Roberson’s Tennessee Mellomoon Distillery: Where Appalachian Tradition Meets Award-Winning Craft
Journey through Piney Flats’ famed East Tennessee Distillery, home to authentic moonshine traditions and warm hospitality in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.
Roberson’s Tennessee Mellomoon Distillery: Crafting Appalachian ‘Liquid Sunshine’
Nestled among the rolling foothills and lush forests of Piney Flats, East Tennessee, Roberson’s Tennessee Mellomoon Distillery stands as a vibrant testament to the state’s moonshining roots. Founded by master distiller Tiny Roberson, this distillery has evolved from a local’s hobby to an award-winning producer, all the while preserving the spirit, science, and stories of authentic Appalachian shine. Here, every bottle is infused with local tradition, meticulous craftsmanship, and a welcoming hospitality that defines Tennessee.
The Heart of Piney Flats: Roots and Location
Set in the rejuvenated shell of an old corporate garage, Roberson’s Mellomoon is the first and only legal distillery in Sullivan County. Signs guide visitors off the beaten path through an unassuming industrial area, revealing a place where hand-crafted spirits—and friendships—flourish. The distillery’s proximity to local landmarks like the Bristol Motor Speedway and Ridgewood Barbecue makes it a must-visit for travelers seeking a taste of Tennessee heritage beyond the expected.
The Journey: From Kitchen Table Dream to Bottled Reality
The story of Roberson’s Mellomoon began simply—a group of friends gathered around a kitchen table, sharing memories and recipes. Their dream: to craft real Tennessee moonshine, legally and by hand, honoring the traditions that ran through their families and communities. This dream gained momentum with a pivotal shift in Tennessee law, allowing small craft distilleries to operate legally for the first time in living memory.
The journey from informal discussion to licensed operation proved demanding:
- Extensive paperwork: founders waded through repeated rounds of federal, state, and local applications, sometimes waiting months for approvals and forms.
- Technical expertise: Tiny Roberson, leveraging experience in Navy distillation and scientific analysis, engineered both the recipes and the stills to achieve consistency and quality.
- Community roots: The founders’ appreciation for East Tennessee’s rich moonshine history guided every decision, ensuring the distillery’s products were both authentic and exceptional.
Meet Master Distiller Tiny Roberson
Tiny Roberson is a legend in both persona and proficiency. Standing 6’9” and known for his genial manner, Tiny’s journey began not with whiskey, but with a Navy assignment distilling drinking water at sea. Years as a lab technician for major corporations honed his skills in process control, cleanliness, and analysis. These same skills, paired with a keen appreciation for “fine tasting shine,” eventually inspired him to create small batches in his garage. Word of mouth fueled demand; one enthusiastic fan’s request for 400 cases marked the leap from hobby to business. With new state legislation supporting legal operations, Tiny seized the moment and founded Roberson’s Mellomoon Distillery.
The Craft: Making Roberson’s Mellomoon Moonshine
While hundreds of moonshine recipes exist, Roberson’s Mellomoon refined its process to merge Appalachian tradition with technical precision. The core ingredients—corn, sugar, and sometimes rye—form the base of most moonshines, but Tiny’s expertise elevates the spirit further. As he describes, it’s less about adding ingredients than tuning valves, monitoring lines, and adjusting the nuances of fermentation and distillation. This “craftsman quality” ensures a product that’s both genuine and singular.
- Small-batch production preserves consistency, flavor, and the elusive smooth finish prized by aficionados.
- Techniques and equipment developed from Tiny’s scientific background ensure the highest quality control at every step.
- Authenticity: Unlike some mass-market brands, every bottle is produced and bottled on-site, not “blend and bottle” from elsewhere.
From Classic White Whiskey to Unique Flavors
Roberson’s Mellomoon lineup covers a range of spirits. The signature 100-proof “white whiskey” anchors their offerings—clear, robust, and entirely unaged—embodying traditional Appalachian moonshine at its finest. Over time, Mellomoon has grown to feature seasonal and creative flavors, each crafted with the same care:
- Classic Moonshine: 100-proof, smooth with a robust finish.
- Creamy and caramel-infused varieties: popular for those seeking a milder sip.
- Innovative infusions: each batch reflects both regional tastes and customer feedback.
Regardless of variety, every bottle is rooted in the local landscape and history, offering genuine taste without the burn or harshness sometimes associated with lesser products.
Award-Winning Quality and Recognition
Roberson’s Mellomoon has not only satisfied local fans, but also gained national and international acclaim. Among its accolades:
- Platinum “Best of Show” at the 2013/2014 World Beverage Competition—a significant nod in a crowded field.
- Silver medal at the 2014 Craft Spirits Awards—affirming its status among the best of American artisanal distilling.
