History King’s Family Distillery sits at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains outside Pigeon Forge and is described as the area’s leading distillery with a wide range of award-winning whiskies, vodkas and liqueurs. The King family was founded in 2018 by Justin and Cara King, both bringing more than a decade of experience from the whiskey industry. Their approach blends science and finishing techniques with the craft and tradition of life, and they place emphasis on details, innovation and a passion for whiskey. The website also highlights the regional heritage and the family-owned focus across the business.

Production and Approach Production and style clearly fall into the private realm of craft distilling: mash bills, multi-stage finishes and carefully balanced grain varieties. For example, the Rye concept is clearly mentioned: King’s Rye has a mash bill of 51% rye, 45% corn and 4% malted barley, aged for a complex finish, and Ryeconic is a signature rye with a two-barrel aging (first 3 years, second 6 years) and about 105 proof, which yields a spicy and structured profile.

King’s products are often described with detailed finishing processes and secondary cask finishes such as sherry, port and other specialty casks; for example a port wine-finish bourbon is mentioned as part of their broad range, as well as sherry-cask finish and other various finish concepts. Some products also venture into wine-type finishes such as Ice Wine finishes in special editions. The owner-couple are presented as the leaders in innovation and finishing work, and there is emphasis that some releases are tobacco-like, fruity or sweet, depending on the cask and mash.

Online Availability and In-Person Visits Online availability and on-site visit options are part of the business model; an online shop is mentioned, delivery to most states and distillery hours (Open daily from 10:00–20:00). In addition, a Barrel Picks program is highlighted, where groups can spend time with Cara and Justin to select a barrel – the stated terms include a $750 deposit and the need to transport purchased goods, as shipping is not possible.

Products / Whisky Series Bourbon - King’s Bourbon: a single-barrel bourbon with a high corn mash bill and notes of smoky tobacco and vanilla, supported by dried fruits such as raisins, figs and dates. Available in two strengths: 87 proof (in-store and online) and 107 proof (distribution). Mash bill: 99% corn and 1% malted barley, aged at least 6 years. Awards include Silver in the NA Bourbon & Whiskey Competition (2023), Double Gold in SF World Spirits (2022) and other prizes. - King’s Tennessee Standard Bourbon Blend: 99% corn and 1% malted barley, aged at least 6 years, with notes of butterscotch and a pronounced sweetness; used especially in classic bourbon cocktails. - King’s Wheated Bourbon: 100 proof, 51% corn, 45% wheat and 4% malted barley, described as a wheat-based, earthy and textural bourbon that pairs well with a single ice cube. - King’s Toasted Agave Bourbon: bourbon finished in toasted agave-barrel finishes with strength varying by barrel; produces a gentle sweetness to complement the rye- and corn-mash bill. - King’s Sherry Cask Finish Bourbon: bourbon finished in sherry casks at 117 proof; mash bill 36% rye, 61% corn, 4% malted barley. - King’s Honey Bourbon: honey-enhanced bourbon at 110 proof; aged at least 6 years in the original barrel and further in a honey barrel (limited releases). - King’s White Corn: sweet corn-dominated profile with notes of honeysuckle and citrus; described as a light and fruity experience. - King’s Bourbon 10: a special vintage edition, 105 proof, 99% corn and cask-strength, aged 11 years. - King’s Red, White, & Blue Bourbon: 10-year-old bourbon at 57.5% ABV, composed of three types of corn – red, blue and white – for a unique blend. - King’s Port Wine Finished Bourbon: 119 proof, high corn content (75%), rye (21%), barley (4%), finished in port wine casks. - King’s Cigar Blend: a blend of bourbons finished in Port, Sherry and Madeira casks – 115 proof, intense and complex.

Rye - King’s Rye: 90 proof, 51% rye, 45% corn, 4% malted barley; notes of dark chocolate, licorice, tobacco, hazelnut, black cherry and orange; classic rye-spice with mint and a smoky finish. Aged 4+ years. Awards include several gold and silver prizes in international competitions. - King’s Ryeconic: signature rye, 95% rye / 5% malted barley; aged in two different finishes (3 years + 6 years), about 105 proof; double-barrel aging and recognized for its spearmint and pepper-spice (barrel-aging in two different finishes). Award-winner (Best of Show in the North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition, plus SF World Spirits and others). - King’s Toasted Ryconic: 9 years+, 95% rye, 5% malted barley; triple-oaked (three finishes) and cinnamon/spice-dominated profile. - King’s Honey Ryeconic: ryeconic aged in whiskey barrels, finished with a locally honey-inspired finish (aside from details in content, honey twist mentioned in some releases).

