillery 

Savannah is among the most “haunted” cities globally, which is how Ghost Coast got its name. Being Savannah’s first registered distillery right before the prohibition laws took root, the company has experienced more than enough challenges and survived.

The company has carved a niche in making vodka, as it has orange flavored and traditional style vodka. Most people like orange vodka, stating that its taste will remind you of colonial times when the smell of orange blossoms covered the air.

General tours run from Thursday to Sunday, though it’s better to call ahead to avoid crowds. After the tour, you can taste some of their spirits and handcrafted cocktails like Handsome Devil, Time Traveller, Last Words, Tomochichi, etc.

Location: 641 Indian St, Savannah, GA 31401

Phone: +1 823-723-221

7. Independent Distilling Company

Since opening its doors in 2014, the Independent Distilling Company has made top-quality small-batch spirits using ingredients sourced in Georgia.

The distillery primarily makes white rum, bourbon, and corn whiskey. And you can taste all three in one flight or opt for one of its tasty cocktails like Decatur Daiquiri and Old Fashioned. Better yet, the newly revised Georgia laws allow you to buy a few bottles at their facility.

Michael Anderson, the company founder, says that they are committed to only making excellent spirits even though it could mean fewer bottles. Some of the company’s products are Hellbender Straight Rye Whiskey, Independent White Rum, Hellbender Corn Whiskey, and Independent Barrel Aged Rum. You can visit their facility from Wednesday to Saturday for a comprehensive tour.

Location: 547 E College Ave, Decatur, GA 30030

Phone: +1 678-576-3804

8. Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery 

The city of Dawsonville is called “the world’s moonshine capital,” so it’s only fitting you taste some of their local libations. Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery makes apple brandy, corn whiskey, white lightning moonshine, and apple pie moonshine.

The distillery tours involve tasting their spirits; sometimes, their bartender can make you a personalized cocktail.

Location: 415 Hwy 53, Dawsonville, GA 30534

Phone: +1 706-344- 1210

9. Dalton Distillery 

Following a recipe that’s been around for 100 years, Dalton Distillery has enough experience in making classic Georgia moonshine.

The distillery also has cinnamon corn whiskey, straight corn whiskey, and Tazaray ( made using sunflower). Visit their facility for a tour down history lane and tasty spirits you will love.

Location: 251 Baltimore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 

Phone: +1 828-785-1499

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Distillery Experiences

What type of liquor is made at a Georgia Distillery?

Most distilleries produce moonshine and bourbon, but others make rum, apple brandy, vodka, gin, and tequila.

What other places can I visit while in Georgia?

They include:

• Savannah Historic District
• Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Georgia Aquarium
• Stone Mountain

What is the largest distillery in Georgia?

ASW Distillery is currently the largest alcohol Georgia distillery producer.

Find All the Georgia Distillery Adventures with Distillery Nearby

Whether you are a gin, bourbon, whiskey, rum, or moonshine lover, a distillery in Georgia listed above can meet your specific alcohol needs. For more information about other distilleries or wineries, you can tour in different states, visit the Distillery Nearby Blog. On it, you will also find valuable content about different types of spirits and their history.