The role of Tennessee distilleries in the state’s economic and cultural history is undeniable. Even after Prohibition ended in 1933, the distilling industry didn’t immediately bounce back to its former glory. It wasn’t until 2009, when a new law passed, that old distilleries were reopened or revitalized, and new ones began laying their groundwork.
Today, Tennessee’s impressive lineup of craft distilleries embodies the industry’s rich history and longevity, but they also make for a fun way to spend a day off! While we’re not covering the entire lineup today, we’ve rounded up a list of distilleries that open their doors — and bottles — for unique visitor experiences, offering folks an up-close-and-personal look at their distilling processes.
Big Machine Distillery
Flagship Location — 1800 Abernathy Rd., Lynnville, TN 38472 • (931) 527-0027
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sunday
Tours: Monday through Saturday, every half hour from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Downtown Nashville — 122 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201 • (615) 345-4539
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tours: Thursday through Sunday, every hour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Berry Hill — 2824 Bransford Ave., Nashville, TN 37204 • (615) 651-8718
Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tours are not offered at this location.
Spirits: Big Machine Vodka, Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey, and All Mighty Moonshine
About one hour outside of Nashville is the backbone of Big Machine Distillery. Previously known as Tenn South, the distillery started as a dream between a radiologist and an engineer who set out to make fine whiskey. After a few years of success, music mogul Scott Borchetta purchased the 28-acre micro-distillery in Lynnville. While the brand’s moonshine and maple-inspired whiskey are not to be missed, the vodka is what originally put Big Machine on the map. Made using a one-of-a-kind platinum filtration system, it’s said to be one of the smoothest vodkas on the market.
Big Machine Distillery’s Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey combines white corn, barley and wheat, and sugar maple charcoal for a perfect smoky taste. Image: Facebook
Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. (George Dickel Tennessee Whisky)
1950 Cascade Hollow Road, Tullahoma, TN 37388 • (931) 408-2410
Hours: Monday and Thursday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Tours: Last tour starts at 3 p.m.
Spirits: Bourbon, George Dickel x Leopold Bros. Collaboration Blend, Bottled in Bond, Rye, 9-Year Single Barrel Select, 15-Year Single Barrel Select, Barrel Select, 17-Year Old Reserve, Signature Recipe, Classic Recipe, and White Foundation Recipe
George A. Dickel was a man with his hand in the early days of the whisky (George preferred this Scottish spelling) business in Nashville. It’s only fitting his legacy is still alive today in the form of George Dickel Tennessee Whisky. Many of the brand’s most popular spirits are Tennessee whiskies, meaning they go through charcoal mellowing (which Kentucky bourbons do not). It’s recommended that you enjoy these spirits in classic cocktails (think Manhattan and Old Fashioned), neat, or on the rocks. The brand’s distillery — dubbed Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. — offers an inside look at how this legendary spirit is crafted.
George Dickel Tennessee Whisky teamed up with Leopold Bros. to create a rye whiskey that features notes of rosewater, blackberries, caramel, lavender, fig, and citrus. Image: Facebook
Chattanooga Whiskey — Experimental Distillery
1439 Market St., Chattanooga, TN 37402 • (423) 760-4333
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tours: Monday through Friday, noon to 7 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 8 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
See the complete list of spirits HERE.
Chattanooga Whiskey is the city’s first distillery to craft whiskey in over 100 years! Since 2015, the brand’s experimental distillery has explored the past, present, and future of craft distilling. In addition to a vast collection of Tennessee High Malts (whiskey made from a variety of at least 25% specialty malted grains), the brand also frequently releases limited edition spirits as part of its “Experimental Batches.” Previous whiskeys have been infused with everything from honey to cacao, mint, and citrus.
Chattanooga Whiskey is known for its malt-forward style of straight bourbon whiskey. Pictured here is Cask 111. Image: Chattanooga Whiskey
Company Distilling
Flagship Location — 1557 Thompson’s Station Rd. W., Thompson’s Station, TN 37179 • (615) 478-2191
Hours: Sunday, Monday, and Thursday, noon to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 8 p.m.; closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Formal tour reservations are not offered at this location.
Townsend — 8351 TN-73, Townsend, TN 37882 • (865) 366-4360
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.; closed Monday
Tours: Tuesday through Sunday, every hour from noon to 5 p.m.
