Feiner Kappler
In the early post-war period in our region, fruit was often distilled into brandy, even in times of famine, to provide the family with the bare necessities. In many places people were forced to avoid taxes and produce alcohol free of license for exchange in kind. My father built his house on a former chicken farm. When the excavation pit was dug, an old burning device came to light – not a treasure made of gold, but rather made of copper parts – this should probably be a sign! The construction plans were changed without further ado and the last money was invested in buying a boiler. Today the device still stands in the small room next to the central heating system in the parents’ house, in the same place where the boiler was once found.
Today I am the fourth generation to run my father and grandfather’s agricultural fruit and wine farm. I can discover the treasures of nature for myself and have been living from them since 2009. I took a break from my industrial job. In addition to continuing education, seminars and courses, I am constantly refining my products. First successes at the world’s largest fruit brandy awards in 2012 showed that my drive for perfection can produce true treasures…
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.
