Flaming Acres Distillery to open in county

Published 8:48 am Friday, March 21, 2025

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The spirit of innovation and tradition is about to ignite in Carter County as Flaming Aces Distillery LLC proudly announces its future opening. As the first legal distillery in the area in more than 120 years, Flaming Aces Distillery pays homage to the rich history of distillation while innovatively crafting a full line of premium spirits using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Founded by U.S. Army veteran and master of distilling Tracy Bumgarner, Flaming Aces Distillery is more than just a business; it is a return to roots and a passion project that combines craftsmanship and history. Tracy Bumgarner, renowned for his expertise in distilling, also owns Ace Custom Copper, a leader in art-class custom copper distillation equipment. His deep roots in Carter County, Tennessee, and Wilkes County, North Carolina—known as the “Moonshine Capital of the World” during Prohibition—play an important role in the distillery’s story and operations.

“This is not just a business for us; it’s a return to something deeper—our heritage and roots,” said Tracy Bumgarner. “Crafting spirits that celebrate our history while embracing modern distillation techniques is our vision and our commitment to Carter County.”

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Living in the county since 2003, Tracy and his wife of more than 20 years, Teresa, are thrilled to be launching a second business in their beloved community. They are joined by lifelong Carter County residents Chris and Tiffany Cornett, who will each play vital roles in the distillation, marketing and overall operations of the distillery, bringing a local touch to the Flaming Aces lineup.

Visitors to Flaming Aces Distillery can look forward to more than just products. The distillery will offer an immersive experience through tastings, tours and distillation classes, providing an educational journey through the art of spirit crafting from grain to glass. Set amidst the storied landscapes of Carter County, guests will experience a unique blend of history, craftsmanship and innovation.

Announcements about the official opening date, special events and more are forthcoming.