This Georgia Distillery Is Turning Custom Bourbon Into the New Family Heirloom

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.”

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.”

“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.