Big Creek Distilling Co. sits on 15 acres along Town Creek Church Road in Dahlonega, Georgia, about 10 minutes from the town square. Founded by husband and wife team Jim and Lisa Townsend in 2017, this craft distillery operates out of a 4,000-square-foot facility that Jim, a former construction contractor, largely built himself. The Townsends moved to North Georgia from Florida with dreams of making premium spirits in the heart of Georgia’s mountains. They produce bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, and gin using locally sourced grains when possible, with their bourbon and rye aged in 53-gallon American oak barrels.
The journey to opening wasn’t easy—Jim spent three years navigating federal and state licensing requirements while Lisa handled the business planning and marketing strategy. Jim’s background in construction proved invaluable when building out the production facility, while Lisa’s experience in hospitality shaped their visitor-focused approach. They installed a 500-gallon copper still from Vendome Copper & Brass Works, the same company that builds stills for major Kentucky distilleries. Their philosophy centers on patience and traditional methods, refusing to rush the aging process even when cash flow was tight in the early years.
The distillery offers tastings and tours by appointment, giving visitors a chance to see the entire production process from mash to bottle. You’ll taste spirits in their rustic tasting room while Jim or Lisa walks you through their story and production methods. The intimate scale means you’re getting a genuine family operation experience, not a corporate tour. They bottle everything by hand and often have Jim’s construction buddies helping out during busy bottling days.
