Rum in the Peach State
The history of rum and distilling in Georgia stretches back to the 1800s, from plantation distilleries and Scots and Irish mountain moonshine to the emergence of a modern classic in American rum. Known for its coastal beaches, farmland, mountains and being the home of US Masters golf – Georgia has so many adventures to explore.
Georgia’s geography includes five distinct regions: the Appalachian Plateau, the Valley and Ridge, the Blue Ridge, the Piedmont, and the Coastal Plain. The terrain varies from the Appalachian Mountains in the north to the Atlantic coast in the south. Major rivers such as the Savannah, which forms the eastern border with South Carolina, and the Chattahoochee, which largely forms the western border with Alabama, also shape the state’s landscape. Stone Mountain, a large monadnock of granite quartz monzonite, is located near Atlanta. The Barrier Islands, or Sea Islands, lie off the Atlantic coast, serving as a barrier between the sea and the land and providing important ecological functions. Georgia has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers, though the mountainous north experiences cooler temperatures.
Interestingly, originally founded as a dry colony, Georgia’s distilling story began when it became a state following the Revolutionary War. Moonshine in North Georgia dates back to the late 18th century, when Scotch-Irish settlers’ small farmers introduced distilling techniques, such as distilling fruits and grains. Early Georgia rum production (1816-1824) centred on sugar plantations like William Carnochan’s “The Thicket” in McIntosh County on the banks of Carnochan Creek. Sugarcane cultivation was key to this early rum industry. Post-Civil War, Federal agencies began targeting moonshiners in North Georgia, leading to the “moonshine war” in the 1870s. Then, the Prohibition era in the 1920s fuelled the moonshine trade, with North Georgia becoming a hub for illicit distilling. In the south, the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia became key hubs for rum-running operations. The local geography was perfect to run the rum inland.
Then in 1999, Richland Distilling Company revived single-estate rum production in Georgia, establishing what some consider a modern classic in American single-estate rum. The gradual shift in regulations, with the allowance of Sunday sales in 2011 and Georgia being the last state in the country to allow direct selling, shaped the distilling landscape we see today. It’s time for a road trip to explore Georgia-made rums from north to south.
North Georgia
Rolling hills meet the Blue Ridge Mountain gateway in North Georgia, the region’s natural beauty and Athens’ vibrant college life. Explore this quintessential college town’s historic architecture and lively music scene within the scenic Piedmont. Chase waterfalls and hike the trails in Georgia’s Alpine Village.
Oak House Distillery
Oak House Distillery was founded in 2020 and was established by UGA scientists who are passionate about making artisanal spirits. It is the first legal distillery in Athens, Georgia, since the 1860s. The distillery produces botanical gin and Jamaican-style rum, with organic vodka. Oak House Silver Rum Oak House follows a molasses recipe from the late 1600s and would be recognised by the dread pirate Bartholomew Roberts (Black Bart), whose flag we adapted as the logo. It is a rich, ester-forward, Jamaican-style rum produced in small batches. Oak House single-barrel Jamaican-style rums are created from molasses and cane juice distilled, and each barrel imparts a subtle variation.
You can visit the Oak House Speakeasy just south of Athens, GA, hidden away inside the old Henry Bishop homestead. It evokes the intimacy of upscale speakeasy salons of the past. With multiple cosy indoor spaces, a vibrant cocktail bar with a creative seasonal menu, a large outdoor patio, live music, and plenty of space under the shade of ancient Live oaks, the Oak House always has more to discover. The Oak House has bottle sales on-site, distillery tours and courses, cocktail classes, events, and venue rental year-round.
Find out more on Oak House Distillery
Sharptop Distilling Company
Located in Jasper, about two hours northeast of Atlanta, Sharptop Distilling Company was founded in 2021 and opened in 2022. The name “Sharptop” draws inspiration from the rugged Sharp Top Mountain and a local legend. Sometime in the 1830’s the Fields family settled here in North Georgia from North Carolina. In the late 1800s, Clark McClain declared that “Neither God’s nor man’s law applies on Sharp Top Mountain.” The region of Sharp Top Mountain inspired the name and spirit made here. Their core range includes moonshine, brandies, gin, and whiskey made on a modern handmade copper still. Their rum, called Walter Peg Leg Fields Spiced Rum, is a sugar cane rum distilled in Alabama by their good friends down in Atmore. It’s then aged in their used wine casks for over 7 years, then spiced with a blend of secret spices. Visitors can enjoy tours, tastings, and the opportunity to purchase bottles directly. As part of the North Georgia Mountains Distillery Tour, Sharptop Distilling offers a unique stop for those exploring the region.
Find out more on Sharptop Distilling Company
Metro Atlanta
In the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the ‘City in a Forest’ is surrounded by natural beauty. Explore Stone Mountain, Georgia’s beloved state park and granite monolith with panoramic city views, or wander the historic streets of Decatur, known for its vibrant arts scene and charming squares. Jasper, cradled in the Appalachian foothills, has stunning mountain vistas, and you’ll find some local rum spots.
