Winter’s Coziest Hidden Gem: House of Applejay Distillery
Escape the chill and discover a standout stop during Wine About Winter in Ellijay Wine Country. Located in the North Georgia mountains, House of Applejay Distillery is the Southeast’s only distillery dedicated exclusively to crafting all-natural, small-batch liqueurs—a bold revival of one of the world’s oldest spirits traditions, shaped through a modern American lens.
Founded by distiller and liqueurist Caroline Porsiel (who coined the term liqueurist to honor this specialized craft), the distillery works with time-honored techniques such as maceration—soaking real fruits and botanicals to extract natural flavor—paired with careful distilling. Every liqueur is made with pristine Appalachian water, real ingredients, and no artificial flavors, syrups, or added aromas. Here, liqueur is not a supporting role—it is the foundation of every experience.
Award-Winning Tastings & Cocktail-Forward Sips
Your visit begins with an engaging, conversational tasting that introduces guests to the history of liqueur-making while showcasing House of Applejay’s signature expressions. Highlights include the bright, apple-forward Applejay from Ellijay, inspired by Georgia’s apple-growing heritage, and Winter Cherry Mountain, a richly layered cherry liqueur that earned Double Gold at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition—the only U.S.-made fruit liqueur to receive that distinction that year.
The cocktail menu is designed to showcase how these liqueurs perform naturally in modern cocktails. Guest favorites include the refreshing Georgia Iced Tea (with Applejay) and the elevated Cherry Cola (made with Winter Cherry Mountain). Seasonal warm pours such as the comforting Hot Teddy and the indulgent Hot Cherry Chocolate round out the experience.
Mountain Old Fashioned Note
The Mountain Old Fashioned, made with Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur, is a signature take-home cocktail idea. Due to Georgia regulations, this cocktail is not served in the tasting room, but guests can recreate it at home using the Cherry liqueur available for purchase.
Distinctive Setting & Appalachian Character
Guests gather inside the iconic Bear Barrels—Georgia’s largest sit-in barrels—and enjoy the welcoming, social atmosphere that defines House of Applejay. It’s a place designed for conversation, connection, and lingering a little longer.
Applejay from Ellijay was honored as one of the Coolest Things Made in Georgia, and Georgia Business Journal voted House of Applejay the 2025 Best Distillery in Georgia, reinforcing its reputation as one of the state’s most distinctive spirits destinations.
As part of Ellijay Wine Country’s self-guided trail, House of Applejay is an all-year-round destination—a place to meet, sip, and experience liqueur culture in a way that feels both rooted and refreshingly new.
Know Before You Go
- 21+ Experience
- Hours may vary; check the website for current offerings www.houseofapplejay.com/news
- History & Distillery Tours require advance booking
One visit doesn’t just change what you drink—it changes how you make cocktails.
Uncork the Taste of Ellijay Wine Country
With 16 wineries and vineyards, distilleries, hard cideries, and breweries, there are plenty of places to taste something new! Ready to explore? Subscribe to our e-newsletter to receive upcoming events, trip itineraries, and more things to do!
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