Spirits: Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Ghost Rail Tennessee Dry Gin, Seismic Rye Single Barrel, and Ace Gap products (Harvest Apple, Blackberry, Chocolate Truffle, Coconut, Espresso, Oatmeal Cookies, Peach, and Vanilla Bean)
Company Distilling is built on the promise that once you sip one of their spirits, you will immediately know something is different about them. Founded in August 2014 and previously known as H Clark Distillery, Company Distilling became the first legal distillery in southern Williamson County in over 100 years. Today, the distillery is led by the founder Heath Clark, Jeff Arnett (former Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller), and Kris Tatum (former president of the Tennessee Distillers Guild and co-owner of Old Forge Distillery). While the brand still crafts spirits in the same Thompson’s Station building where local farmers used to house grains, they also opened a second location in Townsend in 2022.
Company Distilling’s lineup of beverages includes bourbon, gin, and flavored spirits. Image: Facebook
Corsair Distillery
Distillery & Taproom — 1200 Clinton St. Ste. 110, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 499-6577
Hours: Wednesday through Monday, noon to 7 p.m.; closed Tuesday
Tours: Sunday through Friday, every hour from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, every hour from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Headquarters — 601 Merritt Ave, Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 454-4871
Hours: Thursday through Sunday, noon to 7 p.m.; closed Monday through Wednesday
Tours: Thursday through Sunday, every hour from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Spirits: Dark Rye (American Rye Malt Whiskey), Triple Smoke (American Single Malt Whiskey), American Gin (Pot Distilled American Gin), and Barreled Gin (Pot Distilled American Gin)
As many do, this story starts in a garage. Darek Bell and Andrew Webber, longtime friends, began brewing beer and wine but quickly took an interest in whiskey. Today, they have moved out of Darek’s garage and into a Marathon Village distillery where they make small-batch gin and whiskey under the name Corsair Distillery. In addition to spirits, the Marathon Village location offers a lineup of local beers, a cocktail bar, fresh pizza, a tasting bar, and a bottle shop. You can also visit the brand’s headquarters in Wedgewood-Houston, home to a spacious outdoor deck with games.
Corsair Distillery invites you to try its varieties of spirits and see the distilling process firsthand. Image: Corsair Distillery
Jack Daniel’s Distillery
182 Lynchburg Hwy., Lynchburg, TN 37352 • (931) 759-6357
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Spirits: Old No. 7, Single Barrel, Gentleman Jack, Bonded, Tennessee Honey, Tennessee Fire, and Tennessee Apple
A well-known name in the whiskey world, Jack Daniel’s Distillery has been making whiskey for more than 150 years — and it all started with the signature charcoal-mellowed Old No. 7. Today, the brand has six additional whiskey variations. Each is made using Jack Daniel’s signature mash recipe: corn, rye, and barley. You can head to Lynchburg to learn more about the history of Jack Daniel’s and try the whiskey for yourself. There are four tour options, and admission starts at $20.
Jack Daniel’s Distillery is one of the most well-known whiskey distilleries in the game. Their 150-year-old recipes can truly stand the test of time. Image: Jack Daniel Distillery
Leiper’s Fork Distillery
3381 Southall Rd., Franklin, TN 37064 • (615) 465-6456
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Monday
Tours: Last tour starts at 5:30 p.m.
Spirits: TN Whiskey Bottled in Bond, Bourbon Bottled in Bond, TN Whiskey Single Barrel Cask Strength, Bourbon Single Barrel Cask Strength, LF Straight Rye Whiskey, and Old Natchez Trace TN White Whiskey
The history of Tennessee whiskey is celebrated through small-batch production at the family-owned Leiper’s Fork Distillery. Today, the brand creates high-end whiskeys using local ingredients, time-honored techniques, and limestone-filtered water. The retail store and tasting room are inside a 200-year-old log cabin on 27 acres in Leiper’s Fork. Before leaving, be sure to try one of their two staple whiskey brands: Old Natchez Trace White Whiskey and Leiper’s Fork Distillery.
