ASW Distillery at The Battery Atlanta sits in the heart of Atlanta’s premier mixed-use development, just steps from Truist Park where the Braves play. Founded by Charlie Thompson, Justin Manglitz, and Jim Chasteen in 2016, ASW originally launched in downtown Atlanta before expanding to this high-profile location in Cobb County. The sleek, modern distillery occupies over 4,000 square feet in The Battery, bringing craft spirits production to one of Atlanta’s busiest entertainment districts. They produce a full lineup including Fiddler bourbon, Hunker vodka, and Resurgens rye whiskey, all made on custom copper stills from Vendome Copper & Brass Works.
The founding trio came together with complementary skills—Thompson brings finance background, Manglitz has marketing expertise, and Chasteen contributes operations knowledge. They named the distillery ASW for ‘American Spirit Whiskey’ and set out to create distinctly Southern spirits using local ingredients when possible. The move to The Battery in 2019 marked a major expansion, allowing them to scale production while creating an immersive visitor experience. Master distiller duties rotate among the founders, with each bringing their own perspective to recipe development and production techniques.
The Battery location transforms the typical distillery visit into something closer to urban entertainment. You’re touring a working production facility surrounded by restaurants, shops, and the energy of game day crowds when the Braves are playing. The space balances industrial equipment with polished finishes, creating an atmosphere that feels both authentic and accessible. Their proximity to major league baseball means weekend visits often coincide with pre-game crowds, adding an unexpected layer to the spirits experience.