Old Fourth Distillery in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

Old Fourth Distillery has become one of Atlanta’s most recognizable names in craft spirits. Whether you live in the city and want a local spot to bring friends, or you’re visiting and curious about Atlanta-made gin or vodka, this distillery offers a distinctly local experience.

Below is a practical guide to what Old Fourth Distillery is, what they make, how to visit, and how it fits into Atlanta’s distillery and urban winery scene.

What Is Old Fourth Distillery?

Old Fourth Distillery is a small-batch craft distillery founded in Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. It is known for:

• Locally produced spirits such as vodka, gin, and occasionally limited-release whiskies or liqueurs
• A tasting room experience where you can sample spirits and cocktails
• Strong ties to Atlanta’s bar and restaurant community

The name comes from the Old Fourth Ward, one of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods, just east of Downtown and close to the BeltLine Eastside Trail. Even if production or tasting operations move over time, the brand identity remains closely tied to this part of the city.

Location and Getting There

Because craft distilleries sometimes shift production spaces or tasting room locations as they grow, it’s wise to confirm the current address and hours before you head out. Historically, Old Fourth Distillery has operated in or near:

• Old Fourth Ward / Sweet Auburn area
• Close driving distance from Downtown, Midtown, and Inman Park
• Near major corridors like Edgewood Avenue and Auburn Avenue

Getting Around from Within Atlanta

Depending on where you’re coming from:

• By car:

  • Allow extra time for traffic if you’re coming from Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or the Perimeter during rush hour.
  • Street parking or small lots may be available nearby, but it can be tight on weekends or during events.

• By MARTA:

  • Distilleries in Old Fourth Ward/Sweet Auburn are often reachable from King Memorial or Inman Park/Reynoldstown stations with a short rideshare or scooter trip.
  • Atlanta’s streetcar also runs through nearby downtown/Sweet Auburn areas, which may shorten your walk depending on the exact location.

• By bike or scooter:

  • Many locals use the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail and then cut over into Old Fourth Ward.
  • If you’re using shared scooters or bikes, be sure to park them legally and not blocking sidewalks or ramps.

What Old Fourth Distillery Produces

Old Fourth Distillery focuses on craft spirits with a local angle. While specific offerings can change, common products include:

Core Spirits

• Vodka
  Typically a clean, neutral-style vodka that’s often used by Atlanta bars in cocktails. Many consumers describe it as versatile and easy to mix.

• Gin
  Known for a botanical-forward style that can range from classic juniper-driven to more citrus- or spice-focused, depending on the release. It’s commonly featured in local gin & tonics, martinis, and seasonal cocktails around the city.

• Limited Releases
  At various times, Old Fourth Distillery has produced or experimented with:

  • Whiskey or bourbon-style spirits
  • Special cask-finished editions
  • Seasonal liqueurs or infusions

Availability and lineup can change, so if you’re looking for something specific, checking directly with the distillery or a nearby bottle shop is helpful.

Tasting Room Experience: What to Expect

If Old Fourth Distillery’s tasting room is open at the time you visit, the experience generally focuses on:

1. Spirit Tastings

You can usually expect:

• Small pours of several spirits so you can understand differences in flavor
• Staff who explain how each spirit is made, what botanicals or grains are used, and suggested ways to drink it
• A focus on education over volume—this is typically about learning, not a bar-style drinking session

2. Cocktails

Many visitors are most interested in how the spirits perform in cocktails. Depending on setup and licensing:

• A menu may feature simple classic cocktails (like gin & tonic, vodka soda, or a house specialty)
• Sometimes you’ll find seasonal or Atlanta-inspired drinks, often highlighting local ingredients or Southern flavors

3. Atmosphere

You can generally expect:

• A casual, urban industrial vibe, reflecting Old Fourth Ward’s converted warehouses and creative spaces
• A mix of local regulars, spirit enthusiasts, and visitors looking to experience an Atlanta-made product
• A staff that’s accustomed to answering questions from people who are new to craft spirits

Tours and Education

Many Atlanta distilleries, including Old Fourth, have offered tours at various points. These may include:

• A walkthrough of the production area, including stills, tanks, and barrels
• Explanation of the distilling process from mash to bottling
• Discussion of Atlanta’s role in their brand identity and sourcing

Policies can change, so before planning around a tour:

• Check whether tours are currently running
• Confirm tour times, group size limits, fees, and ID requirements
• Ask if reservations are needed, especially on weekends

Hours, Reservations, and ID Requirements

Because operating hours can shift with regulations and business needs, always confirm the latest details, but expect:

• Evening and weekend hours for the tasting room, if open
• Possible reduced hours earlier in the week

Most visitors should plan for:

• 21+ with valid ID to taste or buy spirits
• Minors may or may not be allowed inside with a parent or guardian, depending on current policies and local rules—if you’re bringing family, call ahead.

