At 1861 Distillery in Thomasville, Georgia, guests don’t just drink bourbon—they create it. Through its signature Barrel Privé program, the distillery offers something rare in the world of spirits: the opportunity to design a proprietary mash bill and follow it through the entire process—distillation, aging, and bottling.
The program is fully hands-on. Participants work alongside the distiller to craft a bourbon that reflects their own taste and preferences, culminating in a private tasting and a leather-bound legacy ledger to commemorate the journey.
“This isn’t a personalized label on a pre-made bottle,” says co-owner Jill Higgins. “It’s about creating what goes inside it.”
Barrel Privé is designed for people who want more than a bottle—they want a bond with the process, the place, and the people behind it. From the mash bill to the final pour, every decision is guided by the individual. The result is something entirely personal—and entirely theirs.
Creating your own bourbon is more than choosing ingredients. It’s about shaping something lasting. A custom recipe that can be recreated for future batches, brought out at family gatherings, or passed down as an heirloom. “You’re not just handing over a bottle,” Jill says. “You’re handing over something made with care and intention. It’s a way to say: this is ours.”
That same philosophy drives everything at 1861. The distillery uses a custom-built hybrid still and works at a pace that prioritizes quality over volume. Every spirit begins with water drawn from a deep on-site well tapping the Floridan Aquifer—naturally low in iron, rich in calcium, and so ideal for distilling that the entire operation was built around it.
“We don’t rush anything,” Jill says. “Not the spirits. Not the experience.”
From the warmth of the tasting room to the care behind every bottle, 1861 Distillery is defined by craftsmanship and connection. And while its award-winning lineup includes gin, rum, and traditional bourbon, Barrel Privé stands out as its most personal offering—where what’s made is more than a product. It’s something worth remembering. And maybe even passing down.
For more information, visit 1861 Distillery, follow them on Instagram or Facebook, and view guest reviews on Tripadvisor or their Facebook Reviews.