Leiper’s Fork Distillery sits on 27 acres of land in Williamson County. When exploring, visit the 200-year-old log cabin that houses the retail store and tasting room. Image: Leiper’s Fork Distillery
Nashville Craft Distillery
514 Hagan St., Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 457-3036
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 8 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.; closed Monday
Tours: Thursday, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, every hour from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, every hour from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Spirits: Crane City Gin, Maple Whisk(e)y, Traditional Bourbon Whisk(e)y, Original Bourbon Whisk(e)y, Golden Biscuit Sorghum Spirit, Naked Biscuit Sorghum Spirit, Nashville Honey Spiced Honey Liqueur
Former DNA laboratory director Bruce Boeko opened Nashville Craft in May 2016, focusing on delicious handcrafted spirits using local ingredients and resources. Today, the brand is known for its gin and sorghum spirits. Most recently, it introduced its Crane City Dry Gin, a traditional London-style dry gin perfect for making cocktails at home. Other popular products include the Golden Biscuit Sorghum Spirit, which features subtle notes of oak and vanilla cake batter, and the Nashville Honey Spiced Honey Liqueur, the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
Nashville Craft offers a diverse lineup of handcrafted spirits. Image: Facebook
Nearest Green Distillery
3125 US-231, Shelbyville, TN 37160 • (931) 773-3070
Hours: Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday, 9 a.m. to noon; closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Tours: Thursday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Spirits: 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey, 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, Straight Rye Whiskey, Single Barrel Whiskey
Nearest Green Distillery is a 323-acre property that produces products from Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. Founded in 2017, the brand opened its state-of-the-art distillery in 2019 and quickly started making waves. Named after Nathan “Nearest” Green — who is said to be the first Black master distiller on record in the U.S. — the distillery serves whiskey recipes that date back to the 1800s. Most recently, the distillery opened Humble Baron, a restaurant and entertainment venue that houses the world’s longest bar (measuring 518 consecutive feet!).
Nearest Green Distillery is the first distillery in the United States named after a Black individual. Image: Facebook
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery
1414 Clinton St., Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 913-8800
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tours: Sunday through Thursday, every half hour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, every half hour from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Spirits: Tennessee Whiskey, Nelson Brothers Classic Bourbon, Louisa’s Liqueur, Belle Meade Bourbon products, Cask Series, and various distillery exclusives
Charles Nelson boarded a boat to travel from northern Germany with his father, a soap and candle maker. After his father tragically died aboard the ship, Charles continued the family business of soap and candle making, followed by a stint in the butcher business before becoming the owner of a grocery store selling three staples: coffee, meat, and whiskey. Seeing the success of whiskey sales, Charles began distilling. In 1885, he sold nearly 380,000 gallons of Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey. Charles’ wife — one of the only women to run a distillery — ran the business after his death before the doors closed during Prohibition.
Nearly a century later, Charles’ two great-great-great-grandsons revitalized the business. With Charles’ original recipes in hand, they have been making Belle Meade Bourbon ever since. Take a tour to learn more about the distillery’s history, how the spirits are made today, and, of course, taste them for yourself.
Located in Nashville, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery is full of history (and great bourbons). Image: Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery
Old Dominick Distillery
305 S. Front St., Memphis, TN 38103 • (901) 260-1250
Hours: Sunday through Wednesday, noon to 7 p.m.; Thursday, noon to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.
Tours: Sunday through Thursday, every hour from noon to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, every hour from noon to 6 p.m.
Spirits: Formula No. 10 Gin, Honeyball Citrus Vodka, Huling Station Straight Bourbon, Huling Station Straight Wheat, Huling Station Blend, Memphis Toddy, Memphis Vodka
The history of Old Dominick Distillery dates back to the late 1800s when it was founded by an Italian immigrant named Domenico Canale. After landing in Memphis to join his family’s fruit business, he quickly decided he’d rather make whiskey. Fast forward to 2016, when Master Distiller Alex Castle started production again and revived Domenico’s original dream. Today, Old Dominick Distillery handcrafts a variety of spirits, including gin, vodka, bourbon, and Tennessee whiskey.
After your tour at Old Dominick Distillery, head to the rooftop to enjoy a cocktail with friends. Image: Facebook
Pennington Distilling Co.
