Let's visit Soldier of the Sea Distillery in Comer, Ga., where Marine veteran Mark Davis crafts unique whiskeys, some infused with local honey from his beekeeper wife, Jennifer, while honoring the armed forces and revitalizing the town. Discover how their passion for distilling, housed in a historic building, blends art and science to create exceptional spirits and promote the local community and Georgia's agricultural bounty.

 

This episode features Soldier of the Sea Distillery in Comer, Ga., highlighting its role in revitalizing the town and honoring the U.S. Armed Forces. Owner and head distiller Mark Davis, a Marine veteran, blends his agricultural background and fascination with distilling to create unique whiskeys, some featuring locally sourced honey thanks to his wife, Jennifer Berry, a bee expert. Their collaboration produces exceptional spirits with distinct floral notes and promotes pollinator awareness.  

Housed in a historic late 1890s cotton warehouse, the distillery uses an Appalachian-style still, a nod to regional heritage, and employs a patient, triple-distillation process for smooth, flavorful results. Their White Dog, in particular, impressed David Zelski with its unexpected smoothness and honey notes. Soldier of the Sea also operates The Hive Pub, Comer's first pub, fostering community engagement.  

The distillery's commitment to local sourcing, using Georgia Grown grains and honey, and its "Madico Made" branding efforts, championed by the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, aim to put Comer and Madison County on the map as a destination for agritourism and artisan experiences. The labels, designed by a local Athens artist, feature a recurring moon motif, a subtle tribute to moonshine history. Ultimately, Soldier of the Sea prioritizes quality over quantity, with a focus on continuous improvement and a passion for their craft.

 

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