In 1845, Marthasville was renamed Atlanta. Just south of this frontier railroad town was a street nicknamed Murrell’s Row, located at present day Decatur Street between Peachtree and Pryor in downtown Atlanta. Murrell’s Row was the edge of town where all the saloons and the red light district were located—a part of town for rail workers to gather, drink, and unwind after work.
The area became known for drunks, thieves, gamblers, cutthroats, and general disorder. It even helped tip the balance of power in Atlanta’s first mayoral election in 1848 between The Moral Party, who valued chastity and temperance, and The Free and Rowdy Party who believed drinking and vices as essential parts of life. The Rowdies galvanized the blue collar workers at the saloons of Murrell’s Row and temperance was voted out. Murrell’s Row street lived on.
About 170 years later, the idea for Murrell’s Row Spirits was formed. Inspired by the duality of Murrell’s Row street and the free thinking values of the Rowdies, Murrell’s Row Spirits seemed like a fitting name for our distillery. Nate, Lee, and Bo all have their roots in bars, restaurants, and hospitality. The community and the love that surrounds the service industry is why we are here at all. Our goal is to make botanical spirits from high quality ingredients that are priced to be drunk—not put up on a top shelf. We love Gin and Amaro, and we hope you do too!
