Popcorn Sutton Jam 2025

Popcorn Sutton Jam 2025

06/07/2025 · Newport, Tennessee

We made it back to Popcorn Sutton Jam 2025 at the Cocke County Fairgrounds in Newport, Tennessee, and this year felt easy from the start. Since it’s only about an hour from us, we were able to ease into the weekend and spend Thursday evening at Junction 35 Spirits before the show officially kicked off. That gave us a head start on catching up with friends and getting into event mode.

By Saturday, the fairgrounds were lined with vendors, distillers, and familiar faces from across the moonshine community. The layout was smooth, with plenty of room to move around without feeling cramped. Between shaded pavilion space and open grass areas, it never felt rushed or crowded.

Large group of moonshiners and attendees gathered for a group photo at Popcorn Sutton Jam 2025 in Newport, Tennessee.
A full lineup of moonshiners and friends gathering for a group photo on the fairgrounds.

We spent most of the day walking booth to booth, taking pictures and catching up with folks we’ve met over the years. Events like this give you time to actually talk, not just shake hands and move on. That’s what keeps us coming back.

Big Beard and Still Will standing with Moonshiner Mark Ramsey at Popcorn Sutton Jam 2025 in Newport, Tennessee.
Spending time with Moonshiner Mark Ramsey between booth visits.

We also had a lot of fun at the tasting tables. Shine Girl and Adventure Distilling Co. both kept things moving while still taking time to answer questions and talk through their lineups. That balance of fun and professionalism makes a difference.

Display of Shine Girl bottles including rum, vodka, and moonshine flavors at Popcorn Sutton Jam 2025.
Shine Girl bottles lined up at the tasting table with multiple flavor options on display.

We appreciated how organized everything felt. Vendor setups were clean and spread out, and foot traffic moved steadily without bottlenecks. You could take your time at a booth without feeling like someone was waiting to rush you along.

Northern Yankee Moonshine booth set up under a branded canopy at Popcorn Sutton Jam 2025 in Newport, Tennessee.
Northern Yankee Moonshine booth set up with merchandise and signage across the front table.

Throughout the day we caught up with Moonshiner Steve Barker, Pete Kochiss, Mark and Digger, Austin Law, Henry Lee Law, Benny McClure, Master Distiller Alfredo Peña, Amanda Bryant, Kelly Williamson, Master Distiller Big Nick Calo, JB Rader, Moonshine Scotty, Moonshine Brian, Shawnda Adams, Mellomoon Moonshine, Moonshiner Pat and Lucy Mae, Kenny Taylor, Tom Crum, and members of Moonshine Militia. We know we’re still leaving someone out, but we genuinely appreciate everyone who stopped to talk and grab a photo.

Master Distiller Amanda Bryant, Big Nick Calo, Kelly Williamson, JB Rader, Big Beard, and Still Will together at Popcorn Sutton Jam 2025 in Newport, Tennessee.
Time spent with distillers and friends who continue to support and grow the community.

One thing that stood out again this year was how approachable everyone was. Whether you were brand new to the scene or a longtime regular, conversations came easy. That kind of openness is what keeps these gatherings grounded.

Big Beard and Still Will posing with Austin Law and Henry Lee Law at Popcorn Sutton Jam 2025 in Newport, Tennessee.
Catching up with Austin Law and Henry Lee Law during the afternoon rounds.

By the end of the day, we’d covered most of the grounds, filled up our camera roll, and had more conversations than we could count. Events like Popcorn Sutton Jam aren’t just about honoring a name — they’re about maintaining the relationships that keep this craft visible and connected. We’re thankful it’s close enough for us to make it a regular stop.

Moonshiner Mark Ramsey signing a poster for a Popcorn Sutton Tribute Motorcycle at the Popcorn Sutton Jam 2025 in Newport, Tennessee.
Fun Extra – Moonshiner Mark Ramsey signing a poster for a Popcorn Sutton Tribute Motorcycle during the event.

Also in attendance

Thanks as well to Michael J. Bowen for capturing moments throughout the day and to the organizers and volunteers who kept everything running smoothly from setup to teardown.

👕 Worn at This Event

Corn Hub parody tee worn by Big Beard at Popcorn Sutton Jam 2025 in Newport, Tennessee.

“Corn Hub” Parody Tee
worn by Big Beard

Fast Food parody moonshine tee worn by Still Will at Popcorn Sutton Jam 2025 in Newport, Tennessee.

“Fast Food” Parody Tee
worn by Still Will

Event took place June 7, 2025 at the Cocke County Fairgrounds in Newport, Tennessee. Original Facebook coverage for this trip was first posted on June 13, 2025. Extra photos and community comments are available on Facebook: View the original post.

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