In this episode, you visit Big Creek Distilling Company in Dahlonega, Georgia, where a family-owned business is transforming the region’s moonshining past into a modern whiskey tradition. Host David Zelski takes you inside the still house to taste bourbon, gin, and even gold-infused moonshine while exploring the history that shaped North Georgia spirits.

Whiskey from Big Creek Distilling Company

Credit: BigCreekDistilling.com

 

In this episode of the Fork in the Road podcast, you travel north to the mountains of Dahlonega, Georgia, where whiskey making has deep and complicated roots. Host David Zelski takes you inside Big Creek Distilling Company, a family-run business that is honoring the region’s storied past while crafting spirits for today. From the legacy of moonshiners and bootleggers to the rise of NASCAR, you discover how the history of North Georgia whiskey has shaped American culture.

At Big Creek Distilling, you meet Emily Ponder and her family, who share their passion for small-batch bourbon, gin, and even moonshine that now flows from copper stills rather than hidden backwoods operations. You learn how the family experiments with flavors, infuses moonshine with 24 karat gold flakes, and works with local farms to add lavender and botanicals to their gin. Every sip comes with a story that ties the present to centuries of tradition.

You also step into the aging room, where thousands of gallons of bourbon slowly breathe through charred barrels, drawing out notes of oak, caramel, and vanilla. You hear how the science of distilling blends with creativity to produce something truly unique, including a barrel-aged gin that bridges two classic spirits. This episode invites you to raise a glass to Dahlonega’s heritage and see how Big Creek Distilling Company is carrying an old craft into a bright future.

 

Georgia Grown Logo

A Fork in the Road airs Saturdays at noon and Sundays at 6:30 a.m. on GPB-TV. Check your local listings for other replays throughout the week and watch all episodes anytime at GPB.org/ForkintheRoad.  Please download and subscribe to the Fork in the Road podcast at GPB.org/ForkintheRoadpodcast or on your favorite podcast platform.