J.W. Kelly & Co

James Watt Kelly arrived in Chattanooga from Waterford, Ireland, in the aftermath of America's Civil War with ambition and an understanding of old-world distillation. By 1866, he had established Deep Spring Distillery, making it the first whiskey operation in post-war Chattanooga and earning himself recognition as one of the city's most influential citizens by 1892.

History & Heritage

Kelly founded J.W. Kelly & Co. in 1866, building Deep Spring Distillery into full operation by 1870. The Irish immigrant expanded beyond whiskey into tobacco, real estate, and hospitality, even operating the bar and restaurant in Chattanooga's historic Read House. Tennessee prohibition forced production to Kentucky, and the original operation shuttered with national Prohibition in 1919. Keeper's Quest revived the brand in 2017, honoring Kelly's pioneering legacy.

The Whiskey

J.W. Kelly & Co. maintains Kelly's commitment to old-world pot distillation across their bourbon and rye expressions. The bourbons employ a custom mash bill of corn, malted rye, and barley, distilled entirely in pot stills and aged in char #3 American white oak at minimum 94 proof. Notable expressions include Old Milford Straight Bourbon, marrying 5-, 6-, and 8-year barrels, and the double-oaked Single Barrel Select bottled at cask strength. The rye portfolio spans from Silver Springs Sweet Rye to Melrose Rye finished in Amarone wine casks.

Why It Matters

This distillery represents authentic Tennessee whiskey heritage, predating the state's more famous operations by decades. Kelly's pot distillation methods and innovative finishing techniques like double-oaking and wine cask maturation demonstrate how traditional craft can evolve without losing character. For those who appreciate historical depth in their pour, J.W. Kelly & Co. offers a direct connection to post-Civil War American whiskey making.