About
Neeley Family Distillery is a small family-owned operation in Sparta, Kentucky, run by 10th and 11th generation distillers Roy and Royce Neeley, who legalized their 11-generation bootlegging tradition in 2015. They produce authentic Kentucky bourbon, rye whiskey, moonshine, and absinthe using historic family recipes, pot stills, cypress fermenters, local grains, limestone water, and proprietary yeast, with all spirits non-chill-filtered. Known for single barrel, barrel-strength bourbons and award-winning products like their Absinthe Verte.
Single barrel barrel-strength Kentucky bourbon
Historic family moonshine and absinthe
Non-chill-filtered spirits using traditional pot stills and cypress fermenters
Photos
What They Make
Kentucky Single Barrel Straight Bourbon
Barrel strength, non-chill filtered, rotation of three recipes using family mash bill
Neeley Bottled in Bond Four Grain Bourbon
63% corn, 17% oats, 8% wheat, 12% malt; tasting notes of honey, chocolate, oatmeal cookies
R.D.R Neeley Sweet Thumped Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Cooked at lower temperatures with proprietary copper thumper for sweeter notes
Old Jett Brothers Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Various finishes including Apricot Brandy, French Cognac, Portuguese Madeira, etc.
Hidden Barn Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Series One and Two small batches, 70% corn, 20% rye, 10% malted barley; various tasting notes per batch
Hidden Barn Organic Wheated Bourbon Batch 2
70% corn, 25% wheat, 5% rye; organic, kosher certified, double gold winner
Old Pap Neeley's Reserve Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Aged Moonshine
Single barrel, bottled in bond; oldest aged moonshine on legal market using great-grandfather's recipe
Neeley's Wormwood Absinthe Verte
Distilled on pre-ban French still using 1871 recipe; multiple double gold and platinum awards
Authentic Kentucky Moonshine
Family recipe revered in Eastern Kentucky Mountains
Awards
Silver Medal, Kentucky Bourbon Awards 2022
2022
Latest News
I-71 Exit 55 closed through April 26 due to construction; use Exit 57 and follow directions for detour. Tours, tastings, and cocktails available daily.