Mass Appealed Distillery
Jonni Benson started brewing beer and making wine and cider at his familys storied 1860s Victorian mansion on Elm Street. He expaneded distilling Gin and Vodka. On this day, Benson was distilling his gin under the label Juniper Jack. He blends botanical oils into the gin from lemongrass, pink pepper and coriander, among others. The Mansion is currently for sale and Jonni Benson will need to move his operation if sold.
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.
