King's Family Distillery

In the heart of Tennessee's Smoky Mountains, King's Family Distillery stands apart from the typical moonshine operations that dot the Gatlinburg area. This family-owned operation in Sevierville has built a reputation for serious whiskey production, offering everything from high-rye expressions to wheated bourbons alongside their tourist-friendly flavored spirits.

History & Heritage

King's Family Distillery operates as a locally owned establishment in Sevierville, Tennessee, near the Pigeon Forge corridor. The family-run distillery has positioned itself as more than another Smoky Mountain moonshine stop, focusing on legitimate whiskey production in a region better known for novelty spirits. Their commitment to traditional distilling methods has earned recognition throughout the area.

The Whiskey

The distillery's flagship expression, Ryeconic, showcases their serious approach with a 95% rye mash bill aged three years, then transferred to different barrels for an additional six years. King's Rye takes a more traditional approach with 51% rye, 45% corn, and 4% malted barley. Their bourbon portfolio includes King's Wheated Bourbon and King's American Whiskey, a blend of bourbon and light whiskey aged at least two years. The operation also produces flavored expressions like King's Apple and King's Blackberry, both built on two-year whiskey bases.

Why It Matters

King's Family Distillery proves that serious whiskey can emerge from tourist country. Their multi-stage aging process and commitment to high-rye expressions demonstrate technical skill beyond the typical Smoky Mountain distillery. Ryeconic, in particular, has garnered multiple awards and represents the kind of craft whiskey that deserves attention from those who appreciate good whiskey, regardless of zip code.