David Zelski takes you to Rabun County to meet Doug Nasser of Moonrise Distillery, where pristine mountain water and local partnerships drive a passion for crafting exceptional spirits. Discover how this small Georgia distillery is making a big name for itself.

Moonrise Distillery

Credit: MoonriseDistillery.com

 

Fork in the Road Podcast: Moonrise Distillery - Show Notes

Episode Title: Moonrise Distillery: Where Science Meets Spirit

Host: David Zelski

Guest: Doug Nasser, Moonrise Distillery

Presented By: Georgia Grown and Georgia Public Broadcasting

Location: Clayton, Ga.

Summary: This episode takes listeners to Moonrise Distillery in Clayton, Ga., where Doug Nasser blends science and art to create award-winning spirits. Doug emphasizes the importance of using high-quality local ingredients, respecting traditional methods, and fostering a welcoming community atmosphere. The conversation delves into the science of distillation, the art of blending, and the history of moonshining in the region.

Key Talking Points:

  • Local Resources and Collaboration:
    • Doug highlights the abundance of natural resources in Rabun County, including orchards, vineyards, and pristine water from the national forest.
    • "At the end of the day, we have the best raw materials. Yeah, you can go across the street and there's orchards and vineyards and all that. We collaborate with all of them regularly."
    • "There's not only just tremendous natural resources out here, but there's tremendous experience. And if you're smart enough to kind of keep your mouth shut for a little while and listen, it's amazing."
  • Community and Responsibility:
    • Doug feels a strong sense of responsibility to the community that supports Moonrise Distillery.
    • "When we came into this community and they supported us, and every day we feel like we need to return that courtesy. So every day we can't compromise. We have to make the best of it."
    • "You know, we're not from here, but we're definitely about here."
  • Science and Tradition:
    • The podcast explores the scientific processes behind making whiskey, including mashing, fermentation and distillation.
    • "The distillation part of what we do is hardcore science; the barrel house and blending, that allows us to bring in some artistic qualities, too."
  • Quality and Craftsmanship:
    • Doug emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods without compromise.
    • "We decided we're going to do it the way it used to be made by a family structure that used to be there. Not corporate, right? And to do it without compromise."
    • "Alcohol is like a crab cake, OK, right? If I want a crab cake, I want all crab. No filler."
    • "If it doesn't occur in nature, I'm not going to use it. I'm not a fan of chemicals or processed sugar."
  • History and Heritage:
    • The name "Moonrise Distillery" pays homage to the moonshiners of the Prohibition era.
    • "So it's a testimonial to our tradition."
  • Customer Experience:
    • Moonrise Distillery focuses on creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience for visitors.
    • "We love the fact that we tend to get people for two to three hours, and then we get to direct them to all the other businesses in town."
  • The aging process:
    • "Distilling is a science. Blending is an art."
    • "In wine, they tend to want to keep their wines at a consistent temperature, low humidity. They keep them sealed to have oxygen not get in there. So they have to be treated with kid gloves, right? Yeah, our bourbon barrels, we can beat the snot out of them."
  • Tasting and Enjoyment:
    • "Rule number one: Everybody's tastes are different. Don't ever let anybody tell you what you're supposed to taste. Yeah, and rule number two: If you like something, nothing else matters."

 

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