Rod Parton is a fourth-generation moonshiner and the founder of Drop Zone Distilling, which is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. He is known for being the first in his family to take their long-standing moonshine recipes "legal."
- Military Background: He served as a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and is a Gulf War/Desert Storm Veteran. The name "Drop Zone" is a direct tribute to his paratrooper service.
- Law Enforcement: Before opening the distillery, he spent 28 years in law enforcement, including time as a Tennessee State Trooper, and three years as a firefighter and recovery diver.
- Family Heritage: His recipes date back to 1934 and were passed down from his great-grandfather and grandfather. His distillery features products like "The Jumpmaster’s Reserve" and "Legacy Moonshine."
About Drop Zone Distilling
- Locations: The original distillery and tasting room are in South Knoxville, with a second location that opened in Pigeon Forge, TN, in late 2022/early 2023.
- Community Work: The business is known for being a "give-back" company, with proceeds from specific products benefiting organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project, Folds of Honor, and the Thin Blue Line/Thin Red Line of Tennessee.
