Tennessee Craft Whiskey Distillery Honored by Top U.S. Bartenders and Beverage Professionals
King’s Family Distillery, a leading small-batch whiskey distillery in Tennessee, is thrilled to announce that three of its handcrafted spirits earned prestigious medals at the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards held in Chicago. The competition, judged exclusively by top U.S. bartenders, beverage directors, and bar managers, recognizes spirits that exemplify quality, mixability, and commercial appeal.
Award-Winning Craftsmanship from the Smoky Mountains
King’s Family Distillery was honored with the following distinctions:
- Tennessee Standard Bourbon Blend – Gold Medal, 91 Points
- Wheated Bourbon – Silver Medal, 87 Points
- Ryeconic – Silver Medal, 85 Points
These accolades reflect the distillery’s continued dedication to producing exceptional craft whiskey in Tennessee. Each expression is a testament to the artistry, patience, and regional pride that define the distillery’s approach to small-batch whiskey making.
“We’re incredibly proud to be recognized by the Bartender Spirits Awards, especially as a family-run, craft whiskey distillery in Tennessee,” said Cara King, co-founder of King’s Family Distillery. “These awards validate the work we do every day to honor the legacy of Tennessee whiskey while pushing the boundaries of innovation and flavor.”
A Bartender-Backed Benchmark for Excellence
Now in its 7th year, the Bartender Spirits Awards stands apart as one of the few international competitions judged entirely by U.S. on-premise professionals. The awards spotlight spirits that excel not only in flavor, but also in their relevance to bartenders and the wider hospitality industry. Each product is evaluated on its mixability, taste profile, shelf appeal, and value—offering crucial insight into what’s working in real bar programs across the country.
“The Bartender Spirits Awards is about identifying spirits that will succeed behind the bar,” said Sid Patel, CEO of Beverage Trade Network, which hosts the competition. “Winners like King’s Family Distillery bring high-quality, versatile products to the table that bartenders are excited to pour and serve.”
About King’s Family Distillery
Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, King’s Family Distillery is a premier small batch whiskey distillery in Tennessee, known for its commitment to quality, family values, and flavor-forward spirits. Founded by industry veterans Cara and Justin King, the distillery specializes in meticulously blended bourbons and ryes that reflect the spirit of the region and the depth of American whiskey heritage.
