Drop Zone Distillery Store Front

Drop Zone Distillery, Knoxville TN

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During my last few trips to Knoxville TN, I’ve driven by Drop Zone Distillery several times. My curiosity got the best of me so, as I typically do for places I visit, I looked them up online. What grabbed my attention was their Drop Zone – Camo Salted Carmel Whiskey!

I’m the first to admit that I do not know much about bourbon or whiskey or their production, as I do with wine. Although I’ve visited other distilleries and taken some tours, I learned a great deal from Ross Miller at Drop Zone. Ross is a Master Distiller who works with the production of moonshine, whiskey, bourbon, vodka, and rums, and has won several gold and silver awards with rum and vodkas that he produced while working in a previous distillery. 

Drop Zone Distillery Counter - Ross

The founder of Drop Zone Distilling is Rod “Sarge” Parton. He is a 4th generation moonshiner with family recipes going back to his great-grandfather in 1934. Rod spent 8 years in the US Army as a Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division and is a Gulf War Veteran, thus the company name, Drop Zone Distilling! Rod was also a Tennessee State Trooper and firefighter where he was on the dive and recovery team in Blount Co., TN.

The development of the distillery began in 2019 and the current location opened on Veterans Day, November 11, 2022. This location not only houses the distilling operations and warehouse, but also includes a tasting room and shop. Rod is currently working on expanding to a second location in West Knoxville with a distillery and restaurant.

Drop Zone Distillery Shop

Ross was very gracious and helpful during our tasting. He was eager to answer questions and explain some of the processes. The samples I tasted were as follows:

  • Drop Zone – “Jump Master Reserve” Light Whiskey
  • Drop Zone – “Jump Master Reserve” Rye Whiskey
  • Drop Zone – “Jump Master Reserve” Bourbon Whiskey
  • Drop Zone – “Jump Masters Reserve” American Single Malt Whiskey. One of my purchases.
  • Drop Zone – Camo Salted Caramel Whiskey. Of course, I purchased a bottle!
Drop Zone Distillery Tasting Bar

 “The Jumpmaster’s Reserve” name is to honor Rod’s family heritage in the liquor making and military tradition. Rod follows in his grandfather, great uncle and uncle’s footsteps of military service. His grandfather served in WWII, along with his great uncle who unfortunately didn’t return from that war. Rod’s Uncle was a Top Gun Fighter Pilot in the Navy during the Vietnam War.

Drop Zone also offers tours of the facility, and ask that reservations be made for more than 6 participants. They also hold Jeep, motorcycle, car club and other events, along with food trucks and cocktails.

Drop Zone Distillery Purchases

A big thanks to Ross for his guidance through the tasting, and for the great conversation!

Drop Zone Distillery, 806 E. Gov, E Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920

Scott Morris