Edelbrandbrennerei Gotthilf Traub
In 1967, Christian Theurer acquired the distilling license and established the first distillery in what was then a farmhouse. His daughter Ruth was trained in distilling after school. To date, she has gained over 50 years of experience in distilling technology. Since 1980, she has been actively supported by her husband, Gotthilf Traub. Initially, the company’s own and locally grown apples, pears, and plums were processed into schnapps.
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
