FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hibernation Hank Draws Live Statewide Media Coverage at House of Applejay Distillery

Bear-approved predictions, BBQ creativity, live music—and an early cocktail season announced

East Ellijay, GA —Feb 2nd, 2026 – On a clear, sunny Monday in the American South, House Of Applejay Distillery, founded by distiller and liqueurist Caroline Porsiel, hosted its annual Hibernation Hank event—an original cultural program blending Appalachian tradition, public education, and modern spirits culture.

The event received live statewide television coverage as Fox 5 Atlanta broadcast multiple segments directly from the distillery, bringing Ellijay’s signature bear-based seasonal prediction to viewers across metro Atlanta and North Georgia.

Serving as the event’s “Bear Whisperer,” food writer and television personality David Zelski—known from A Fork in the Road—led the ceremonial awakening of Hibernation Hank, reinforcing the event’s educational and cultural framing.

Despite being held on a weekday, approximately 120 attendees gathered on site to participate in the program, reflecting sustained public interest in House of Applejay’s original experiential programming.

Culinary partners contributed event-specific offerings, including Bradley Street Kitchen, which created a barbecue sandwich and a fried green tomato sandwich accompanied by a custom sauce developed specifically for the event using Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. Live music was provided by the Roadkill Rangers, and on-site coverage was recorded by the STIX and Stuff Podcast.

At the conclusion of the program, Hibernation Hank announced an “Early Cocktail Season for the American South”, reflecting the region’s climate and culture. As organizers noted, shadow-based winter predictions may be more suited to northern climates, while Southern traditions favor sunshine, hospitality, and community gathering.

“The Hibernation Hank event reflects our broader mission—connecting regional history, spirits education, and public engagement in a way that feels authentic to where we live,” said Caroline Porsiel, founder and distiller at House of Applejay. “Seeing statewide media coverage and such strong attendance on a weekday underscores the public’s interest in culturally grounded, educational experiences.”

House of Applejay Distillery continues to develop original programs that combine historic spirits knowledge, regional storytelling, and modern hospitality, contributing to Georgia’s cultural tourism and public education landscape.

### About House of Applejay Distillery:

House of Applejay Distillery is a Georgia-grown agritourism destination founded by Caroline Porsiel, a distiller and liqueurist. Open to the public for tastings, tours, and educational experiences, the distillery specializes in all-natural liqueurs and fine spirits rooted in historic methods and developed for modern cocktail culture in the American South.