Best Distilleries in Tennessee: Your Guide to Unmissable Whiskey Tours

Tennessee, famous for its music, food, and southern hospitality, is also home to some of the best distilleries in the country. Whether you’re a whiskey connoisseur or just someone who enjoys a good drink now and then, there’s something for everyone in the Volunteer State.

Now, you might be thinking: “Tennessee? Really?” Oh yes! In fact, Tennessee has a rich history of distilling that dates back centuries. You’ve probably heard of Jack Daniels – one of the world’s most popular whiskeys hailing right from this state.

So buckle up your taste buds because we’re taking an exciting journey through some exceptional Tennessee distilleries. From big names to small batch artisans that are crafting flavorful spirits with love and care; they’re all here waiting for your visit!

Exploring Tennessee’s Top Distilleries

When it comes to whiskey, few states can hold a candle to Tennessee. It’s in this southern state that you’ll find some of the best distilleries in the world. Let’s dive right into exploring them.

Now, you’ve probably heard about Jack Daniel’s – and for good reason! Nestled in the small town of Lynchburg, this distillery has been crafting its famous Tennessee Whiskey since 1866. Stepping foot here is almost like stepping back in time; the process hasn’t changed much over the years. You’re sure to enjoy their guided tours where you’ll see firsthand how they craft their spirits, from mashing and fermentation to distillation and charcoal mellowing.

Next up on our list is George Dickel Distillery. Located in Cascade Hollow near Tullahoma, it’s known for creating smooth sipping whiskeys with a distinct character. They pride themselves on using time-honored traditions such as chilling the whiskey before filtering through charcoal (a process called “cold chill filtration”), which gives their products a unique flavor profile.

If you’re looking for something a bit smaller scale but equally amazing, check out Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Nashville. Originally founded pre-prohibition era, it was brought back by two descendants of Charles Nelson himself over 100 years later! The effort these guys put into reviving their great-great-great-grandfather’s business is evident in each bottle they produce.

Lastly, we can’t forget about Old Forge Distillery located at the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains. Not only do they offer award-winning spirits, but also an unforgettable experience with tastings conducted inside a historic 100-year-old building.

So there you have it – four top-notch distilleries that prove why Tennessee truly reigns supreme when it comes to whiskey production! Each offers its own unique story and taste experience worth exploring.

Remember though, this is just scratching the surface; there are many more waiting for your discovery across Tennessee’s rolling hills!

• Jack Daniel’s: Known worldwide for its distinct charcoal-mellowed flavor.
• George Dickel Distillery: Famous for its unique “cold chill filtration” method.
• Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery: A family legacy revived after more than 100 years.
• Old Forge Distillery: Offers tastings inside a historic century-old building.

The Unique Charm of Jack Daniel’s Distillery

When you make your way to Tennessee, there’s a good chance you’ve got whiskey on your mind. And what better place to start than the iconic Jack Daniel’s Distillery? Nestled in the small town of Lynchburg, it’s not just the smooth, charcoal-mellowed spirit that lures folks in – it’s also the rich history and captivating charm.

You see, Jack Daniel’s isn’t just another distillery – it’s an institution steeped in tradition and folklore. It was founded back in 1866 by Jasper Newton ‘Jack’ Daniel himself, making it one of America’s oldest registered distilleries. Now let that sink in for a moment! But don’t get fooled into thinking age equals stagnation here. This historic spot has continually evolved while holding firm to its roots.

The tour at Jack Daniel’s is something special. It takes you through a journey where you’ll learn about Mr.Jack; his ingenious method of mellowing whiskey drop by drop through ten feet of sugar maple charcoal (yup, they still do this today); and how he defied Prohibition with skill and grit. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself immersed in stories filled with humor and old-timey wisdom!

At this distillery, it’s not all talk though – expect some delightful sampling too! You’ll get to savor various iterations of their famous Whiskey from the Single Barrel Select to Gentleman Jack. Plus there are exclusive varieties only available at Lynchburg for those keen explorers among us:

• Sinatra Select: A tribute to Frank Sinatra (a big fan), matured extra-long for richer flavor.
• No 27 Gold: Double barreled & double mellowed for super smoothness.
• White Rabbit Saloon: Named after Mr.Jack’s own saloon.

So if you’re planning a distillery trip, make sure to schedule a stop at Jack Daniel’s Distillery. It doesn’t just offer an insider look into world-class whiskey production or fascinating tales about its namesake founder – but gives you an experience that truly encapsulates the soulful spirit of Tennessee whiskey culture!

A Deep Dive into George Dickel Distillery

If you’re a whiskey lover, chances are you’ve heard of the George Dickel Distillery. It’s one of those places that’s steeped in history and tradition. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this Tennessee distillery so special.