Buying Old Fourth Distillery Spirits in Atlanta

Even if you don’t make it to the distillery itself, Old Fourth products are often available across the city.

At the Distillery

If permitted by their current license and state rules, you may be able to:

• Purchase bottles directly after a tasting
• Access limited releases or distillery-only products not widely distributed

At Atlanta Liquor Stores

You may find Old Fourth Distillery spirits at:

• Independent intown liquor stores in neighborhoods like Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and Decatur
• Larger package stores around Buckhead, West Midtown, and the Perimeter

Call ahead to check availability of specific products, especially limited editions.

At Bars and Restaurants

A number of Atlanta cocktail bars and restaurants feature Old Fourth vodka or gin in their:

• House cocktails
• Seasonal drink menus
• Local-spirit-focused offerings

If you prefer to try it in a drink first, ask your bartender whether they carry any Atlanta-made spirits, including Old Fourth.

Distilleries and Urban Wineries in Atlanta: How Old Fourth Fits In

Old Fourth Distillery is part of a broader wave of local beverage producers in the city.

Atlanta’s Growing Craft Scene

In and around Atlanta you’ll find:

• Craft breweries clustered in neighborhoods like West Midtown, the Westside, and along the BeltLine
• Other distilleries producing whiskey, rum, or specialty spirits
• Urban wineries and wine bars that focus on tastings, flights, and retail bottles

Old Fourth stands out as one of the early, recognizable names in Atlanta’s craft distillery movement, especially tied to the Old Fourth Ward.

Why Locals Seek Out Atlanta-Made Spirits

Common reasons Atlanta residents and visitors look for places like Old Fourth include:

• Supporting local businesses and jobs
• Enjoying a distinct sense of place in their drinks
• Having a destination activity for out-of-town guests that feels uniquely “Atlanta”
• Learning more about how gin, vodka, and whiskey are actually made

Practical Tips for Visiting Old Fourth Distillery

Here’s a quick summary to help you plan:

Safety and Responsible Enjoyment

If you’re planning a visit:

• Arrange a designated driver, rideshare, or transit if you’ll be drinking.
• Pace tastings and drink water between samples.
• Avoid driving if you feel impaired in any way—Atlanta enforcement of impaired driving can be strict, and it’s not worth the risk.

For official information on Georgia alcohol licensing or regulations affecting distilleries, you can look to:

• Georgia Department of Revenue – Alcohol & Tobacco Division
  1800 Century Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30345
  Phone: (404) 417-4900

This is mainly relevant if you’re curious about the regulatory side or considering industry involvement, but it also explains why hours, bottle limits, and tasting formats may change over time.

How to Get the Most Out of an Old Fourth Visit in Atlanta

To make your stop at Old Fourth Distillery part of a broader Atlanta experience:

• Combine it with a walk or bike ride on the BeltLine Eastside Trail.
• Visit nearby neighborhoods such as Inman Park, Edgewood, and Downtown, which offer plenty of restaurants and bars where you can continue exploring local food and drink.
• If you’re hosting guests, use Old Fourth as a launch point for a day focused on local Atlanta makers—pair it with a brewery visit, a coffee roaster, or a farmers market.

If your main question is whether Old Fourth Distillery is worth including in an Atlanta visit or local weekend plan, it generally appeals to:

• People who enjoy gin, vodka, and craft cocktails
• Locals who want a distinctly Atlanta-made spirit to keep at home
• Visitors who prefer experiences over generic bars

As long as you confirm the latest hours, address, and offerings before you go, Old Fourth Distillery can be a practical and interesting way to explore Atlanta’s growing craft-spirits culture.