Meet The Makers: Keener
At The Old Mill, we believe tradition isn’t something you look at, it’s something you live. And for our makers, each day is a chance to carry forward the time-tested skills that define us. We call it Mill Made, a way of making things with heart, by hand, and with a deep respect for where we come from.
Whether it’s turning grains into grits, clay into dinnerware, or fresh-picked fruit into jam, our makers transform the ordinary into the unforgettable. We’re proud to introduce you to the people behind the craft, those who put soul into every scoop, slice, and sip.
Meet Keener, Head Distiller
At Old Forge Distillery, Keener is the one keeping the fire lit. As Head Distiller, he continues an Appalachian tradition as old as the hills, crafting moonshine and spirits with deep roots.
But Keener’s tools aren’t just copper stills and mash tuns. They’re memories, mentorship, and a whole lot of patience. He distills more than grain. He distills history.
Making moonshine and fine aged spirits in Appalachia is as old as, well, these hills. Scots-Irish settlers were drawn to the mountains because they reminded them of home, and those traditions of home came with them. Back then, they grew the corn and other grains they needed, but Keener’s source is even closer to the still, and that’s The Old Mill.
For Keener, every bottle is more than a drink. It’s a legacy, poured with pride.
Keener is one of many whose hands shape what we do and who we are. Each maker at The Old Mill brings with them not only skill, but also soul, a commitment to keeping traditions alive and well in our community.
Stay tuned for more stories in our Meet the Makers series. Because at The Old Mill, every bite, every brushstroke, and every batch starts with someone who cares deeply about getting it just right.