Recognition & Awards
Statewide Recognition
Coolest Thing Made in Georgia
Applejay from Ellijay has been recognized among Georgia's most innovative products in the Georgia Chamber of Commerce's Coolest Thing Made in Georgia competition.
2026
Advanced to the Top 16 products made in Georgia.
Smallest manufacturer remaining in the competition, competing against many of Georgia's largest companies
2025
Selected among the Top 32 Coolest Things Made in Georgia from hundreds of nominated products statewide.
Best of Georgia
Recognized by the Georgia Business Journal through its annual Best of Georgia awards, based on public voting and customer support.
- Best of Georgia – Distillery Winner (2025)
- Best of Georgia – Best of Region (2024)
James Magazine
House of Applejay has been recognized by readers of James Magazine as one of Georgia’s leading craft distilleries. Its continued rise in the annual statewide rankings reflects growing support for the distillery’s naturally distinctive spirits, original approach to modern American liqueurs, and commitment to craftsmanship in North Georgia.
- #2 Distillery in Georgia (2026)
- Top 5 Distillery in Georgia (2025)
- Top 10 Distillery in Georgia (2024)
International Spirits Competitions
House of Applejay's handcrafted spirits and liqueurs have earned international recognition at two of the world's most respected blind spirits competitions. Every medal has been awarded through independent judging, recognizing exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and flavor.
San Francisco World Spirits Competition
The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) is widely regarded as the world's largest and most prestigious spirits competition. In 2025, every House of Applejay entry received a medal.
2025
Double Gold Medal
Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur
Silver Medal
Mt. Wildcat Old Style Juniper Liqueur
Cranberry Mountain Liqueur
New York World Spirits Competition
Hosted by The Tasting Alliance, the New York World Spirits Competition (NYWSC) recognizes outstanding spirits through professional blind judging. In 2024, every House of Applejay product submitted received a medal. In 2025, the tradition continued with additional recognition for Mt. Wildcat and Mt. Grassy Knob.
2024
Gold Medal
Mt. Wildcat Old Style Juniper Liqueur
Silver Medal
Mt. Grassy Knob Sweet Grass Vodka
Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka
Winter Cherry Mountain Cherry Liqueur
Bronze Medal
Applejay Apple Liqueur
