J. Jeffery Irons

Jeff Irons

The founder and creator of Irons One Distillery began his love for bourbon and whiskey in his young adulthood. While the drinking age was 21 in Jeff’s home state of New Jersey, Jeff and his friends would often cross the state line from New Jersey to New York (where the legal age is 18) to enjoy drinks. Jeff was usually the designated driver. So, while his friends enjoyed numerous beers, he would order one whiskey and nurse it throughout the visit. He states that this was not only one of the best ways to enjoy the night with friends while still staying focused on his driving responsibilities, but it was also much more economical! He could make one whiskey last for hours, and as he did, his love for it grew more and more.     

While an engineering student at Virginia Tech, Irons had his first taste of “homemade” whiskey, later followed by samples obtained from his brother-in-law’s dad, who was a physician in West Virginia. When the good doctor’s patients couldn’t pay him with cash, they paid him with home-distilled whiskey, and at least some of that whiskey made its way to Jeff.

Jeff, a former NASA engineer, has a relationship with whiskey that began over 40 years ago. Subsequently, his fascination with the distilling process has also grown at an equally steady pace. Jeff has spent years studying the craft and finally decided to give it a go himself. After much work, research, and permitting hurdles, he brought his dream to reality. Irons ONE distillery became that reality in Huntsville, Alabama, when it opened in 2017.

The distillery focuses on blending tradition with innovation. Jeff’s passion for distillation radiates in every bottle. The history of Irons ONE is not just about whiskey; it's about reviving old traditions with modern techniques. 

So, what sets Irons ONE distillery's products apart? 

Irons emphasizes small batches and quality ingredients. Using locally sourced grains and natural resources allows this distillery to create truly remarkable spirits. His motto is “From my hands to yours,” and that promise is printed on the label of every bottle he sells. It is not just a motto but a sentiment that drives him and the company to create the best whiskey they can. Jeff also believes that being a family distillery helps drive quality. His wife, Vicky, who serves as Chief Tasting Officer, works at Irons One, as does Vicky’s father, as well as the Irons’ daughter.

Jeff Irons is determined to stay true to his original plan. He has always focused on making a very drinkable and enjoyable whiskey. Over the years, he has witnessed other small distilleries grow in popularity only to give up their original intent of making a hand-crafted product in favor of starting to mass produce to keep up with demand and increase revenue. Many are then often bought out by bigger distilleries. Jeff feels that that approach has really detracted from the quality of the product, and he has no intention of letting that happen to his whiskey. In his own words, Jeff states, “The only way I know how to make the best whiskey is to be totally involved in every step of the process. I can only do that if I stay at a small enough in size to manage each step. That is what I plan to do – stay small and stay involved.” 

Jeff believes that while other smaller distilleries sell out to “the big boys”, they compromise on quality. 

Jeff states that, “I will not become a large distillery – I will stay true to my roots. Small, hand-crafted whiskey.” 

Iron One offers private tours for folks who want to see the impressive process and operations up close and personal. Seeing everything in action makes tasting the final product even more enjoyable!

Jeff takes pride in his products, stating, “Whiskey has a way of allowing friends to connect. It sets the perfect backdrop for gatherings.”

Jeff Irons is a true visionary and will no doubt leave an indelible mark on the whiskey industry.

Editor’s Note: In October of 2024, Jeff Irons transferred ownership of Irons One to Jim McCarthy. Jeff, now in his mid-60s, says this difficult decision was made, “To sell to new leadership who could further develop the distillery. Jim McCarty's family history includes a grandfather who was a moonshiner in eastern Tennessee during Prohibition, making the acquisition a continuation of a family legacy in whiskey production.” Jeff is now enjoying his retirement, including lots of golf, plus a new and exciting, though as yet unnamed, adventure.

Contributed by: Russ Saunders, Jacksonville, Florida

with support from M. J. (Michael) Jacobs, Tennessee Whiskey Section Editor, Smyrna, Tennessee