CRAFT DISTILLERY

Tennessee Hills Distillery – Bristol

Bristol,
Tennessee
— Bourbon, Moonshine

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🌽
Local Grains
Tennessee corn meets traditional mash bills
⚱️
Copper Still
Custom pot still system you can see
📚
Heritage Focus
Moonshine history lessons with every tour
👥
Small Batches
Quality control over mass production
🎯
Hands-On Learning
See fermentation and blending up close
🏔️
Border Location
Bristol sits between Tennessee and Virginia
📞 (423) 793-7851
🌐 http://www.tennesseehills.com/
📍 90 Tennessee Hills Wy, Bristol, TN 37620, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Small-Batch Tennessee Spirits From Moonshine Country

Tennessee Hills Distillery sits on 90 Tennessee Hills Way in Bristol, Tennessee, where founders David Peters and Jim Massey transformed their vision of small-batch spirits into reality in 2015. The facility occupies a purpose-built space that houses their copper pot still operation, where they focus on producing handcrafted bourbon, moonshine, and specialty spirits. Peters, with his background in business operations, partnered with Massey’s passion for traditional distilling methods to create something that honors Tennessee’s moonshine heritage while embracing modern craft distilling techniques. The journey began when Peters and Massey recognized Bristol’s unique position straddling the Tennessee-Virginia border as the perfect location to establish their operation. They spent nearly two years perfecting their recipes and navigating the regulatory requirements before opening their doors to the public. Master distiller Jim Massey draws on generations of Appalachian distilling knowledge, using traditional mash bills and time-tested fermentation processes that reflect the region’s moonshine legacy. The team’s philosophy centers on respecting the grain and allowing the natural flavors to develop through patient aging and careful blending. Visitors to Tennessee Hills Distillery experience an intimate look at small-batch production in action. The tasting room showcases their core lineup alongside seasonal offerings, while tours provide hands-on education about their grain-to-glass process. You’ll see their custom copper still system and learn about their approach to blending different mash bills to achieve consistent flavor profiles. The atmosphere strikes a balance between educational and relaxed, making it accessible whether you’re a spirits novice or a bourbon enthusiast looking to understand their specific techniques.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Traditional Appalachian Methods Modern Craft Precision

Tennessee Hills Distillery’s location in Bristol places it in the heart of historical moonshine country, where traditional Appalachian distilling methods have been passed down through generations. Their approach combines these time-honored techniques with modern craft distilling precision, using locally sourced grains when possible and maintaining small production runs that allow for careful quality control. The distillery’s commitment to traditional mash bills and their willingness to experiment with different aging techniques sets them apart from larger operations, while their focus on educating visitors about the historical context of Tennessee moonshine culture adds depth to the experience.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Intimate Tours Through Working Production Floor

Tours at Tennessee Hills Distillery take you through their production floor where you can observe their copper pot still operation and learn about their fermentation process. The guides explain their mash bill compositions and aging philosophy while you examine the equipment up close. Tastings happen in their dedicated tasting room, where staff walk you through their product lineup, explaining the flavor profiles and production methods behind each spirit. The space feels intimate rather than industrial, with displays that showcase the local history of distilling in the Bristol area and the stories behind their specific recipes.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

Perfect for Bourbon Students Seeking Authentic Stories

This distillery appeals most to visitors interested in traditional Tennessee distilling heritage and those who appreciate small-batch operations with a educational focus. You’ll get genuine insight into their production methods and the historical context of moonshine culture in this region, making it worthwhile for spirits enthusiasts who want to understand the craft behind the bottle. The experience works well for couples or small groups looking for an authentic distillery visit without the crowds of larger operations. However, if you’re seeking elaborate facilities or extensive food offerings, you might find the experience more basic than some larger distillery destinations.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead to confirm tour availability and tasting room hours, as they operate on a smaller scale than major distilleries and may have limited capacity. The location on Tennessee Hills Way is straightforward to find, with adequate parking on-site. Visit during weekday afternoons when possible for a more personal experience with the staff and better opportunities to ask detailed questions about their processes. Try their moonshine offerings if available, as these showcase their connection to local distilling traditions. Don’t expect a full restaurant or extensive retail shop – this is focused on the spirits and the education, so plan accordingly if you’re looking for a longer visit.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Tennessee Hills Distillery – Bristol — Visitor FAQ

Do you need reservations for tours and tastings?
While reservations aren’t always required, it’s recommended to call ahead to ensure availability, especially for tours. As a smaller operation, they may have limited capacity on busy days.
What spirits do you produce on-site?
Tennessee Hills Distillery focuses on bourbon and moonshine production, using traditional mash bills and time-tested fermentation processes. Their offerings reflect the historical distilling heritage of the Bristol area.
Can you buy bottles to take home?
Yes, they offer bottle sales on-site of their current production. Staff can help you select spirits based on your preferences and explain the characteristics of each offering.

GETTING THERE

Find Tennessee Hills Distillery – Bristol

📍90 Tennessee Hills Wy, Bristol, TN 37620, USA

 — 

📞 (423) 793-7851

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