Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We’ve got answers. Whether you’re curious about our fine spirits and liqueurs, planning a visit to our tasting room, or wondering what makes our distillery stand out, this page is here to help.
Let’s raise a glass to curiosity!
What does House Of Applejay specialize in?
We craft award-winning fine spirits and liqueurs, made from all-natural ingredients, right here in East Ellijay, Georgia. From smooth vodkas to bold, fruit-forward liqueurs like our signature Applejay from Ellijay, every bottle reflects our passion for flavor, quality, and heritage.
Can I visit the distillery for tastings?
Absolutely! Our tasting room is open for walk-ins during business hours. For a deeper dive, we offer History & Tasting Tours where you’ll learn about liqueur-making traditions and sample our award-winning creations. Tours must be pre-booked here.
What are your tasting room hours?
Do you offer online ordering or shipping?
We’re currently working on expanding distribution in Georgia and Florida. For now, our bottles are available for purchase in our tasting room. Stay tuned for updates on broader availability.
Are your products made with natural ingredients?
Yes! Every House Of Applejay product is crafted with 100% all-natural ingredients. No artificial flavors, colors, or additives—just pure, honest taste inspired by nature.
What is a liqueurist?
A liqueurist is a specialist in crafting liqueurs—spirits sweetened and flavored with fruits, herbs, spices, or botanicals. Unlike general distillers who focus on base spirits like whiskey, vodka, or gin, a liqueurist’s expertise lies in blending and balancing complex flavors that elevate cocktails or can be savored on their own.
The term “Liqueurist” was introduced by Caroline Porsiel and Sabine Porsiel, founders of House Of Applejay, to define their craft. Liqueurs are one of the oldest and largest categories in the world of spirits, yet they remain underrepresented in international competitions and within the spirits industry—especially when it comes to U.S. distilleries, where whiskey, gin, and bourbon dominate the conversation.
Crafting liqueurs requires not only flavor mastery but also compliance with FDA regulations for ingredient transparency and labeling. At House Of Applejay, every liqueur is made from 100% all-natural ingredients, ensuring the highest standards of quality and authenticity.
By embracing the title of liqueurists, Caroline and Sabine are reviving this rich category and positioning it at the heart of modern American cocktail culture.
What makes your liqueurs different from other spirits?
Liqueurs are the oldest and largest category in the world of spirits, yet often overlooked. We’re bringing them back with a modern twist—bold flavors, high-quality ingredients, and innovative blends that reinvent classic cocktails. Think of it as liqueur, redefined.
What’s the difference between liqueur and moonshine?
The key difference lies in definition, production, and legal standards:
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Liqueurs are classified by the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) as sweetened, flavored spirits that must be made with 100% all-natural ingredients. By law, liqueurs cannot contain artificial flavors, colors, aromas, glitter, or preservatives. To be officially labeled as a liqueur, the product must pass an FDA all-natural verification process. Only after approval can a distillery use the term “liqueur” on its labels.
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Moonshine, on the other hand, generally refers to unaged, clear spirits, often associated with traditional homemade or backwoods distilling. Today, the term “moonshine” is frequently used as a marketing term for corn-based, high-proof spirits. However, moonshine is not held to the same natural ingredient standards—it can legally include artificial colors, flavors, and aromas.
In short: Liqueurs are regulated, all-natural flavored spirits, while moonshine is an unaged spirit with fewer ingredient restrictions.
Have your products won any awards?
Yes! Our Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur won Double Gold at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition—the only U.S. winner in the Fruit Liqueur category. We’ve also earned medals at the 2024 New York World Spirits Competition, recognizing the excellence of our small-batch creations.
Do you host special events at the distillery?
We sure do! From seasonal celebrations to tasting workshops, there’s always something happening. Follow us on social media or check our website for upcoming events and experiences.
What is the story behind 'Applejay from Ellijay'?
Our flagship liqueur pays tribute to the Ellijays—Georgia’s apple capital at the foothills of the Southern Appalachians. Applejay from Ellijay captures the essence of crisp, sweet apples in a bottle, celebrating our local roots with every sip.
Is House Of Applejay women-owned?
Yes, House Of Applejay was founded by a mother and daughter team in 2022. We’re proud to represent women in the world of distilling and liqueur-making.
Do you practice sustainable production?
Sustainability matters to us. From eco-friendly packaging materials like Sughera® closures to reusable bottles and promoting local tourism, we’re committed to minimizing our environmental footprint while supporting our community.
How can I stay updated on new releases and events?
Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for the latest news, product launches, and distillery happenings.
Can children visit the distillery or tasting room?
No, visitors must be 21 years or older to enter the tasting room and participate in tastings or tours. This is in compliance with Georgia state law.
Are dogs allowed at House Of Applejay?
While pets are not allowed inside the tasting room for health and safety reasons, leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome in our outdoor seating areas. Service animals are, of course, always permitted.
Do you offer private group tastings or event rentals?
Yes! We can accommodate private tastings and small group events by appointment. Whether it’s a birthday, corporate outing, or a friends’ gathering, contact us to discuss availability and options.
Is food service or food trucks available at the tasting room?
No, we do not offer food service or host food trucks at our tasting room, as we focus on crafting exceptional spirits and cocktails, like our Applejay from Ellijay liqueur. We invite you to explore the many delightful dining options in East Ellijay before or after your visit to complement your distillery experience
What is the AmBRu Campaign and why does House of Applejay support it?
The AmBRu Campaign, championed by our founder Caroline Porsiel, is a national initiative to protect and promote American Brandy and Rum as iconic U.S. spirits, akin to Bourbon’s 1964 designation. It seeks to preserve their historical legacy—dating back to colonial distilleries like those in 18th-century Boston—and drive economic growth through jobs and tourism. At House of Applejay, we support AmBRu because our all-natural spirits, like Applejay from Ellijay, embody the craft and heritage of American distilling. The campaign’s push for a federal designation could create thousands of jobs and boost exports, strengthening local communities like East Ellijay. Learn more at ambrucampaign.org or ask about it on our distillery tours
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