Showing a Passion for Spirits

By Isadora Pennington

If 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.