Neeley Family Distillery

Neeley Family Distillery

4360 KY-1130

Sparta, KY

Neeley Family Distillery, located in Sparta, Kentucky, is a family-run operation with deep roots in American distilling history. Founded in 2017 by Royce Neeley, the distillery continues an 11-generation legacy of whiskey and moonshine production, a tradition that began with the family’s arrival in Pennsylvania in 1740 and later moved to the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. For over 150 years, the Neeleys operated as moonshiners, with their recipe and techniques passed down through generations. What sets Neeley Family Distillery apart is its commitment to preserving this heritage while embracing modern, legal distilling practices. Royce Neeley, the master distiller, uses the same family yeast strain and moonshine recipe that his ancestors developed, ensuring continuity in flavor and quality. The distillery produces a range of spirits, including bourbon, rye whiskey, and their signature moonshine, which remains a cornerstone of their offerings. The distillery is a proud member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour and has earned accolades, including a gold medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. With plans to expand production to a second location in Eastern Kentucky, Neeley Family Distillery honors its storied past while carving out a place in the modern spirits industry.

The Distillery Story

Neeley Family Distillery, located in Sparta, Kentucky, is a family-run operation with deep roots in American distilling history. Founded in 2017 by Royce Neeley, the distillery continues an 11-generation legacy of whiskey and moonshine production, a tradition that began with the family’s arrival in Pennsylvania in 1740 and later moved to the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. For over 150 years, the Neeleys operated as moonshiners, with their recipe and techniques passed down through generations. What sets Neeley Family Distillery apart is its commitment to preserving this heritage while embracing modern, legal distilling practices. Royce Neeley, the master distiller, uses the same family yeast strain and moonshine recipe that his ancestors developed, ensuring continuity in flavor and quality. The distillery produces a range of spirits, including bourbon, rye whiskey, and their signature moonshine, which remains a cornerstone of their offerings. The distillery is a proud member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour and has earned accolades, including a gold medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. With plans to expand production to a second location in Eastern Kentucky, Neeley Family Distillery honors its storied past while carving out a place in the modern spirits industry.