Ep. 178: Leiper’s Fork Distillery with Founder Lee Kennedy

2025-03-12

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Where I Spent More Time With A Cat Than In The Distillery Though I really ought to return! Leiper's Fork Distillery was founded by Lee Kennedy, who had a long-standing fascination with the history and science of whiskey production (starting with a Fox Fire book series I'd never heard of, all about Appalachian life). After experimenting with home distilling as a teenager, Kennedy pursued establishing the distillery in Williamson County, Tennessee, facing the same hurdles faced by recent and past guests such as ...

Where I Spent More Time With A Cat Than In The Distillery

Though I really ought to return!

Leiper's Fork Distillery was founded by Lee Kennedy, who had a long-standing fascination with the history and science of whiskey production (starting with a Fox Fire book series I'd never heard of, all about Appalachian life). After experimenting with home distilling as a teenager, Kennedy pursued establishing the distillery in Williamson County, Tennessee, facing the same hurdles faced by recent and past guests such as Chattanooga Whiskey and even Jack Daniel's.

The distillery's design and production methods are heavily influenced by the Scots-Irish heritage of whiskey making, with a focus on using local ingredients and traditional pot still techniques and designs to create a singular new make spirit while still playing with things like Vienna malt. The distillery has found unexpected success in attracting tourists, with close to 30,000 paid tours per year, leveraging the scenic rural setting and historic buildings to return to pre-COVID levels of foot traffic.

Finally, something I love to highlight whenever possible: beyond whiskey production, Leiper's Fork Distillery is actively involved in the local community and has established the Freedom Whiskey Foundation to support transitioning Special Operations veterans, providing scholarships, networking, and entrepreneurial assistance.

Thank you to Lee for entering the Whiskey Ring!

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Leiper's Fork Distillery