Nestled in the heart of Tennessee, George Dickel Distillery has been producing top-notch whiskies since way back in 1870. That’s right, it’s not some new-kid-on-the-block; we’re talking about over 150 years of whiskey-making expertise! And boy does it show in their range of spirits. From the classic No.8 to their Barrel Select Whiskey, each bottle boasts unique flavors that are distinctively ‘Dickel’. It almost feels like you can taste the love and dedication that go into every drop!

But what sets George Dickel apart from other distilleries? Well for starters, they chill their whisky before charcoal mellowing – a process which is usually done at room temperature at other places. They believe this extra step makes all the difference by making their drinks smoother and more enjoyable. Another interesting fact? Their whisky isn’t just popular among drinkers but also chefs who often use it to flavor dishes with an extra kick!

Visiting George Dickel Distillery isn’t just about tasting great whiskeys though; it’s also about immersing yourself in Southern hospitality. You’ll be greeted by friendly staff who love sharing stories about the distillery’s rich past, giving guided tours around its picturesque premises or helping you select your next favorite whiskey at their shop.

So whether you’re a seasoned whiskey connoisseur or someone wanting to explore different types of whiskies, a visit to George Dickel is sure to leave an impression on your palate as well as your heart!

Unearth the Secrets of Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

Venturing into the heart of Tennessee, you’ll find a hidden gem that goes by the name of Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery. It’s not just another distillery; it’s a place rich in history and brimming with stories as potent as its spirits.

The tale began way back in 1850s when Charles Nelson, an immigrant from Germany, stumbled upon this land. He discovered limestone-filtered water flowing freely from a spring and knew he’d found his liquid gold. The distillery was born soon after, and today it stands proud on the same sacred ground.

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery has always been about more than just whiskey. It’s about preserving heritage and continuing a family legacy. You can feel that commitment to tradition seeping through every corner of this old-world charm enriched place.

Visiting this distillery is like stepping into another era. With each sip of their finely crafted spirits, you’re tasting history brought to life again. In fact, they’re using the original recipes handed down through generations! They offer several varieties including:

• Nelson’s First 108 Tennessee Whiskey: A classic spirit aged for at least two years.
• Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee White Whiskey: An unaged version offering a unique flavor profile.
• Louisa’s Liqueur: Named after Charles’ wife Louisa whose own story is deeply intertwined with the distillery itself.

But it’s not all about what’s in your glass here – there are plenty of sights to savor too! Tours around this legendary site reveal many secrets and showcase the intricate artistry behind each bottle produced here.

So next time you’re traversing Tennessee, don’t miss out on discovering this treasure trove of distilled delights – Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery! Remember though, sipping slowly enhances enjoyment while unraveling these secrets one drop at a time!

Experience the Magic at Corsair Artisan Distillery

Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of flavors, aromas, and stories. Let’s embark on a journey into the heart of one of Tennessee’s most innovative distilleries – Corsair Artisan Distillery.

Tucked away in Nashville’s Marathon Village, Corsair is not your ordinary whiskey maker. They’re widely known for their risk-taking approach to distilling. You’ll find them experimenting with unconventional grains like quinoa and triticale or orchestrating smoke-infused brews that will delight your palate.

Here’s something that’ll pique your interest: Corsair was among the early craft distilleries in America to kick-start the resurgence of rye whiskey! And they’ve bagged more than 800 medals at international spirits competitions, so you know you’re sampling some top-notch stuff here.

Are you a fan of tours? Because Corsair offers one heck of an experience! Their tour guides don’t just walk you through the process; they make it come alive with anecdotes about each spirit’s creation and stories from behind-the-scenes. Plus, there are tastings included (you’re welcome!). So brace yourself for an interactive experience where every sip tells a story.

And let me tell ya’, their creativity doesn’t stop at making spirits alone. The folks at Corsair also run a brewhouse right next door where they whip up some fantastic beers too!

To sum it up:

• Experimentation is key – think unusual grains and smoky flavors.
• They played a pivotal role in bringing back rye whiskey.
• More than 800 medals under their belt!
• Engaging tours complete with tastings.
• A brewhouse next door because why not?

So whether you’re a seasoned whiskey aficionado or someone who enjoys trying new things, Corsair Artisan Distillery has got it all covered for you! After all, magic happens when daring meets distilling.

The Allure of Old Dominick Distillery in Memphis

There’s something magical about Old Dominick Distillery, a gem located right in the heart of downtown Memphis. You’re immediately drawn by its impressive brick exterior and inviting entrance. But it’s what happens inside that truly captures your interest.

When you step into Old Dominick, it’s like entering a time machine that whisks you back to Tennessee’s spirit-making history. It all began in 1866 with Domenico Canale, an Italian immigrant who created the famous ‘Old Dominick’ whiskey recipe. And guess what? They’re still using his original formula today!

