FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
East Ellijay’s woman-owned distillery tops both Georgia Spirits & Liqueurs and Georgia Alcoholic Beverages rankings, with Double Gold-winning Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur in the spotlight.
EAST ELLIJAY, GA — October 20, 2026 — House Of Applejay, Inc., the independent, woman-owned distillery operating as Applejay Distillery & Winery in East Ellijay, Georgia, has claimed the No. 1 position in two TasteAtlas rankings, placing the small North Georgia producer at the top of both the state's spirits and broader alcoholic beverage categories.
In rankings updated October 14, 2026, House Of Applejay appears at No. 1 in:
- Top 11 Georgian Spirits and Liqueurs
- Top 22 Georgian Alcoholic Beverages
Both rankings prominently feature the distillery's Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur, winner of a Double Gold medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
"To see our small distillery from East Ellijay ranked No. 1 in two Georgia beverage categories is wonderful recognition," said Caroline Porsiel, founder, owner, and distiller of House Of Applejay. "We believe American liqueurs deserve a much bigger place in the world of spirits and cocktails. Seeing Winter Cherry Mountain recognized alongside Georgia's broader beverage industry shows how much potential this category has."
From East Ellijay to the Top of Georgia's Beverage Rankings
Founded in 2022, House Of Applejay has built its identity around a distinctive approach to American liqueurs, combining traditional European liqueur-making knowledge with ingredients and inspiration from the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
Its award-winning portfolio includes Winter Cherry Mountain, Applejay from Ellijay, Cranberry Mountain, and Mt Wildcat Old-Style Juniper Liqueur, alongside two vodkas.
Winter Cherry Mountain is handcrafted in small batches with cherry distillate, tart cherries, and subtle spice essences. Designed for enjoyment on its own or in cocktails, it is also the signature ingredient in House Of Applejay's Mountain Old Fashioned, a modern variation of the classic bourbon cocktail.
The distillery produces its spirits without artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Growing Recognition for American Liqueurs
The two TasteAtlas rankings add to House Of Applejay's growing national and international recognition, including multiple medals from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and New York World Spirits Competition, as well as recognition among the Top 16 in the Georgia Chamber of Commerce's Coolest Thing Made in Georgia competition.
TasteAtlas rankings are based on the platform's rating and ranking methodology, rather than a formal judged spirits competition.
For Porsiel, the recognition reinforces a larger ambition: establishing American liqueurs as distinctive spirits in their own right and as essential ingredients in contemporary cocktails.
"Great cocktails begin in the bottle," Porsiel said. "Our goal is to show that a well-crafted liqueur brings flavor, character, and balance to a cocktail without relying on additional syrups."
Discover House Of Applejay
Visitors can experience the distillery's award-winning spirits at Applejay Distillery & Winery in East Ellijay, Georgia, through guided tastings, distillery tours, and signature cocktails.
TasteAtlas rankings:
Top 11 Georgian Spirits and Liqueurs
https://www.tasteatlas.com/best-rated-spirits-and-liqueurs-in-georgia-usa
Top 22 Georgian Alcoholic Beverages
https://www.tasteatlas.com/best-rated-alcoholic-beverages-in-georgia-usa
About House Of Applejay
House Of Applejay, Inc. is an independent, woman-owned distillery founded in 2022 by Caroline Porsiel in East Ellijay, Georgia. Operating its tasting room as Applejay Distillery & Winery, the company specializes in small-batch, award-winning American liqueurs and spirits inspired by the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Its mission is to bring American liqueurs to the forefront of modern cocktail culture.
Website: https://houseofapplejay.com
Media Contact:
Caroline Porsiel
Founder & Distiller
House Of Applejay, Inc.
East Ellijay, Georgia
###