At Turtleson, we’ve always believed that remarkable things can be built in familiar places.
Great ideas don’t need skyscrapers or city skylines — just passion, craftsmanship, and a community worth investing in.
Just a short drive from our headquarters in Bristol, tucked a few minutes off I-81, is Squabble State Cidery & Distillery — an independent, homegrown operation created by fellow entrepreneurs who share our love for making interesting things with care, intention, and a sense of place.
They’re exactly the kind of neighbors we’re proud to have. And the kind of makers who elevate the story of Bristol by choosing to build something special right here.
Craftsmanship Meets Mountain Air
Squabble State sits on more than 60 acres of rolling land, perched roughly 2,100 feet above sea level. The elevation keeps the air cool and the views long — stretching across the mountain lines of Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina. It’s the sort of landscape that makes you breathe deeper the minute you step onto it.
Although apples grow beautifully in this climate and region, what really defines Squabble State is how they work: carefully, thoughtfully, and with a hands-on approach to brewing and distilling. Their ciders and spirits are crafted and bottled on-site, allowing them to guide the process from raw ingredient to finished pour.
That commitment to doing things the right way — even when it takes more time — is something we deeply admire.
A Taste of the Region
Visitors talk about Squabble State’s drinks the way people talk about their favorite weekend traditions: crisp, clean, distinctive, and rooted in the character of the region.
Nothing about their approach feels mass-produced. Instead, it reflects a maker’s mindset — blending local inspiration, high-quality ingredients, and an insistence on getting the details right.
It’s the same spirit that guides us at Turtleson:
Craft well.
Honor the process.
Give people something worth savoring.
Close to Home, Far From Ordinary
What’s remarkable about Squabble State is how you can get there in minutes from Bristol, yet feel like you’ve arrived somewhere miles away from the rush of daily life.
The taproom sits on a rise overlooking the property — picnic tables spread out under open sky, Adirondack chairs gathered around firepits, and mountain views that seem to shift with every hour of daylight. It’s the kind of place where people wander in expecting a quick tasting and end up staying for a slow afternoon.
Families spread out on the lawn. Friends gather around a flight. Dogs nap in the shade. It’s an easygoing, welcoming atmosphere that feels distinctly Appalachian and unmistakably Bristol.
The Feeling That Brings You Back
Ask visitors why they love Squabble State and you hear the same things:
It’s relaxing. It’s beautiful. It’s friendly. It feels like the kind of place you want to share with the people you care about.
And that’s exactly why we wanted to spotlight them. They represent the best of what’s happening in our region — independent creators building something of quality, contributing to the culture, and turning their corner of Bristol into somewhere people want to be.
From one hometown business to another, we raise a glass.
Cheers to Squabble State — and to all the good times still ahead in the hills of Bristol.
