Akassi E.
Yelp
I follow a few Instagram blogs, and I came across a picture of ASW while scrolling one night. I've never been a beer girl, so breweries don't excite me. I like a good whiskey and vodka sometimes, so I was excited to visit. ASW Distillery didn't let me down.
ASW hasn't been open to the public for very long, but I understand why. I like being able to see how something is made, taste it by itself, and in a cocktail. ASW is one distillery that allows me to do all three.
It's right around the corner from Sweetwater Brewery and is in the same industrial complex as the Stave Room event venue. I really like the colors and the layout. There were sofas, high top tables, and a nice sized bar. They have all of the merch you need, from shirts, tasting glasses, mixers, to mason jars. I saw a room that was roped off called "Research and Development." It was decorated with plush chairs and couches, and what looked like a ping pong table.
Jim, one of the owners, took us through the entire process. We were able to get surprisingly close to the copper still and stand right above the vats that hold the "heads and tails." Jim mentioned their carbon footprint, and I was impressed. The grain that isn't used for the whiskey, is given to a local farmer. His cows love it because it gets really hot and the grain still holds a lot of moisture.
The tour lasted about 30 minutes and their hours are typically from 2-5 or later on a Saturday. Their prices range from $7-60 and can include tastings, glasses, and bottles. Each time a tour is starting, they ring a bell. They had a specialty drink that you could taste with the whiskey or their limited edition White Dog moonshine. Everyone seemed to be drinking and having a good time. I can tell everyone enjoys what they do; I chatted with one bartender who told me about ALL of the licenses they had to get just to make and serve the alcohol in Atlanta. While we were talking, he says hello to man he called "pops." His dad was there to support :)
ASW seems to be a family and friend run operation. I hope in the future there will be enough distilleries, wineries, breweries, and hard cideries to form tours. Atlanta is growing fast, and anyone can go to a bar, but there are plenty of "whiskey nerds" out there who are interested.I will definitely be going again and bringing friends, I want to try the bourbon!