In a world where “craft” is often used as a marketing buzzword, it’s worth asking: what does it actually mean to be a craft distillery? At Distillery of Modern Art, we believe the answer lies in one simple but crucial distinction—we don’t just bottle spirits; we distill them.
While Georgia has a growing and exciting spirits scene, only a handful of distilleries in the state actually make their own spirits from scratch. Many brands source their base alcohol from large, industrial producers and then blend, age, or bottle it under their own label. That’s not necessarily a bad thing at all—there are some great spirits and brands made that way—but it’s not the same as truly crafting something from the ground up.
Why Distilling Our Own Spirits Matters
At Distillery of Modern Art, we take pride in the grain-to-glass process. That means we carefully select our ingredients, mill our grains, mash, ferment, distill, age, and bottle—all in-house. This gives us complete control over quality, consistency, and creativity.
- The Freedom to Innovate
When you distill your own spirits, you’re not limited to what’s available from a mass producer. We experiment with different grains, fermentation techniques, and distillation methods to create spirits that are truly unique. Our bourbon, for example, features 67% non-GMO white corn, 21% Abruzzi rye, and 12% malt—a mash bill we carefully crafted to deliver both bold spice and smooth complexity.
- Quality from Start to Finish
Every decision we make, from grain selection to barrel aging, directly impacts the final product. Because we distill everything ourselves, we can ensure that each bottle meets our exacting standards. There’s no guesswork—just a commitment to quality that you can taste in every sip.
- A True Connection to Craft
Being hands-on in the production process isn’t just about making great spirits; it’s about honoring the craft. Distilling is both a science and an art, requiring precision, patience, and creativity. When you visit our distillery, you’re not just seeing a bottling line or stills for show—you’re stepping into the heart of a working distillery where the magic happens.
The Georgia Distilling Landscape
The spirits industry in Georgia is still young, especially compared to long-established regions like Kentucky and Tennessee. But the small number of true distilleries in the state are paving the way for something special—spirits made with passion, skill, and a genuine connection to the craft.
By choosing to support local distilleries that distill their own spirits, you’re not just buying a bottle; you’re backing the future of Georgia-made whiskey, gin, and other spirits. You’re encouraging innovation and helping build an industry that values authenticity over shortcuts.
Come Taste the Difference
If you’re in the Atlanta/Chamblee area, we invite you to visit Distillery of Modern Art and see for yourself what true craft distilling looks like. Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast, a gin lover, or just someone who appreciates a well-made spirit, we’d love to share our process (and a pour) with you.
Because when you drink a spirit that’s truly crafted, we feel good about asking you to seek more from your brands, you can taste the difference.
Cheers to authenticity, innovation, and great spirits.