Drop Zone Distilling Company sits just off Governor John Sevier Highway in East Knoxville, bringing craft spirits to a city better known for its whiskey heritage than its modern distilleries. Founded by Brandon and Melissa Greenway, this operation launched in 2020 with a focus on small-batch bourbon, rye, and vodka production. The couple transformed a former industrial space into their distillery and tasting room, installing a custom copper still system that produces around 200 gallons per batch. Brandon Greenway’s background in engineering shows throughout their methodical approach to distilling. They source Tennessee corn and other grains locally when possible, and age their bourbon in 15-gallon barrels for faster maturation. The operation remains hands-on, with the Greenways handling everything from mashing to bottling. Their philosophy centers on experimentation and small-batch quality, often tweaking recipes based on seasonal grain availability and customer feedback. Visitors find a no-frills tasting room attached to the working distillery, where you can see the actual production equipment through large windows. The atmosphere feels more like visiting a working craft brewery than a polished tourist destination. You’ll taste spirits that are genuinely made on-site, often with Brandon or Melissa explaining their process directly. It’s the kind of place where you learn something new about distilling rather than just sampling pretty cocktails.