Tennessee Legend Distillery sits in the heart of Cookeville at their Maddux Place location on East Spring Street, bringing craft spirits to Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland region. Founded by brothers Steve and Charlie Davenport along with business partner Andy Blaylock, the distillery opened its doors in 2016 after years of planning and navigating Tennessee’s complex distilling regulations. Steve Davenport, who serves as head distiller, brings a background in engineering and a passion for traditional Tennessee whiskey methods to the operation. The facility operates out of a renovated building that the team transformed into a working distillery complete with custom copper stills and a tasting room that showcases their growing lineup of spirits. The Davenport brothers didn’t stumble into distilling by accident. They spent considerable time researching Tennessee’s whiskey heritage and studying traditional production methods before committing to the venture. Their approach focuses on using locally sourced grains when possible and employing time-tested techniques rather than chasing trendy shortcuts. The team worked closely with local contractors and equipment suppliers to build out their facility, creating a space that balances production efficiency with visitor experience. Andy Blaylock handles much of the business operations, allowing the Davenports to focus on the craft side of things. Visitors find a working distillery where production happens alongside tours and tastings. The space isn’t massive, but it’s thoughtfully laid out to give guests a genuine look at the distilling process without feeling like a museum exhibit. You’ll see the mash tuns, fermentation tanks, and copper stills up close while learning about Tennessee Legend’s approach to making whiskey, moonshine, and other spirits. The tasting room offers samples of their various products, and the staff genuinely knows the stories behind each bottle.