New distillery produces Popcorn’s legal whiskey on the fifth anniversary of his death
Popcorn Sutton’s Tennessee White Whiskey has come home to Cocke County. The distilling company that bears his name began production of Popcorn Sutton’s prized white whiskey on the fifth anniversary of his death.
“Popcorn always wanted to come back to Cocke County, and it’s been a long road to make that wish a reality,” said Jamey Grosser, one of the founders and Master Distiller of Popcorn Sutton Distilling LLC.
In 2009, the State of Tennessee passed a law that allowed for the legal production of whiskey and other distilled spirits, but several counties, including Cocke County, opted out of the legislation. In October 2012, recognizing the economic development potential for the County, the Commission voted in favor of allowing distilleries within its boundaries. State legislation that specifically legalized whiskey production in Cocke County was passed, and the bill was signed by the Governor William Edward Haslam on February 16, 2012.
Initially available only in Tennessee, demand for Popcorn Sutton’s Tennessee White Whiskey skyrocketed during its first release.
“In response to our customers and in an effort to fulfill Popcorn’s dream, we made a decision to expand beyond our Nashville distillery to Newport, where Popcorn was laid to rest,” said Megan Kvamme, CEO, Popcorn Sutton Distilling LLC. “To our knowledge, we are one of the largest craft distilleries and pot stills in the country and nearly every step of the production process—from mashing to distilling to bottling – takes place in our new facility. At full capacity, we will be capable of producing 20,000 cases per month.”
“Popcorn would be thrilled,” said Popcorn’s widow Pam Sutton. “He would be so proud to know he is helping his neighbors by generating revenue and creating jobs.”
Popcorn Sutton’s Tennessee White Whiskey (93 proof/46.5% ABV) is available in 750ml in Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri and South Carolina.
About Popcorn Sutton’s Tennessee White Whiskey
Tennessee Whiskey Legend, Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton was a third-generation moonshiner who lived and distilled his whiskey in Cocke County, Tennessee. Legendary for making the best white whiskey anyone had ever tasted, Popcorn lived life on his own terms. On March 16, 2009, while facing 18 months in federal prison for not paying taxes on his whiskey, he decided to take his own life rather than go to prison. However, before his death, he worked with Popcorn Sutton Distilling LLC, a legal entity, and shared his secret recipe with his friends there who are proudly keeping Popcorn Sutton’s rebel spirit alive. For more information please visit www.popcornsuttonswhiskey.com.
