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Inspiring Conversations with Seth Watson of Distillery of Modern Art

Today we’d like to introduce you to Seth Watson

Hi Seth, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Distillery of Modern Art was born out of a passion for both craft spirits and creativity. My journey started with a deep appreciation for high-quality, well-made spirits and a desire to bring something unique to the industry. I wanted to create a brand that not only delivered exceptional vodka, gin, bourbon, rye, and amaro but also celebrated the artistry behind it all.

After years of research, planning, and refining our vision, we opened Distillery of Modern Art in Atlanta, GA. From the beginning, the goal was to blend the world of fine spirits with the world of contemporary art, from our bottle designs to the experience inside our space. Every aspect of our distillery is intentionally crafted—whether it’s the spirits we produce, the local artists we feature, or the community-driven events we host.

The journey hasn’t always been easy, but the support from our customers and the local community has been incredible. It’s been a rewarding experience to see people connect with what we’re doing, and I’m excited for what’s ahead as we continue to grow and innovate.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all—like any entrepreneurial journey, there have been plenty of challenges along the way. Starting a distillery is no small feat; it’s a heavily regulated industry with a lot of moving parts. From navigating licensing and compliance to perfecting our spirits, every step required meticulous planning and patience.

One of the biggest hurdles was getting everything off the ground—securing the right location, investing in high-quality equipment, and developing products that we truly believed in. There was also the challenge of breaking into an industry dominated by long-established brands. Building a name from scratch in the spirits world takes time, persistence, and a commitment to quality.

Then, of course, the unexpected challenges—like supply chain disruptions, shifts in consumer trends, and economic fluctuations—forced us to be flexible and adaptive. But despite the obstacles, every struggle has been an opportunity to learn and grow. The key has been staying true to our vision: distilling exceptional spirits while fostering a space that blends craftsmanship with creativity. Seeing people connect with what we do makes all the challenges worth it.

As you know, we’re big fans of Distillery of Modern Art. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Distillery of Modern Art is more than just a distillery—it’s a fusion of fine spirits, contemporary art, and community. We produce a range of high-quality, small-batch spirits, including vodka, gin, bourbon, rye, amaro, and corn whiskey. We also create around 40 other products for brands and distilleries nation wide. Every bottle we craft is a reflection of our commitment to quality, creativity, and innovation.

What sets us apart is our approach to blending craftsmanship with artistry. From the design of our bottles to the experience inside our space, every detail is intentionally curated. Our distillery isn’t just a place to make spirits—it’s an immersive destination. We showcase the work of local artists, host community events, and create an atmosphere where guests can appreciate both the science and the artistry behind distillation.

Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the way we’ve built something that resonates with people beyond just great spirits. Distilling from scratch, waiting years for our whiskies to come of age, and having the patience to release them in the market is not only expensive and hard, but a true test to proper craftsmanship. So many brands go a different route that may be easier. Whether it’s through our unique flavors, our commitment to supporting local artists, or our inviting space, we want every interaction with Distillery of Modern Art to be an experience.

For anyone looking for expertly crafted spirits with a modern, artistic twist, we invite you to visit us, take a tour, and enjoy a drink in our cocktail lounge. Whether you’re a seasoned spirits enthusiast or just exploring the world of craft distilling, there’s something for everyone here.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Atlanta is an incredible city with so much to offer, and what I love most is its energy and creativity. It’s a city that embraces innovation while staying true to its roots, and that’s reflected in everything from its thriving food and beverage scene to its diverse arts and music culture. The community here is also incredibly supportive—whether it’s fellow business owners, artists, or customers, there’s a real sense of collaboration and a drive to see local businesses succeed.

If I had to pick something I like least, it would probably be the traffic. Like most people in Atlanta, I’ve spent my fair share of time stuck on the highways! But even with that, it’s a small price to pay for being in such a dynamic and growing city. Atlanta continues to evolve, and I’m excited to be a part of that growth.

Pricing:

  • Bourbon $49 – Our mission is and will always be to produce and offer affordable and approachable spirits. Bourbon over $50 becomes a gift bottle, while anything under can become your every day drink.
  • Rye $49
  • Gin $34
  • Amaro $34
  • Vodkas $24

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