Such recognition celebrates the distillery’s exacting craftsmanship, creative vision, and dedication to elevating Appalachian tradition for a wider audience.
The Visitor Experience: Tastings, Tours, and Tennessee Hospitality
Visiting Roberson’s Tennessee Mellomoon isn’t just about purchasing a bottle—it’s an immersive dive into the world of East Tennessee distilling. The experience begins with a friendly greeting, often from Tiny himself, and a chance to explore behind the scenes.
- Distillery Tours: Guests are guided through the distilling process, learning about each step from raw grain to bottled spirit. The atmosphere is informal and welcoming, making even first-timers feel at home.
- Moonshine Tastings: The tasting bar offers samples of the core white whiskey as well as flavored varieties, allowing visitors to savor and compare while learning about what distinguishes each batch.
- Handcrafted Merchandise: Beyond moonshine, the small shop offers branded shirts, BBQ sauces, signed memorabilia, and gifts that celebrate local pride and the distillery’s story.
- Family Friendly: While the spirits are restricted to those of legal age, kids are welcome to tour the facility, ask questions, and experience the culture and science of distilling without partaking.
- Hospitality: Reviews consistently mention the warmth and patience of Tiny and his team—answering questions, sharing stories, and ensuring that each guest leaves feeling like a friend.
The distillery does not serve food, but guests are welcome to bring their own. This creates a relaxed, picnic-like atmosphere where locals and travelers mingle over tales and tastings.
Accessibility and Location
The distillery sits just a short drive from the attractions and scenic landscapes of Northeast Tennessee, making it perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. Clear signage directs visitors through the industrial park, and parking is ample.
- Located near Bluff City, Bristol Motor Speedway, and other notable regional destinations.
- Regional reach: Mellomoon moonshine is available not only in Tennessee but also in South Carolina, Florida, and Ohio.
The Legacy of Moonshining in Tennessee
Moonshine is more than a beverage in the Appalachian Mountains—it’s a story of ingenuity, perseverance, and cultural pride. For generations, Tennessee’s hills hid stills from revenue agents, turning corn and sugar into income and community. Today’s legal moonshiners carry forward these traditions, adding new standards for safety and quality. Mellomoon’s approach honors:
- Generational knowledge: Many inherited their skills and secrets from parents and grandparents.
- Appalachian resilience: Surviving Prohibition, economic adversity, and changing laws, moonshine has always represented a spirit of independence.
- Connection to place: Distilleries like Mellomoon create truly local products, utilizing regional grains, water, and labor.
Visiting the distillery is a chance to experience both history and hospitality firsthand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can anyone visit Roberson’s Mellomoon Distillery?
A: Yes, the distillery welcomes visitors of all ages to tour the facility and learn about the distilling process. However, only adults of legal drinking age (21 or older) may participate in tastings or purchase spirits.
Q: What makes Mellomoon’s moonshine different from others?
A: Mellomoon’s moonshine is crafted by a master distiller with a scientific background, using Appalachian techniques and local ingredients. Each batch is produced and bottled on-site, ensuring authentic quality and flavor.
Q: Are children allowed at the distillery?
A: Children are allowed to join tours and see the production process, although they may not participate in tastings.
Q: Is the moonshine available outside Tennessee?
A: Yes, Roberson’s Mellomoon moonshine is distributed in several states in addition to Tennessee, including South Carolina, Florida, and Ohio.
Q: What kind of products can I buy at the distillery?
A: Visitors can purchase a range of moonshine flavors, apparel, sauces, barware, and signed memorabilia unique to the distillery.
Visitor Tips
- Check operating hours before visiting, as they may vary seasonally.
- Plan to spend at least an hour to fully enjoy the tour, tasting, and stories.
- Bring food or snacks—they do not serve food onsite but welcome outside fare.
- Be sure to try both classic white whiskey and flavored varieties to find your favorite.
Contact Information
| Distillery: | East Tennessee Distillery – Roberson’s Mellomoon |
| Location: | Piney Flats, Tennessee (look for signs from major roads) |
| Website: | mellomoon.com (Please search for the official website for up-to-date details) |
| Special Events: | Tours, tastings, special batch releases, and meet-the-distiller events throughout the year. |
Conclusion: Raising a Glass to Tradition and Innovation
Roberson’s Tennessee Mellomoon Distillery is celebrated not just for what it makes but for how it makes visitors feel: welcomed, engaged, and part of a living tradition. By blending Appalachian heritage, modern technique, and genuine hospitality, this Piney Flats treasure offers an immersive, flavorful journey through Tennessee’s moonshine culture. Whether you visit for the taste, the stories, or the camaraderie, Mellomoon stands as proof that the best spirits are those shared with friends—old and new.