The Lost Druid
In Avondale Estates, since 2019, you’ll find The Lost Druid, a woman-owned and family-operated independent craft brewery and distillery that also features a small-plate artisan kitchen. While primarily a craft brewery offering a variety of beers and hard seltzers, their spirit selection includes bourbon, gin, and rums made on site. Among these are the sugar cane-based Kush Island ZaZa Beach Edition and the distinctive Spiced Rumburana Aged & Spiced Rum. This spiced rum gains its unique character from ageing for more than six months in Brazilian Amburana wood, resulting in a profile rich with spices, honey, and a hint of orange peel. The Lost Druid welcomes visitors to experience their community-focused taproom. Here, the rums feature prominently in their cocktail menu, perfectly paired with selections from their artisan kitchen. Whether you choose to relax in the taproom or enjoy the outdoor seating with heated patios, The Lost Druid is a neighbourhood spot open Tuesday to Sunday, complete with regular music and events.
Find out more on The Lost Druid
Stonecrest Distillery
Stonecrest’s first distillery, just east of Atlanta, is temporarily closed as they plan to move. This is an African American woman- and veteran-owned establishment. The family-owned and operated micro-distillery produces small-batch liquors, including their signature bourbon, moonshine, and the award-winning Fathers and Sons rum. When open, visitors can enjoy creative cocktails made with their in-house distilled spirits. They also host private events in their tasting room and offer virtual tasting club memberships. Check their socials for updates on their move.
Independent Distilling Company
Decatur’s first distillery since Prohibition, Independent Distilling Company, was founded by Michael Anderson, who began making Southern spirits in 2014. Using a 100-gallon copper pot still (Hoga Pot Still), they specialise in small-batch production. Their current rum line includes the Independent White Rum, a double-distilled spirit made from Grade A molasses with subtle molasses notes evolving into grassy, vegetal, and peppery spice – ideal for classic and tiki cocktails. The Independent Barrel Aged Rum, made from table-grade molasses, undergoes a long fermentation and slow distillation before ageing in new and used barrels, resulting in a full-bodied and distinctive craft spirit. As they celebrate their 11th anniversary, visit their Decatur location for tours, tastings, cocktails, flights, a shop, regular events, and an outdoor patio.
Find out more on Independent Distilling Company
Granite Mountain Distillery
Located in the Historic Stone Mountain Village, beside the renowned Stone Mountain Park (just a ½ mile from the West gate), Granite Mountain Distillery holds the distinction of being the first Black-owned distillery in Stone Mountain. This Georgia attraction is situated near the state’s most visited location, whose quarry notably supplied granite for the Panama Canal locks and the U.S. Capitol steps. Their Granite Mountain Classic Rum is made with cane sugar and distilled on a hybrid still. Reservations for tastings will open soon.
East Georgia
Within the Piedmont region, the significant geological Fall Line marks a transition to the coastal plain. Augusta is renowned for the prestigious US Masters golf tournament, and the scenic Bluff Trail winds along the massive rocky bluffs overlooking the Savannah River. This corner of Georgia has historical charm and local rum, making it a compelling destination for rum lovers.
2nd City Distilling Co.
Two hours from the capital is the only distillery in Augusta, Second City Beverage Co. is on Riverwalk at Eighth Street. Founded in 2013 by Cal Bowie, David Long, and Bill Hatch. The company was created to revitalise their hometown. David Long is the founder and distiller, and gives tours, having previously established Carolina Moon Distillery in South Carolina. Second City Beverage Co. specialises in producing spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails, including gin, aged gin, vodka, whisky, bourbon, and rum. Second City Clear Rum is a versatile spirit that embodies a classic and clean rum profile. The rum is made from cane sugar, distilled on a hybrid still and bottled unaged. Lady Belle Aged Rum was their aged expression. They also partner with Durty Gurl Cocktail Mixers and have craft cocktail workshops, charcuterie-making classes, and regularly scheduled events. You can visit their bar and tasting room Tuesday through Saturday to enjoy their spirits. There’s a range of tasting options, including cocktail flights and speciality spirit flights. Distillery tours are also available, allowing you to see for yourself how the rum is made.
Find out more on 2nd City Distilling Co.
South Georgia
Stretching across the state’s southern plains towards the coast, South Georgia features a landscape of pine forests, agricultural lands, and the historic charm of coastal cities like Brunswick. Discover the Golden Isles, with their pristine beaches and rich maritime history, and experience the traditional Southern hospitality of the inland towns. Relax on a beach on St. Simons Island off the Georgia coast and enjoy some of the finest locally made rum in the country.
