Painted Stave Distilling
In the summer of 2011, Ron Gomes, Jr. and Mike Rasmussen were introduced by a mutual friend, though it turns out they had crossed paths years prior at a party or two. Independently, we were both working on plans to open a craft distillery in Delaware but approaching the idea from different directions. Ron was focused on crafting a solid business plan, doing the market research, and talking with the right people. Mike’s attention centered on history, products, production techniques, and equipment.
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.
Painted_Stave_2
