Visit Old Tennessee Distilling Co. This Spring
Old Tennessee Distilling Company, located in Kodak, Tennessee, is a family-owned distillery that crafts small-batch spirits inspired by the rich history and traditions of East Tennessee. Founded in 2014 as Thunder Road Distillery, it was rebranded in 2019 to honor the state’s heritage and its own roots in the region
🥃 Spirits & Offerings
Old Tennessee Distillery produces a diverse range of handcrafted spirits, including:
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Moonshine: Traditional 100-proof moonshine made from heirloom corn grown locally.
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Bourbon: Notably, Sid’s Select™ Premium Tennessee Butcher’s® Bourbon, a limited-edition release aged for five years and made from a blend of malted barley, rye, and heirloom corn .
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Gin: Floral notes with juniper and citrus, offering a smooth finish.
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Vodka: 80-proof, handmade by master distillers.
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Rum: Full-bodied rum honoring the life and legacy of a man born into slavery, who became one of the most successful men of his time.
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Rye: Aged spirits with varying proofs and flavor profiles.
We also offer seasonal flavors and limited-edition releases, such as strawberry and peach moonshines.
🏭 History & Legacy
The journey began in 2013 when founders Sid Blalock and Kent Merritt envisioned producing high-quality Tennessee Bourbon using locally sourced materials. Their first barrel was filled in 2016, but Sid passed away before the bourbon matured. Sid’s wife, Jo, and Kent continued the endeavor, culminating in the release of Sid’s Select™ Bourbon in 2021.
🧭 What to Expect When You Visit
Located off I-40 at Exit 407, Old Tennessee Distilling Company offers:
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Free tastings: Available daily, allowing visitors to sample a variety of spirits.
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$5 cocktails: A selection of affordable cocktails to enjoy on-site.
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Merchandise: Unique items to commemorate your visit.
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Distillery tours: Insights into the distilling process from knowledgeable staff.
The distillery is open Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 9 PM, Friday and Saturday from 9 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM .
🧙♂️ Meet the Distillers
The team includes:
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Dwight Bearden: A fourth-generation distiller with over 50 years of experience.
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Adam Gratz: A native Tennessean with a background in brewing and distilling.
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Kent Merritt: Co-founder with a passion for product and presentation.
Old Tennessee Distilling Company offers a blend of tradition, quality, and local flavor, making it a notable stop for those exploring the Smoky Mountains region. We look forward to seeing you this spring in the beautiful foothills of the Smoky Mountains!
🧭 Directions to Our Distillery
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