Five Nashville Distilleries Whiskey Lovers Can’t Miss
Despite decades of strict liquor laws after Prohibition ended, Tennessee is now a top destination for whiskey and spirits. The state is home to craft distilleries and world-renowned names like Jack Daniel’s, and much of the action is happening in Nashville. If you’re looking for a taste of the best spirits in the country, explore the top distilleries in Nashville, TN, and the tours that take you there.
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery
Family and tradition are at the forefront of this distillery run by brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson. Nelson’s Green Brier was founded by their great-great-grandfather Charles Nelson in the 1880s. It closed its doors in 1909 when statewide Prohibition was adopted. The Nelson brothers revived the family operation in 2006.
Located inside Nashville’s Marathon Village, the distillery offers a behind-the-scenes look at their charcoal-filtering process on the production floor. Enjoy a tasting of their top spirits, including Belle Meade Bourbon, Louisa’s Liqueur, and Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey, based on the original recipe.
Photo by Drew Hays on Unsplash
Nashville Craft Distillery
The spirits at Nashville Craft Distillery might sound eccentric, but they’re based on a deep knowledge of the history and science of whiskey and other spirits. Bruce Boeko, a former forensic scientist and DNA lab director, founded the distillery in 2016.
Learn how spirits are made from Boeko and distiller Rachael Sykes as you get a taste of their unique spirits, made with locally sourced ingredients. The lineup includes their Golden Biscuit Sorghum Spirit, Crane City Gin, Nashville Honey Spiced Honey Liqueur, and Traditional Bourbon Whisk(e)y.
Pennington Distilling Co.
Jeff and Jenny Pennington opened this local favorite distillery in 2011. It’s located in the Nations neighborhood, right next door to Fat Bottom Brewing. Pennington Distilling Co. makes a variety of well-known brands, and you can find something for every palate.
Their flagship product is the Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream, which they refer to as “the American answer to Irish Cream.” The locals love the Pickers Vodka line, whether they reach for the original or one of the fruit flavors. For whiskey lovers, there’s the Davidson Reserve Tennessee Rye Whiskey. You can’t go wrong with a tour of the large distillery followed by tastings at the bar!
Photo by Almos Bechtold on Unsplash
Jack Daniel Distillery
We can’t talk about local spirits without mentioning Jack Daniel Distillery, located about an hour and a half from Nashville in Lynchburg, TN. Before the liquor laws in the state changed to allow new distilleries to open, Jack Daniel was one of the few operating in Tennessee. It’s home, of course, to Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 and a variety of other Tennessee whiskeys.
Learn about its founder and how the whiskey is made and enjoy a tasting of their world-renowned spirits on a tour of the facility. You can also visit the famous Mary Bobo’s Boarding House Restaurant next door for a taste of Southern dishes and hospitality.
Corsair Distillery
Corsair Distillery was founded in Bowling Green, KY, but it has deep Nashville roots. Childhood friends and Nashville natives Darek Bell and Andrew Webber came back home in 2010, and Corsair became the first craft distillery to open in Nashville since Prohibition. Their modern craft spirits are made using ingredients from local farms.
Corsair now has two locations in Music City. Tour the barrel house and try the full line of spirits at the WeHo Headquarters. For something a little more adventurous, visit the Marathon Village Brewstillery, where they also make craft beers. Here you can try beer cocktails and other exciting experiments with whiskey and more.
Whether your love for spirits runs deep or your whiskey journey is just getting started, you’re sure to find your new favorite beverage in Music City. Discover the top spots on a Nashville distillery tour!