Moonrise Distillery Downtown Speakeasy sits at 118 Oak Crescent Circle in Clayton, Georgia, transforming the heart of this small mountain town into an unexpected craft spirits destination. Founded by husband-and-wife team Josh and Amanda Hicks, the distillery opened its doors in 2018 after the couple left corporate careers in Atlanta to chase their dream of making small-batch bourbon and moonshine in the North Georgia mountains. The speakeasy occupies a restored early 1900s building that once housed Clayton’s general store, and the Hicks preserved much of the original brick and hardwood while adding copper stills and a cozy tasting room that feels like stepping back in time. Josh brings an engineering background to the distilling process, designing custom copper pot stills that allow for precise control over their bourbon and moonshine production. Amanda handles the business side and cocktail program, crafting drinks that showcase their spirits alongside classic speakeasy-era recipes. They started with a focus on traditional corn-forward moonshine recipes passed down from Amanda’s North Georgia family, then expanded into bourbon production as their following grew. The operation remains intentionally small, with Josh overseeing every batch personally and Amanda greeting most visitors who walk through the door. The speakeasy atmosphere sets this place apart from typical distillery tours. You’re not walking through a massive production facility – instead, you’re sipping cocktails in an intimate space where you can watch Josh work the stills through glass panels. The vibe is more neighborhood bar than industrial operation, with live music on weekends and a crowd that mixes tourists exploring the mountains with locals who’ve made this their regular spot. It’s the kind of place where conversations with strangers happen naturally, and you might end up staying longer than planned.