History

Georgia’s oldest operating distillery since Prohibition. 13th Colony Distilleries was founded around 2009 in Americus, Georgia and has evolved from a casual, non-committal project into a family-owned, craft distillery that ages and blends its spirits with a focus on quality finish and flavor. The history is described as driven by the exciting influence of happenstance—"pure dumb luck"—as well as a dedication to crafting products that are worth savoring slowly. Master Distiller Graham Arthur is noted as a central figure; he tastes each batch and determines when aging has achieved the right level of flavor. The company describes itself as part of Americus’ culture and as Georgia’s oldest operating distillery since Prohibition, with a focus on aging to taste rather than simply aging by time.

Production / Manufacturing

"Aging in the South Georgia climate" is seen as a natural part of the characteristic profile. The environment is described as ideal for aging spirits, with natural temperature cycles in an old-fashioned warehouse that cause the spirit to move in and out of the wood and draw color, character and aroma. The average humidity in the area runs around 72%, contributing to balance and strength in the extraction of flavors. The company emphasizes that they “age to taste”—they decide when the barrels are ready by blending casks varied between 4-, 5- and 6-year-old to achieve a balanced flavor. Mash bills vary between products; for example the 113 Bourbon has a mash bill of 70% corn, 21% rye and 9% malted barley.

Their bourbon approach is not about simplicity: they have products such as Double Oaked Bourbon (aged in two new, charred oak barrels for a more complex character) and two other releases with cask-strength editions, as well as Single Barrel releases. Their approach underscores that they also blend to achieve a consistent flavor profile over time without binding themselves to fixed aging times. In addition to bourbons and whiskeys they also distill other spirits such as gin and vodka; but the focus in this section is on their whiskey production and related releases.

Products / Whiskey Series

• Southern Bourbon Whiskey: Aged to taste (4–6 years), 95 Proof; Mash Bill 70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley; recognized as one of their most popular bourbons.
• 113 Bourbon Finished With Maple Wood Spirals: Aged 5–6 years, 113 Proof; Bourbon finished with maple wood spirals for a subtly sweet finish; Mash Bill 70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley.
• 2024 Cask Strength Southern Bourbon Whiskey: Limited release; cask strength, 120.65 Proof; Aged between 4–6 years on average.
• Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey: Aged 8–10 years, 133.74 Proof; finished in two new charred oak barrels; described as bold and a kingly experience for connoisseurs.
• Southern Rye Whiskey: Rye-based whiskey, 95 Proof; Mash Bill 95% rye, 5% malted barley; flavor described as balanced between sweetness and spice; not specified as age statement but age-to-taste (4–6 years).
• Cask Strength Southern Rye Whiskey: Limited release; 120.7 Proof; Rye-based; aged 4–6 years; has French oak spirals for character.
• Clear13 White Whiskey: Distillery-only release; aged one day (minimum aging for whiskey); 120 Proof; mash bill 70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley; described as an intense, full-flavored experience from a short aging.
• 2024 Barrel Aged Gin (not whiskey, listed as part of the spirits portfolio, not a whisky delicacy).

Visits and Experiences

Tours & Tastings are a central part of the 13th Colony experience: Guided Tasting Experience, Tour & Tasting Experience, Barrel Thief Tour & Tasting, and Bottle Your Own Tour & Tasting. Private tours are offered for up to six people in connection with Bottle Your Own, and there is the opportunity to sample flagship products and participate in events at the distillery itself in Americus. There is also a Merchandise Store at the distillery and the option to purchase gift cards for a distillery experience. Insider registration provides exclusive chances to win experiences and gets news about new releases and events.

Philosophy

"Worth Drinking Slow" forms the core of 13th Colony’s philosophy: to value moments shared with family and friends and to enjoy spirits that are crafted through patient craft. Their climate in Americus, with natural warm cycles and high relative humidity, is described as an optimal environment for aging spirits to the desired flavor profile, not merely by time. The history highlights pride in being Georgia’s oldest operational distillery since Prohibition, with a family-owned approach and a belief that aging should be a blend of time and flavor. Master Distiller Graham Arthur is highlighted as the craftsman who tastes every batch and ensures a high standard and consistency; he is a former US Coast Guard veteran and brings discipline and care to every pour.