Roaring River Distillery sits right on Main Street in Gainesboro, Tennessee, a small town nestled in the Upper Cumberland region where the Roaring River meets the Cumberland River. Founded by husband-and-wife team Jason and Angie Farmer in 2016, this craft distillery grew out of Jason’s passion for distilling that started as a hobby and evolved into something much bigger. The Farmers converted a historic downtown building into their production facility and tasting room, bringing legal distilling back to Jackson County for the first time in decades. They focus on small-batch bourbon, whiskey, and moonshine, all made with locally sourced ingredients when possible. The journey wasn’t simple—it took the Farmers several years to navigate Tennessee’s complex distilling regulations and secure the proper permits. Jason, who worked in construction before diving into distilling full-time, learned his craft through trial and error, countless batches, and studying traditional Tennessee methods. Angie handles much of the business side while Jason focuses on production. They’re deeply connected to the local community, sourcing corn from area farms and hiring locally. Their philosophy centers on patience and quality—they’re not trying to rush products to market but rather letting their spirits develop properly. Visitors get an intimate look at small-scale distilling in action. The operation is compact but efficient, with copper stills that Jason can walk you through personally if he’s around. The tasting room has a relaxed, hometown feel where you’re likely to chat with locals alongside tourists. You can sample their current offerings, learn about the distilling process, and pick up bottles to take home. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’re discovering something special rather than hitting another tourist destination.