Flavored Whisky - King’s Apple Whiskey: two-year-old whiskey with natural apple aroma and cane sugar, 61 proof; butter-smooth with vanilla and cinnamon, finishing with smoky caramel. - King’s Blackberry Whiskey: two-year-old whiskey blended with blackberry juice and a hint of sugar; deep rose color, berry-dominated flavor with a subtle whiskey note; 61 proof. - King’s Peach Whiskey: two-year-old whiskey blended with peach juice and a hint of cane sugar; 61 proof. - King’s Cinnamon Whiskey: whiskey-based with cane sugar and natural cinnamon sticks (61 proof). - King’s Chocolate Whiskey: 61 proof, whiskey with natural chocolate flavor and cane sugar; bronze in SF World Spirits (2023). - Vanilla-inspired and Cream Liqueurs are listed in the range, including King’s Peanut Butter Cream (34 proof) as a creamy liqueur for cocktails and desserts.

Whisky and Blends Without a Finishing Focus - King’s American Blended Whiskey: lightly sweet whiskey with notes of honey, caramel and vanilla, balanced with nutmeg, pear and locustwood; a blend of bourbon and light whiskey, both aged at least 7 years; 80 proof. - King’s Single Barrel Select 18YR Whiskey: limited release, American light whiskey aged 18 years, cask-strength (140 proof) with tobacco and leather notes; fruity and caramelized in the finish; winners of ASCOT and SF World Spirits Awards; NO LONGER IN STOCK. - King’s Ryeconic and King’s Rye – two key rye variants with different finish and aging profiles described above. - King’s Honey Bourbon, King’s Port Wine Finished Bourbon and other special releases are mentioned as part of a broad range spanning wheat- and corn-based bourbons to finished and limited-release variants.

Vodka, Gin and Other Spirit Extensions - King’s Vodka: 80 proof, 100% American corn, gluten-free; smooth and clean – ideal in cocktails and martinis. - King’s Ginger Vodka: 61 proof, spicy ginger-inspired flavor with honey, grapefruit, stone fruits, lavender and apple blossoms; perfect in Moscow Mules or Bloody Marys. - King’s Lemon Vodka: lemon-flavored, versatile in many cocktails. - King’s Gin: 80 proof, gin with citrus and juniper notes and a softly floral finish; gin for non-gin drinkers. - Cream Liqueurs and Peanut Butter Cream: Cream-like products as a supplement to coffee drinks and desserts.

Moonshine - King’s Middle Creek Moonshine 131: 131 proof, aged at least 8 years in bourbon barrels; a high-age expression with a sweet upfront and a fiery finish; bold and powerful finish.

Special Releases and Barrel Picks - King’s Barrel Picks Program: an opportunity to select a Ryeconic Double-Oaked Rye barrel together with Cara and Justin; maximum 8 people per session; a deposit of 750 USD that can be used toward barrel purchase; not shippable.

Trade and Distribution - Online Store and Brick-and-Mortar Shop: Shop Now and online distribution; delivery to most states in the USA. - Several retailers in Georgia, Tennessee and other states listed under Where to Buy; distribution across various stores and chains for broad availability.

Tasting Notes and Prices (Excerpts) - Ryeconic: spearmint, black pepper spice; complexity from double-coaking; 105 proof; multi-award winning. - Rye: dark chocolate, licorice, tobacco; hazelnut, cherry and orange; aging and a finish characterized by chopped spice and smoke. - Apple/Blackberry/Peach/Cinnamon/Chocolate Whiskey: clear fruity and sweet notes, balanced with the whiskey base and balanced sweetness.

Events and Award Winners - Ryeconic has won several awards, including Best of Show in the North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition and Double Gold in SF World Spirits / Fifty Best Ryes, among others. - Several of the natural-finish bourbons and rye releases are noted for their performances in various competition categories.

Visit and Experiences - Barrel Picks Program: as mentioned above, a session where you choose a barrel together with Cara and Justin; deposit required; transport of purchases is at the buyer’s expense; limited bookings. - Distillery Hours: Open every day from 10:00 to 20:00; Address: 1440 Upper Middle Creek Road, Suite 201, Sevierville, TN 37876; Phone: (865) 446-2002. - Online Shop and Delivery: option to order online and have items delivered to most states.

Philosophy King’s Family Distillery highlights a blend of tradition and innovation through a fundamental love of whiskey. The couple emphasizes attention to detail, finishing techniques and the use of different barrels and mash-bill combinations to create unique and award-winning products. The vision is sustainable and rooted locally in Appalachia, where family ownership and a deep knowledge of whiskey craftsmanship meet modern market needs.