Tennessee Hills Distillery operates their Salt House location at 127 Fox Street in historic Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town. Founded by husband-and-wife team Steve and Janice Smith, the distillery opened in 2014 after Steve transitioned from a career in engineering to pursue his passion for craft spirits. The operation is housed in a renovated building in Jonesborough’s historic district, giving visitors a taste of both Tennessee whiskey and the town’s colonial-era charm. They focus on small-batch bourbon, rye whiskey, and moonshine using traditional methods combined with modern precision. The Smiths spent nearly three years perfecting their recipes and navigating Tennessee’s distilling regulations before opening their doors. Steve handles the production side while Janice manages the business operations and visitor experience. Their approach centers on using locally sourced grains when possible and aging their spirits in charred oak barrels stored on-site. The distillery represents part of Tennessee’s craft spirits renaissance, bringing legal distilling back to a region with deep moonshine roots. The Salt House offers an intimate distillery experience where you can see the entire operation from grain to glass. The space maintains its historic character while housing modern distilling equipment, including their custom copper still. Visitors can tour the production area, learn about the mashing and fermentation process, and sample finished spirits in their tasting room. The atmosphere strikes a balance between educational and relaxed, with the owners often personally greeting guests and sharing stories about their journey into distilling.