The History Of Tennessee Hills Distillery

At Tennessee Hills Distillery, we believe that every great spirit has a story behind it—one that’s rooted in passion, hard work, and a deep connection to community. Our story begins with founders Stephen and Jessica Callahan, a pair of high school sweethearts who turned a shared dream into a thriving distillery in the heart of East Tennessee.

After attending college together at Emory and Henry University—where Stephen earned degrees in Biology and Chemistry, and Jessica studied Biology—the couple found themselves working corporate jobs at Eastman Chemical Company. But they knew their futures lay beyond the 9-to-5 grind. Stephen, a third-generation distiller, had learned the art of making spirits from his grandfather, who crafted homemade moonshine as a hobby. This family tradition sparked Stephen’s passion for distilling, and with his academic background and hands-on knowledge, he set out to start his own distillery at the age of 24.

In 2014, Stephen and Jessica purchased the historic Salt House in Jonesborough, Tennessee. With the help of family, they spent the next two years rebuilding the space and perfecting their craft. The early days were tough—sleeping on an air mattress and surviving on ramen noodles—but their unwavering commitment to quality spirits kept them going. In 2016, they officially opened the doors of Tennessee Hills Distillery, with Stephen and Jessica running the tasting room themselves.

Their hard work began to pay off, attracting not only loyal customers but also business-minded partners. Scott and Daphne Andrew, owners of Retail Service Systems, saw the potential in Tennessee Hills and became key players in the distillery’s growth. Their expertise in scaling businesses helped take Tennessee Hills from a local favorite to a brand with national aspirations.

The first step in that journey was the opening of Tennessee Hills Brewstillery in Johnson City, a location that combined craft beer with the distillery’s signature spirits. The success of this venture paved the way for a third location in Bristol, a larger distillery offering tours, bar service, bottled products, and food—taking the brand even closer to its goal of nationwide recognition.

From humble beginnings to becoming a recognized name in the spirits industry, Tennessee Hills Distillery continues to thrive, rooted in the values of family, community, and a passion for making the finest spirits.