Richland Distilling Company
Founded in 1999 by Erik and Karin Vonk on their farm in Richland, Southwest Georgia, where they grow organic sugar cane for the sole purpose of making Richland Single Estate Rum. In 2018, a second location was opened in the City of Brunswick, on the Atlantic coast. Inspired by his grandfather’s love and knowledge of Rhum Agricole (and his aversion to industrial rums – made with molasses), Erik set out to make North America’s first Agricultural Rum. Richland Rum is made with only two ingredients: Sugar cane grown at the farm and artisanal water, sourced from the Georgia aquifer that runs underneath the farm. Sugar cane harvest takes place once a year in November. To preserve the pressed sugar cane juice year-round, it is evaporated into sugar cane syrup and shipped to both distilleries. Here, the rum-making process continues, whereas the syrup is slowly fermented and then distilled in small 1,000-litre copper pots and matured in new American white oak barrels for at least 5 years. Single Barrel: Each barrel is bottled individually in-house from a hand-selected barrel by the Master Distiller. The delicate and authentic rum-making process creates a true sipping Rum, not unlike a high-end bourbon. Richland Rum never has any additives, no preservatives, no sweeteners, no flavouring or colouring of any kind. And Richland Rum is always Single Barrel, never blended. An authentic taste of South Georgia terroir.
Having been in operation for more than 25 years, making it the oldest operating distillery in the state of Georgia, Richland Rum has racked up multiple (inter) national tasting awards and named ‘Best American Rum by Forbes Magazine and received several accolades for economic development and creating jobs in rural Georgia and even created a special barrel selection in collaboration with the late President Jimmy Carter to benefit The Carter Center. A new product line was just launched in ‘The Farmer & Distiller Series’ – Richland Satsuma Orange Rum Liqueur, sourcing the fruit from a next-door neighbour, land steward and farmer, making an exciting collaboration with genuine South Georgia Soul. The liqueur is made by curing fresh whole Satsuma oranges in Virgin Rum for several months, creating a nectar-sweet libation. Both distilleries are fully operational and open to the public. Guests are invited to tour the facility, see the distiller at work, and check out the amazing aromas in the barrel houses in Richland. Tastings can be enjoyed in the tasting room or an occasional cocktail with unaged Virgin Rum. Both distilleries have retail stores to pick up a bottle or two.
Find out more on Richland Distilling – Richland or Richland Distilling – Brunswick
1861 Distillery
Located in Thomasville, 2 hours south of Richland near the Florida border, 1861 Distillery opened its doors in 2023. Founded by two friends whose families have roots in bootleg whiskey production. The distillery is named after the year the first train arrived in Thomasville. Owned by Brian and Jill Higgins, with Brian leading as the master distiller, 1861 Distillery focuses on quality in its spirit production. Water from a nearby pure limestone aquifer is used to produce whiskey, gin, and a distinctive line of rum. Their rum includes the 1861 Distillery White Rum, Spiced Rum, and Barrel Aged Rum. This is aged in charred New American oak barrels. It starts with locally sourced sugarcane syrup, which is fermented and then distilled on a hybrid pot and column still. You can visit 1861 Distillery and explore their tastings and tours, sip rum at the cocktail bar and enjoy lunch or dinner from their kitchen, and pick up a bottle from their retail shop. Additionally, the distillery hosts regular events and features its own beers on tap.
Find out more on 1861 Distillery
Aside from the distillery tasting rooms mentioned, here are some more places to sip Georgia rum locally at bars.
Where to Enjoy Rum in Georgia, USA
Atlanta: Margaritaville Atlanta, Trader Vic’s, Mambo Zombi, The Bamboo Room Tiki Bar, El Malo, Wylie & Rum Island Bar and Grill, Rock Steady, Papi’s Cuban & Caribbean Grill, Red Phone Booth, Ticonderoga Club
Columbus: Spices Caribbean Restaurant & Bar, Stirrup Trouble
Decatur: The S.O.S. Tiki Bar
Duluth: Bahama Breeze
Macon: The Monkey’s Paw Tiki Lounge
Norcross: Zona Caribbean Restaurant Bar and Grill, Mojitos
Savannah: Alley Cat Lounge
Valdosta: Rum Runner Sports Bar
Atlanta’s cocktail scene is vibrant, and in hidden cocktail bars, there are many options for rum lovers. Try a twist on the Ticonderoga Club, with or since you’re in the Peach State, ask for a Peach Rum Punch or Fresh Peach Daiquiri. With Georgia on your mind, from an ATL city getaway exploring hidden cocktail delights, to a mountain escape where breathtaking North Georgia views unfold. The “Hollywood of the South” beckons with its unique charm and energy. Picture sipping rum beside shimmering Lake Lanier or indulging in a Rum Punch Brunch, and experiencing the iconic Georgia Peach at its festival. From Tybee Island’s sun-kissed shores and idyllic beach sundowners, vacation highlights await in every corner. Embrace Georgia’s Southern hospitality – your next great escape is calling.
For more general travel advice on Georgia USA Tourism
To see all the rums on our Georgia USA Rum Map
Thanks to the brands for contributing to this article, and permission to use their images. Other image credits to Canva Pro, and user contributions.
