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Showing a Passion for Spirits
By Isadora Pennington
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f you’re a lover of spirits and all things local, you’re in luck. Local distilleries turning out small-batch bourbons, ryes and specialty rums are bubbling up around metro Atlanta. “Spirits production is an art form,” Seth Watson, founder of Distillery of Modern Art in Chamblee. “After spending nearly two decades in hospitality, I decided to sell my old business and create a new distillery from the ground up.” A relative newcomer, the Distillery of Modern Art opened in May of 2020. The business combines production of spirits with an art gallery. “Having no preconceived notions of the industry allows for us to create our own path,” Watson said. The first new distillery inside the Perimeter was Independent Distilling Company in Decatur. The company opened its doors in 2014. Founder Michael Anderson offers a core set of five spirits: Independent White Rum, Independent Barrel Aged Rum, Hellbender Corn Whiskey, Hellbender Bourbon Whiskey and Hellbender Straight Rye Whiskey. In addition, they experiment with other spirits such as barrel-finished whiskeys, single malts, brandies, and gin. “We like to use local and high-quality ingredients and are always up to collaborate with local wineries, cideries, breweries and farmers,” said whiskey specialist Casey Teague.
It must work. The company is planning to move to a bigger space in Decatur and a celebration of its seventh birthday with the release of a Hellbender Bottled in Bond Bourbon. ASW Distillery, located just a stone’s throw from Sweetwater Brewery in Atlanta, is among the city’s oldest established distilleries. “Every type of whiskey, we make it here,” said Chad Ralston, head of marketing. Two roommates from the University of Georgia, Jim Chasteen and Charlie Thompson, founded the company after they came up with the recipe for a clear whiskey in 2011. They first produced the spirit in a facility in Charleston under the name American Spirit Whiskey. A few years later, the two opened up their first facility in Georgia. In 2015 they brought on master distiller and partner Justin Manglitz and the team opened their distillery and tasting room on Armour Drive in 2016. They have since expanded to include a larger facility on the westside near the BeltLine and plan to soon open a tasting room at The Battery. Some of the company’s best-selling spirits include Fiddler Bourbon, Resurgens Rye, and Duality Double Malt. “It’s a super hands-on effort, not only distilling the whiskeys but also for that heartwood product,” Ralston said as he described the way Manglitz sources, seasons, and hand-chars the wood for staves that add flavor to some of their offerings. The ASW tasting room is popular among locals, and their spirits are winning prestigious
NEW RESTAURANT RADAR Maepole is now open at 72 Georgia Ave. in Summerhill with a menu of mostly plant-based plates (think super greens, brown rice, sweet potato or quinoa as anchors) with a Southern flare. This is Peter Dale’s second location after opening the flagship in Athens three years ago. More at maepole.com.
30 May 2021 |
Get your morning fix at Breakfast at Barney’s, 349 Decatur St. in the Pencil Factory Lofts, with a menu featuring everything from salmon croquettes and shrimp and grits to French toast and steak and eggs. See the menu at breakfastatbarneys. com.
Papi’s Cuban Cuisine is slated to open its second Atlanta location this month at Krog Street Market, 99 Krog St., in Inman Park serving up Cuban sandwiches, deep fried plantains, and more. Visit papisgrill.com for more.
Located near the Fox Theatre, El Viñedo Local is now open at 730 Peachtree St. in Midtown, currently serving breakfast and lunch with dinner and wine coming soon. The South Americaninspired restaurant serving empanadas, arepas, tostones, and ceviche. For more, visit elvinedolocal.com.
At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m
