Rooted in History, Raised in Spirit: The Story Behind Thirteenth Colony Distilleries

Author's note:  Just after I contacted Danielle at Thirteenth Colony to inquire about interviewing the team for this blog, I was watching TV one night and saw their commercial on a nationally syndicated program.  The subject of my little blog has gone NATIONWIDE!  I offer my sincerest gratitude for the time they took to answer my questions for this post.  Hope you enjoy reading!

In the heart of Southwest Georgia, a small-batch distillery with a big personality is making waves across the country. Founded in 2009 by Alton Darby and Kent Cost, Thirteenth Colony Distilleries began as a passion project rooted in family, tradition, and a little Southern ingenuity. Today, the company stands proudly as Georgia’s oldest operating distillery—and its story is as smooth and compelling as the spirits it produces.

From Holiday Gifts to National Recognition

Like many great Southern stories, Thirteenth Colony’s origin involves family, a touch of mystery, and a deep sense of place. "We can't confirm or deny that our family history includes some of those farmers who learned to turn crops into spirits," the team jokes. Inspired by Georgia’s long history of moonshining, Alton and Kent initially set out to create holiday gifts for friends and family. What began as a hobby slowly transformed into a full-fledged distillery, with Alton’s son, Maxwell Darby, now leading the company as president.

For the first decade, the business operated as a grassroots endeavor. “We didn’t spend money on marketing,” the founders say. “It was all word of mouth.” But thanks to a strong product and loyal fans, the word spread. Four years ago, Thirteenth Colony began gaining national recognition, and the momentum hasn’t stopped since.

Why "Thirteenth Colony?"

The name is a nod to Georgia’s place in American history—it was the 13th colony to join the Union. With family roots going back over 200 years in Southwest Georgia, the name reflects both pride and place. "It’s our home," the founders say. That’s also why they chose to set up shop in Americus, transforming an old mattress warehouse into a distillery. As it turns out, the building’s natural climate made it a perfect place to age whiskey—no high-tech climate control needed, just a little Southern heat and patience.

What Makes the Spirits Special?

At Thirteenth Colony, craftsmanship is everything. The distillery’s Southern Vodka is a crowd favorite—not just in Georgia, but nationally. Distilled six times and filtered eleven, this clean, corn-based spirit has won platinum awards while remaining under $20 for a 1.75L bottle.

Their Southern Gin stands out with a unique citrus-forward flavor, highlighting orange and lemon peel rather than overpowering juniper.

But for whiskey lovers, it's the Southern Bourbon and Double Oaked Bourbon that are turning heads. The 95-proof Southern Bourbon is an approachable option for those new to whiskey, while the Cask Strength Southern Bourbon & Rye Whiskey, uncut and around 120 proof, offers complexity and bold flavor for the seasoned palate.

Taking the Tour? Expect a Real Southern Welcome

Visitors to the distillery are treated to more than just a behind-the-scenes look—they’re welcomed with cocktails and storytelling. The tour includes a deep dive into their distilling and aging process and concludes with a guided tasting of their signature aged spirits. Specialty releases are often available for sampling, adding a little extra excitement for whiskey aficionados.

Where They’re Headed

After 16 years, Thirteenth Colony is far from finished. The brand is currently available in 14 states and 3,500 liquor stores, but the goal is to expand to over 30 states by its 25th anniversary. “We hope to continue growing and sharing our spirits with more customers,” the team says.

In a world of flashy marketing and mass production, Thirteenth Colony Distilleries has stayed true to its roots—quietly building a brand that blends family, heritage, and good old-fashioned Southern craftsmanship. If you're in Macon, Americus, or anywhere their bottles are sold, now's the time to raise a glass.

After all, great spirits bring people together—and that’s a legacy worth toasting.