Moonrise Distillery
Moonrise Distillery is a family-owned craft distillery located in Clayton, Georgia, United States. Established in 2012, the distillery produces a range of spirits including bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, gin, brandy, and liqueurs. It operates both a production facility and tasting rooms in Clayton.
History
Moonrise Distillery was established in 2012 in Clayton, Georgia, and remains family-owned and operated.[1]
The distillery expanded its operations to include a tasting room and speakeasy-style venue in downtown Clayton, in addition to a tasting room at the production facility.[2]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the distillery temporarily shifted production to hand sanitizer to support local community needs.[3]
Operations
The distillery is located at 31 Webb Road in Clayton, Georgia.[1]
Production utilizes both column stills and pot stills.[1]
Moonrise Distillery operates two visitor locations:
- A tasting room and speakeasy in downtown Clayton
- A tasting room at the distillery facility
The distillery has been described in regional tourism and media coverage as part of the growing craft spirits industry in Georgia.[4]
Products
Moonrise Distillery produces a variety of spirits, including whiskey, vodka, gin, brandy, and liqueurs.[1]
Its whiskey offerings include bourbon and rye varieties aged for multiple years in barrels of varying sizes. The distillery also produces flavored whiskey products and ready-to-drink cocktails.[1]
Brandy products are produced using aged wine bases such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Petit Verdot, which are later blended with fruit and other ingredients.[1]
Ownership
Moonrise Distillery is family operated. Key personnel include:
- Doug Nassaur — Master Distiller
- CJ Nassaur — Assistant Master Distiller
- Jen Nassaur — Office and showroom operations
Reception
Moonrise Distillery has been featured in regional media coverage discussing the growth of craft distilleries in Georgia.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has published articles examining Georgia’s microdistilling industry, including discussion of distilleries such as Moonrise Distillery.[5]
The distillery has also been included in broader coverage of Georgia distilleries exploring a range of products from bourbon to other spirits.[6]
Local newspapers have profiled the distillery and its role in the Clayton community.[7]
The distillery has also been highlighted in regional tourism coverage describing visitor experiences in Rabun County.[8]
Awards and recognition
Moonrise Distillery and its products have received recognition in competitions and media.
The distillery was voted Best Distillery in Georgia in a James Magazine user poll and was also ranked number one in 2020 in the same poll.[9]
Products from the distillery have received medals at the Georgia Trustees Wine and Spirits Competition, including gold, silver, and bronze awards across multiple categories in 2019 and 2020.[10] [11]
In addition, the distillery received a 2025 Best of Georgia Honorable Mention from the Georgia Business Journal.[12]
A product associated with the distillery received a 96 rating from Tasting Panel Magazine.[13]
External links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "Moonrise Distillery". Retrieved 2026-03-27.
- ↑ "Moonrise Distillery". Retrieved 2026-03-27.
- ↑ "Moonrise converts production to hand sanitizer for community". Retrieved 2026-03-27.
- ↑ "Fork in the Road Podcast: Moonrise Distillery". Retrieved 2026-03-27.
- ↑ "Georgia microdistilleries growing number". Retrieved 2026-03-27.
- ↑ "Georgia distilleries try for everything from bourbon moonshine". Retrieved 2026-03-27.
- ↑ "Man and Moonrise". Retrieved 2026-03-27.
- ↑ "Moonrise Distillery". Retrieved 2026-03-27.
- ↑ "James Magazine May/June 2020 Issue". Retrieved 2026-03-27.
- ↑ "2019 Medalists". Retrieved 2026-03-27.
- ↑ "2020 Medal Winners". Retrieved 2026-03-27.
- ↑ "Moonrise Distillery". Retrieved 2026-03-27.
- ↑ "Man and Moonrise feature". Retrieved 2026-03-27.
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