No tour of this distillery would be complete without mentioning the unique distillation process. At Old Dominick, they’re all about quality over quantity – and you can taste it! Their spirits undergo multiple distillations resulting in a smoother, finer product that stands tall among Tennessee offerings.

And let’s not forget their wide variety of spirits – from traditional bourbons to exclusive blends such as their Huling Station Bourbon or the Honeybell Citrus Vodka. Each spirit boasts its own story and flavor profile:

• The Huling Station Bourbon is high-rye bourbon with a smooth finish – a nod to Memphis’ historic grit.
• The Honeybell Citrus Vodka, on the other hand, is infused with natural citrus flavors offering a refreshing twist for your palate.

Finally, there are those who say visiting Old Dominick isn’t just about tasting great spirits; it’s also about immersing yourself in southern charm and hospitality. You’ll find plenty of both here! So next time you’re in Memphis, why not stop by? Trust us; this is one experience you won’t want to miss!

Tennessee Whiskey Trail: A Journey Worth Taking

If you’re a true whiskey lover, the Tennessee Whiskey Trail is undeniably a journey you’ve got to make. This trail isn’t just about tasting some of the best whiskeys in the world, it’s also about absorbing the rich history and culture that’s been brewing within these distilleries for centuries.

Imagine stepping into over 30 different distilleries scattered all across beautiful Tennessee. Isn’t it thrilling? Each one has its unique charm and flavor profile – from internationally acclaimed brands like Jack Daniel’s and George Dickel to craft distilleries pushing innovative boundaries like Corsair Distillery and Nelson’s Green Brier.

Here are some must-visit stops on your whiskey adventure:

• Jack Daniel’s Distillery: It’s impossible not to mention this legendary Lynchburg establishment when talking about Tennessee whiskey. With its traditional charcoal mellowing process, Jack Daniels offers an authentic taste that has set standards worldwide.
• George Dickel: Nestled in Cascade Hollow near Tullahoma, George Dickel stands as another titan of Tennessee whiskey with its distinct chilled charcoal-mellowed character.
• Corsair Distillery: For those yearning for innovation beyond tradition, Corsair in Nashville is your spot! They’re shaking things up with experimental spirits including quinoa whiskey and smoked beers.
• Nelson’s Green Brier : A heartwarming comeback story awaits at this Nashville distillery where two brothers revived their great-great-great grandfather’s pre-prohibition era business.

Visiting these iconic places will give you not only a sip but also a glimpse into what makes each glass of Tennessee whiskey so special. But remember – don’t rush! The beauty of this trail lies in appreciating each drop of craftsmanship that goes into every single bottle.

Each year, thousands embark on this trail to immerse themselves in the rich heritage behind America’s most loved spirit. According to statistics from The Tennessean, more than 1 million people visited Tennessee distilleries in 2018!

So pack your bags folks! Let yourself be whisked away by the allure of golden grains, hickory smoke, copper stills and barrels aging gracefully under the southern sun because there’s nothing quite like experiencing first-hand how great American whiskey is made right here on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail!

Summing Up: The Best Distilleries in Tennessee

Wow, you’ve made it! You’ve journeyed with us through the heart of the Volunteer State and sampled the spirits that make Tennessee a true whiskey wonderland. Let’s take a moment to raise our glasses once again to the top-notch distilleries you absolutely can’t miss.

You’ve ventured into Jack Daniel’s, arguably one of the most iconic distilleries not just in Tennessee, but in the world. Here, you discovered tradition steeped in every drop of Old No. 7 and felt like part of a family bonded by love for quality bourbon.

Next up was George Dickel where everything is ‘Handmade the Hard Way’. There, you savored distinct flavors that come from chilled charcoal mellowing – Dickel’s signature process.

Then there’s unforgettable Nelson’s Green Brier, resurrected after over 100 years and still delivering some seriously smooth sipping whiskey.

Don’t forget about Old Forge, this Pigeon Forge gem has been crafting award-winning spirits since its revival and their commitment to quality shines through each bottle they produce.

Finally, there’s innovative Corsair Distillery redefining what Tennessee whiskey can be with their unique grain-to-glass philosophy and inventive spirit.

Here’s a quick recap:

Remember this isn’t an exhaustive list – there are plenty more hidden gems sprinkled across Tennessee waiting for your visit! But we hope our guided tour has given you a good starting point for your own spirited exploration.

So next time you’re venturing out on an adventure or simply sitting back to enjoy a well-crafted drink at home, remember these wonderful distilleries – they’re what makes Tennessee truly special! Cheers to your next glass full of Tennessee pride!