900 44th Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37209 • (615) 678-8986
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
Tours: Every hour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Spirits: Davidson Reserve, Pickers Vodka, Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream, Walton’s Finest Vodka
Pennington Distilling Co. was established in 2011 and has since nestled in Nashville’s historic Nations neighborhood. They offer bottling, private labeling, and processing services. Pennington has a unique brand, offering everything from sipping cream to vodka. Its inaugural product, Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream, is still around today — and for a good reason. The spirit includes 100% aged Tennessee whiskey, real dairy cream, and more than 30 all-natural flavors.
Pennington Distilling Co. also makes Pickers Vodka, which you’ve likely spotted in restaurants and stores across the South. Image: Facebook
PostModern Spirits
205 W. Jackson Ave. Ste. 205, Knoxville, TN 37902 • (865) 437-3190
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.
Tours: Saturday, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Spirits: Hi(Rye) Whiskey, Straight Malt Whiskey, (Up)Root Gin, Empirical Dry Gin, Giniferous Gin, Kore Vodka, Subrosa Liqueur, Amaro Alpino Liqueur, Amaro Arancia, Amaro Artemisia Liqueur, Barrel Rested Cacao Liqueur, Elderberry Gin Liqueur, Chamomile Liqueur, Fernet Gallo
PostModern Spirits invites you to forget any preconceived notions you might have about spirits. Working with local makers, the brand takes a unique approach to craft distilling, using flavors and colors from natural ingredients and botanicals. Locally owned and operated, the distillery opened in Knoxville in 2016 with five spirits: Kore Vodka, Giniferous Gin, Empirical Gin, Chamomile Liqueur, and Elderberry Gin Liqueur. Whether your taste in spirits is traditional or modern, you’re sure to find something to satisfy.
PostModern Spirits’ (Up)Root Gin is a delicious blend of Szechuan peppercorn, galangal root, and juniper. Image: Facebook
Short Mountain Distillery
8280 Short Mountain Rd., Woodbury, TN 37190 • (615) 563-1243
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; closed Monday
Tours: Friday, 4 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.
Spirits: Green Thumb Organic Tennessee Whiskey, Tennessee Bourbon Whiskey, Red Pecker Rye Whiskey, Organic Shine, Prohibition Tea Shine, Apple Pie Shine
Tennessee moonshine, organic Tennessee whiskey, bourbon whiskey, and other spirits are crafted on Short Mountain Distillery’s 400-acre farm in Cannon County, TN. Owned and operated by the Kaufman brothers, Short Mountain carries on the tradition of the brothers’ great-grandfather, Jesse Shwayder, and his value of living by The Golden Rule, which you will find on every Short Mountain bottle. You can visit the distillery, café, and tasting room or attend a moonshine mixology cocktail class.
The Kaufman brothers were granted permission to build their Cannon County distillery in 2010 and quickly began making 105-proof authentic Tennessee moonshine. Short Mountain Distillery’s moonshiners bring over 100 combined years of distilling experience. Image: Short Mountain Distillery
BONUS: Gatlinburg Moonshine Distilleries
Speaking of moonshine and distilleries, we’d be remiss not to mention Gatlinburg and its moonshine when discussing Tennessee distilleries. Home to three popular distilleries, all near one another, you can spend an entire day sampling authentic Tennessee moonshine. Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery (aka “The Holler”) is the most frequented distillery in the U.S., offering unique flavors like Butter Pecan, Banana Pudding Cream, Strawberry Mango Margarita, and many more. (SB Tip: Ole Smoky also has a whiskey distillery in Gatlinburg, which is lovingly referred to as “The Barrelhouse.”)
Not far is Tennessee Shine Co., which offers small-batch moonshine and whiskey. Visit its distillery to learn the in-depth history of moonshine, how it’s made, and how it relates to the world of NASCAR. While there, taste samples of some of the brand’s most popular products, including Big Orange Dreamsicle Moonshine, Espresso Whiskey, and Pigeon Forge Blush Shine Wine.
Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains and open 364 days a year, Sugarlands Distilling Company invites you to sample its spirits, sip on craft cocktails, and take a behind-the-scenes tour of its stillhouse. Combining traditional and modern distilling practices, the brand is known for its delicious moonshines, whiskey, vodka, and canned cocktails.
Cheers! Check out the interactive map below to start mapping out your travels.
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