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.