TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | SEPT 2019 9
taste over 25 spirits all made by GCD, and visit the retail space to purchase
bottles, apparel, and glassware.
Rob Ingersoll (Co-founder and Production Manager):
Rob says the goal for the birth of Ghost Coast was to create an experience
unlike anything else in Savannah or at other distilleries. He calls himself the
“manufacturing guy,” and handles the production end of the business. He
and Chris met in college at Appalachian State, where they’ve been plotting
how to create something unique and American-made to share with the
world.
Chris Sywassink (Co-founder and General Manager):
Co-founder Chris Sywassink, a Charlotte native, considers himself a naturalborn
entrepreneur. His business dream was to work with his friends and
create something unique. The idea for Ghost Coast Distillery came when he
and Rob plotted out a path to making spirits on the back of a cocktail napkin.
And Savannah was the lucky choice for their plan. Together, Chris and Rob
saw a void in Savannah. They believed that a city with such rich history
involving spirits, prohibition, and alcohol, deserved their own distillery and a
chance to celebrate local spirits!
Ghost Coast is halfway through their year of small batch bourbon releases
and is gearing up for their next release; a rye/traditional style bourbon aged
24 months. The Third Release Straight Bourbon Whiskey offers a familiar,
classic bourbon that is made for rye whiskey lovers. To celebrate their
Third Release, Ghost Coast is teaming up with a local Savannah nonprofit
organization, EmployAbility, to throw the ultimate tailgate party.
The event will take place at Ghost Coast Distillery on September 7th from
12 to 8pm. Guests will enjoy free all day live music from local musicians
Ben Keiser Band and The Train Wrecks, tailgate themed options from
EmployAbility’s culinary training program, a live radio broadcast from ESPN
covering the UGA game, specialty limited release bourbon cocktails, game
watching amenities, a cornhole tournament and fundraising to support
EmployAbility’s mission.
Ghost Coast is a must tour! Although, if you can’t get there, you can rest
assured that you can still sample their wares at many local establishments
on Tybee. From our liquor stores to various establishments around the
island, Ghost Coast’s many different tastes of rum, whisky, vodka and gin
are available for even the most eclectic tastes. For additional information,
tour times, etc., please visit ghostcoastdistillery.com.
/ghostcoastdistillery.com