NASHVILLE—Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with Popcorn Sutton Distilling LLC officials today announced the Nashville-based distillery has built a new, craft distillery in Cocke County. Due to increased market demand, the Tennessee whiskey manufacturer will open a new 46,000 square foot facility in Newport, Tenn. and plans to create 36 new jobs over the next five years.
“Whether it’s whiskey, cars or guitars, Tennessee’s brand and reputation for high quality craftsmanship is world-renowned,” Hagerty said. “Popcorn Sutton Distilling LLC’s decision to invest and expand here in Tennessee speaks volumes about our state’s business climate, which is second to none.”
Tennessee whiskey legend, the late Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton was a third-generation Moonshiner who lived and distilled his famous white whiskey in Cocke County. Building this facility in Cocke County represents a homecoming for Popcorn Sutton’s Tennessee White Whiskey and Sutton’s family.
The distilling company that bears his name, which was founded by his friend and apprentice Jamey Grosser, is completing construction on a craft distillery in Newport. When it begins operations in early 2014, the distillery will bring production of Popcorn Sutton’s prized white whiskey back where it began.
“When Popcorn and I talked about forming the company, it was always our vision to come back to Cocke County,” Popcorn Sutton Distilling LLC Founder Jamey Grosser said.
“Every step in the production process, from mashing to distilling to bottling, will take place right here in Popcorn’s backyard,” Popcorn Sutton Distilling LLC CEO Megan Kvamme said. “This is where Popcorn made his famous moonshine and evaded the law for decades. It’s only fitting that we bring his craft enterprise back home, this time with a legal license and the support of Cocke County.”
“The opening of the distillery in Cocke County has been a personal dream of mine; I’m thrilled that I have helped make Popcorn’s final wishes come true,” Pam Sutton, widow of Popcorn Sutton, said. “Our county needs more revenue and more jobs, and I’m proud that the company he helped create will be part of that. If he could see the distillery, Popcorn would be like a kid in a candy store. He would be very anxious to get the pots cooking.”
“We are very pleased that Jamey Grosser and the management of Popcorn Sutton Distilling LLC made the decision to bring the operation to Newport/Cocke County,” Cocke County Partnership President Donald Hurst said. “We appreciate the confidence shown in our business climate and in our workforce. This is a very unique opportunity for a company to have an impact locally in manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture all at the same time.”
For more information on Popcorn Sutton’s Tennessee White Whiskey, please visit www.popcornsuttonswhiskey.com.
The distillery, which will be one of the largest craft distilleries in the country, will be located on Highway 25 in Newport. Those interested in applying for employment at the distillery can contact:
Popcorn Sutton Distilling
Leta Phelps
Telephone: (423) 532-8501
Email: [email protected]
Tennessee Career Center at Sevierville
1216 Graduate Drive
Sevierville, TN 37862
Telephone: (865) 453-4437
Tennessee Career Center at Talbott
6057 West Andrew Johnson Highway
Suite 6A
Talbott, TN 37877
Telephone: (423) 317-1060
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies, which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tn.gov/ecd. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
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