Atlanta's hometown distillery brings handcrafted spirits and Southern flavor to Terminal E.
ATLANTA, GA — October 29, 2025 — There's a new reason to raise a glass in the world's busiest airport. Old Fourth Distillery + Kitchen, a partnership between Atlanta-based Shortbarrel Bourbon and Areas, has officially opened at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Terminal E, Gate 28).
The new restaurant and bar bring Atlanta's first distillery since Prohibition to one of the city's most iconic gateways—pairing Southern-inspired cuisine with locally crafted spirits that share Atlanta's story one sip at a time.
Founded in 2014 and acquired by Shortbarrel Bourbon in 2023, Old Fourth Distillery continues to build on its legacy while extending its reach far beyond Atlanta. The new airport location offers travelers a menu that blends comfort, creativity, and craft — from Peaches & Cream made with Old Fourth Bourbon–infused peaches and Southern Waffles with bourbon-maple butter, to classics like the HOT-LANTA Sandwich, Seafood Platter, and Mac & Cheese.
Behind the bar, guests can enjoy locally inspired cocktails such as the Old Fourth Bloody Mary, Rye Old Fashioned, and Your New BFF, crafted with Old Fourth Handcrafted Gin. Every cocktail and plate is designed to highlight Atlanta's vibrant food and drink culture while showcasing the distillery's award-winning spirits.
For the team behind Shortbarrel Bourbon, this opening represents more than expansion — it's the culmination of two Atlanta success stories coming together. Shortbarrel, founded in 2020, has built its reputation on community, transparency, and craftsmanship. Old Fourth Distillery, established in 2014, reintroduced distilling to Atlanta after nearly a century. Together, the brands embody both the past and the future of Southern whiskey, rooted in authenticity and shared pride for the city that shaped them.
"When we acquired Old Fourth, we knew it stood for more than spirits — it represents Atlanta's culture and craftsmanship," said Clinton Dugan, Adam Dorfman, and Patrick Lemmond, Co-Owners of Old Fourth Distillery and Shortbarrel Bourbon. "This opening is a celebration of the city that built us. We wanted travelers to feel like they're stepping into Atlanta from the moment they sit down — to enjoy the same warmth, creativity, and authenticity that inspire everything we make. Whether you're grabbing a cocktail before your flight or taking a bottle home, Old Fourth Distillery + Kitchen is Atlanta in a glass."
Designed with warm textures and a modern Southern feel, the space offers a full-service dining experience and a retail area where travelers can purchase Old Fourth spirits to take home. For those looking to stock up later, Old Fourth ships directly to 48 states.
"Old Fourth Distillery + Kitchen celebrates the essence of Atlanta," said Sal Mendola III, CCC, Director of Culinary & Concept Development at Areas. "We've curated a menu that pairs perfectly with their handcrafted spirits — rooted in Southern comfort but elevated for the traveler's palate. It's a true taste of the city, crafted by Atlantans for the world to enjoy."
The launch marks Old Fourth Distillery's first airport location and Shortbarrel Bourbon's largest hospitality partnership to date — a milestone moment that showcases both brands' commitment to sharing Atlanta's story with travelers from around the world.
Old Fourth Distillery + Kitchen is open daily at Terminal E, Gate 28. Travelers are invited to stop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and enjoy a cocktail crafted with locally distilled spirits. Beyond the terminal, fans can explore both brands online.
With this opening, Old Fourth Distillery and Shortbarrel Bourbon continue their shared mission to elevate Southern spirits while keeping Atlanta at the heart of everything they do.
About Old Fourth Distillery
Founded in 2014 and acquired by Shortbarrel Bourbon in 2023, Old Fourth Distillery is Atlanta's first legal distillery since Prohibition. From its signature vodka and barrel-aged gin to award-winning bourbons, Old Fourth celebrates Atlanta's community, creativity, and craftsmanship.
About Shortbarrel Bourbon
Founded in 2020, Shortbarrel Bourbon is an Atlanta-based spirits company dedicated to blending, finishing, and bottling exceptional small-batch whiskeys. Known for its acclaimed Bees Knees, Double Oak, and Curator Series releases, Shortbarrel has quickly grown into one of the Southeast's most respected craft whiskey brands—combining innovation with respect for tradition. Every barrel is hand-selected, every blend intentional, and every release built around community.
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