In early 2015, the pair set their sights on one day opening their own
distillery. This process started with the introduction to a friend of
Chasteen’s sister, Justin Manglitz, a self-taught brewer who owned
Blockader Homebrew Supply in Athens. Here, they launched American
Spirit Whiskey and began looking for a place to open a distillery in Atlanta.
At the time, Manglitz had spent about 15 years perfecting his craft
SEPTEMBER 2022 | COBB LIFE 11
brew making techniques, according to Ralston.
BELOW:
A bartender prepares a
flight of bourbons for a
customer, inserting the
name of each on a card
behind the taster.
Located at the Battery
Atlanta just outside Truist
Park, ASW Distillery offers
a variety of mixed drinks, as
well as quality gins, bourbons
and other spirits.