If you’re a whiskey enthusiast, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to explore the Middle Tennessee whiskey trail. Embarking on a whiskey tour through Middle Tennessee is an excellent way to explore the region’s rich history and culture of whiskey-making. Middle Tennessee has a diverse tapestry of whiskey producers, ranging from globally recognized brands to small craft distilleries. This region boasts an impressive array of distillery experiences, from trendy urban establishments in downtown Nashville to hidden gems among the lush hills and forests abundant in Middle Tennessee.
Our Nashville guided tour will take you through some of the best distilleries in the region, where you can learn about the process of whiskey-making, sample some of the finest whiskeys, and explore the local attractions and cuisine. Contact us for a custom tour fir to your liking!
The History of Whiskey in Middle Tennessee
Whiskey has been a significant part of Tennessee’s history for centuries, with Middle Tennessee playing a crucial role in its production. The region has been home to some of the most iconic whiskey brands in the world, including Jack Daniel’s, George Dickel, and Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey.
Middle Tennessee’s favorable climate and abundant natural resources, such as limestone-filtered water and high-quality grains, made it an ideal location for whiskey production. The region’s first commercial distillery was established in 1825, and by the 1850s, Middle Tennessee was the largest producer of whiskey in the state.
During the Prohibition era, many distilleries in Middle Tennessee were forced to shut down, and the industry suffered a significant blow. However, the whiskey-making tradition was kept alive by a few dedicated individuals who continued to produce whiskey illegally.
After Prohibition was repealed in 1933, the whiskey industry in Middle Tennessee began to recover slowly. Today, the region has several small craft distilleries that keep the tradition alive. These distilleries produce a wide range of whiskeys, including bourbon, rye, and Tennessee whiskey.
Visiting the distilleries on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail is an excellent way to learn about the history of whiskey in Middle Tennessee. You can see firsthand how whiskey is made, sample different varieties, and learn about the unique characteristics of each distillery’s product. Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast or just looking for a fun and educational day trip, the Tennessee Whiskey Trail is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Whiskey Tasting 101
Tasting Techniques
When tasting whiskey, it is important to follow these steps:
- Look: Observe the color and clarity of the whiskey in the glass.
- Smell: Take a deep inhale and identify the aromas in the whiskey.
- Taste: Take a small sip and let it sit on your tongue for a few seconds before swallowing.
- Finish: Observe the aftertaste and how long it lingers in your mouth.
It is also important to taste whiskey at room temperature and use a clean glass to avoid contamination.
Top Distilleries to Explore
If you are planning a whiskey tour through Middle Tennessee, you must visit these top distilleries:
Corsair Distillery
Established by childhood friends Darek Bell and Andrew Webber, Corsair Distillery boasts two Nashville locations. At its headquarters, guests can explore the complete range of Corsair spirits and take a journey through the barrel house. The second site dubbed the “brewstillery,” offers malt whiskey, high gravity beer, enticing beer cocktails, and experimental whiskey tastings.
Jack Daniels Distillery
In Lynchburg, the renowned Jack Daniel Distillery lies an hour and a half from Nashville. Visitors are presented with various tour options, each offering a unique experience. The Dry County Tour, devoid of whiskey sampling, provides insights into the distillery’s founder, Jack Daniel, and a firsthand glimpse into the whiskey crafting process. For whiskey enthusiasts, the Flight of Jack Distillery Tour offers five Jack Daniel whiskey tastings. Alternatively, the Taste of Lynchburg Tour treats guests to a meal at Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House Restaurant, followed by a visit back to the distillery for a special commemorative gift.
Pennington Distilling Co.
Nashvillians rave about the diverse spirits collection from Pennington Distilling Co. Alongside their renowned Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream, the craft distillery offers Pickers Vodka and Walton’s Finest Vodka. Pickers Vodka undergoes an 11-time distillation process and is available in original and fruit-infused varieties crafted with real fruit. Walton’s Finest Vodka, on the other hand, is meticulously crafted from 100% Tennessee red winter wheat and diluted with Tennessee limestone water.
Pennington’s signature creation, Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream, transcends expectations. This cream liqueur seamlessly blends the essence of Tennessee whiskey with rich notes of caramel, molasses, and pecan. The flavour profile is exceptional, and the bottle itself is a work of art, marrying the charm of a classic whiskey jug with the nostalgia of an old-fashioned milk bottle.
Leiper's Fork Distillery
Immersing yourself in the quaint charm of Leiper’s Fork is akin to stepping back into the late 1800s, particularly 1897, when the Bottled-in-Bond Act was enacted, ensuring stringent standards for pure whiskey. Embracing this tradition, Leiper’s Fork crafts its Bottled in Bond products meticulously, employing a handmade, small-batch approach—a testament to their commitment to excellence. Notably, they even source corn from the owner’s personal farm.
Embark on a tour of their Franklin facility, where visitors are led through the intricate production process and unique blending techniques. Here, you’ll encounter their impressive 500-gallon Scottish pot still, custom-crafted for the distillery’s needs.
The pinnacle of the tour is the tasting experience, held within a charming 200-year-old cabin, echoing the theme of history and authenticity. Guests are treated to samples of three distinct varieties—bourbon, rye, and Tennessee whiskey. Thanks to Leiper’s Fork’s signature sweet mash fermentation process, each sip boasts a smooth and mellow character, truly reflecting its craftsmanship.
Nelson's Green Brier Distillery
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery is known for its hand-crafted whiskeys. Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery traces its roots to the 1800s, when Charles Nelson, the great-great-great-grandfather of the present proprietors, achieved renown for crafting Tennessee whiskey in pre-prohibition America. Today, Andy and Charlie Nelson seamlessly blend tradition—offering Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey, crafted using their family’s timeless recipe—with contemporary innovation at their Marathon Village establishment.
Top of Form
The distillery offers tours that take you through the history of the distillery and the whiskey-making process. You can also visit the distillery’s tasting room to sample some of their unique and flavorful whiskeys.
Ole Smoky Distillery
Ole Smoky Distillery in Nashville offers more than just spirits—it provides an immersive adventure. Specializing in moonshine, Ole Smoky Distillery tantalizes taste buds with various flavors, including butter pecan, blackberry, and apple pie. While the brand boasts multiple distillery locations across Tennessee, the Nashville site resides within the 6th & Peabody complex. Tastings are open to all without reservations, but guided tours require booking. These tours offer exclusive access to the inner workings of the distillery, capped off with a sampling of 13 distinct moonshines and whiskies. Enhanced by live music, both indoor and outdoor areas, and sports broadcasts on a colossal screen, a visit here could easily fill your entire day.
Ole Smoky epitomizes a laid-back atmosphere perfect for those seeking casual enjoyment. Delve into the flavors without the need for intricate discussions about mash bills or aging processes. Simply savor the acclaimed apple pie moonshine or the enticing salty caramel whiskey. Many flavors are also expertly incorporated into cocktails available at the bar, adding an extra dimension to your experience.
These distilleries offer a unique and authentic whiskey experience you won’t find anywhere else. So, grab your friends and head out on a Nashville-guided whiskey tour through Middle Tennessee to explore these top distilleries.
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