Old Fourth Distillery

Old Fourth Distillery, a name synonymous with Atlanta's re-emergence in the craft spirits landscape, holds the esteemed distinction of being the city's first legal distillery since 1906. Established with a vision to revive a lost art, its journey has been marked by pioneering spirit and, more recently, a significant evolution through its acquisition by Shortbarrel Bourbon. This partnership has not only expanded its production capabilities but also solidified its commitment to in-state distillation, positioning Old Fourth Distillery and its associated Shortbarrel expressions as key players in the Southeastern United States' growing spirits industry. The distillery now operates from a dedicated facility in Norcross, Georgia, continuing to craft a diverse portfolio of whiskeys and other artisanal spirits that reflect both its foundational legacy and its dynamic future.

History & Heritage

The inception of Old Fourth Distillery traces back to 2013, when five friends (Jeffrey and Craig Moore, Gabe Pilato, Justin Gray, and Andy DuVall) launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund their ambitious venture. Distilling officially began in November 2014, marking a historic moment for Atlanta, which had been without a legal distillery for over a century due to Prohibition-era laws. The original facility, located at 487 Edgewood Ave SE in Atlanta, became a beacon for local craft production until its closure in December 2022. This period saw Old Fourth Distillery establish itself, producing spirits such as its acclaimed Bottled in Bond Bourbon and various other offerings, while also strategically sourcing some whiskeys from MGP to meet demand.

A pivotal chapter began in February 2023 when Old Fourth Distillery was acquired by Shortbarrel Bourbon, a company founded by Adam Dorfman, Clinton Dugan, and Patrick Lemmond. This acquisition catalyzed a relocation of all production to a state-of-the-art facility in Norcross, Georgia, ensuring that all products are now distilled entirely in-state. This move underscores a commitment to local production and quality control under the unified ownership of Shortbarrel Bourbon, as of August 2026. The shift signifies a new era, combining Old Fourth's established brand with Shortbarrel's expertise, driving a renewed focus on crafting distinctive, high-quality spirits from grain to glass within Georgia.

The Spirits

At the heart of Old Fourth Distillery's offerings are its robust whiskey expressions, complemented by a finely curated selection of other spirits. The distillery's Bottled in Bond Bourbon, a landmark achievement as Atlanta's first of its kind, boasts a mash bill of 75 percent Corn, 21 percent Rye, and 4 percent Malted Barley, aged a minimum of four years to meet strict Bottled in Bond requirements. This expression earned a Double Gold at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a testament to its quality. Their Straight Rye whiskey features a classic mash bill of 95 percent rye and 5 percent malted barley, bottled at a bold 100 proof.

Under the Shortbarrel Bourbon umbrella, the distillery also presents a range of highly regarded whiskey expressions, often featuring unique finishing processes. These include the Shortbarrel Bees Knees Bourbon, finished in honey-conditioned barrels and double barreled in toasted oak, and the Shortbarrel Toasted Barrel Bourbon, re-barreled in new traditional medium toasted Kelvin barrels after a minimum of five years of aging. Other notable Shortbarrel bourbons encompass their Double Oak Bourbon and the Four Grain Bourbon, a wheated bourbon sourced from Kentucky. Beyond whiskey, Old Fourth Distillery produces a five-times distilled vodka from minimally refined, non-GMO, organic cane sugar, charcoal filtered for purity. Their Southern Dry Gin is crafted with handpicked juniper berries, organic Italian wheat, fresh botanicals, and citrus notes, including juniper berries gathered from Atlanta's historic Oakland Cemetery. This gin also secured a Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, further cementing the distillery's reputation for diverse, award-winning spirits.

Why It Matters

Old Fourth Distillery’s significance extends beyond its historical role as Atlanta's first legal distillery in over a century. It represents a bold step in re-establishing a local distilling tradition in the American South, an area rich in spirits heritage. The brand's evolution, particularly its acquisition by Shortbarrel Bourbon and the subsequent consolidation of all production to Norcross, Georgia, highlights a modern commitment to transparency and in-state distillation. This strategic move allows for greater control over the entire production process, ensuring a consistent quality that those who appreciate good whiskey and spirits expect. The distillery operates with a custom-built Carl pot still and a CARL 450 liter still, embodying a blend of traditional methods and modern efficiency.

The combined portfolio under the Shortbarrel Bourbon ownership offers a diverse Reserve Whiskey Library, from classic straight bourbons and rye to innovative finished expressions and artisanal white spirits. This breadth caters to a wide palate, demonstrating the distillery's versatility and dedication to craftsmanship across categories. By maintaining a strong regional identity while producing spirits recognized on a national stage, Old Fourth Distillery, under the stewardship of Shortbarrel Bourbon, contributes meaningfully to the broader American craft spirits movement, setting a high standard for quality and innovation in Georgia.

Visiting the Distillery

For those interested in experiencing the craftsmanship firsthand, Old Fourth Distillery offers tasting experiences at its Norcross facility, located at 6325 McDonough Dr NW suite a, Norcross, GA. Visitors can partake in a 45-minute core tasting that includes four products from both the Shortbarrel and Old Fourth portfolios. The distillery also provides "Pick Your Own Tasting" and "Hands On" options, allowing for a more personalized exploration of their expressions. These guided experiences offer insight into the production philosophies and the unique characteristics of their diverse spirits, providing a direct connection to the brand's heritage and current innovations. The private tasting room offers an intimate setting to savor these meticulously crafted libations.