We believe that Tennessee is a strong contender when it comes to producing top-quality whiskey, especially with its unique flavor derived from the limestone-rich environment. While Jack Daniel’s holds a prestigious reputation worldwide, we also wanted to shine a spotlight on some of our favorite distillers from Tennessee.
One of the first craft distilleries in Nashville since prohibition, Corsair was founded by two friends, Darek Bell and Andrew Webber. Initially, the pair were set on homebrewing beer and wine until the idea of creating their whiskey struck Andrew, and they decided to act on it. The Distillery was founded in Bowling Green, KY, in 2008 but opened in Nashville in 2010. You could call the pair urban pioneers and take full advantage of their creativity, infusing it in their distilling methods. The company has many unique releases, like its quinoa whiskey and the “Ryemadgeddon” crafted from rye. A favorite drink is the Triple Smoke, a single malt whiskey. The mash bill is smoked by three different fuels: cherrywood, beechwood, and peated malt. Visit the distillery and enjoy a tour, tasting, or some cocktails.
Look no further than Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery if you are interested in whiskey with some history. Coming to America from Germany, Nelson had to quickly find employment after his father passed away on the journey. He made soap and candles but eventually found his way to whiskey after opening a successful grocery store in Nashville. Deciding to pursue whiskey full-time, Nelson sold the grocery store and bought a distillery in Greenbrier, Tennessee. He holds the 5th license ever in the state of Tennessee, while other notable distilleries like Jack Daniels hold the 514th. A year after opening his distillery, he sold 380,000 gallons of whiskey, with competitors topping around 23,000 gallons. They say his success was due to his distribution style, being one of the first to sell whiskey in a bottle. Visit today, and you will get an intimate tour of whiskey’s history.
It’s possible you might know Pennington by its former name, SPEAKeasy Spirits. Their flagship brand is Whisper Creek® Tennessee Sipping Cream®.The introduction of Tennessee Sipping Cream® not only defined the brand but also emphasized their commitment to using locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. Their range includes vodka, cordials, and rye whiskeys, all made from grains supplied by Tennessee farmers. Additionally, Pennington practices sustainability by recycling water and providing the stillage to farmers for animal feed. Located in the historic Nations, visitors can experience a guided tour and indulge in a small tasting session.
You’ll get a personalized experience by visiting Nashville Craft Distillery. The founder, Bruce Boeko, was a former DNA laboratory director. His science background comes into play during the distilling process, and you can respect his interest in the mechanics. Just like Pennington, Nashville Craft is dedicated to sourcing locally for both ingredients and resources. As one of the newer distilleries on our list, opening its doors in 2016, booking a tour is a must. You won't be disappointed. Their personalized approach is truly unique. Boeko himself often leads tours, diving deep into the whiskey-making process using whiteboards to visually explain. You'll have plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning and sensory experiences. Even the most seasoned distillery visitor is sure to walk away with new knowledge.
Extensive research has been conducted in the development of Tenn South Distillery, and visitors and fans alike are thrilled with the results. Founded by two individuals who are passionate about blending time-honored distilling traditions with modern innovations, the journey began with in-depth research into techniques and ideal locations. Settling in Tennessee to take advantage of the rich mineral-infused water from the limestone geological feature shared with Kentucky, they have crafted three exceptional spirits: Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey, Big Machine Platinum Filtered Vodka, and All Mighty 140 Shine. A visit to the distillery promises a full tour and an opportunity to sample their unique creations in the tasting room.
Another vintage distiller is Geroge Dickel. Before Nelson Green entered the industry, George Dickel established Geo. A. Dickel & Co in Coffee County, Tennessee. With his unique vision for whiskey production, George believed that winter was the optimal season for crafting whiskey, leading to the chilling of the spirit before charcoal-mellow filtration—a practice still upheld today. Visitors are welcome to explore the distillery's history through guided tours, although it's slightly off the beaten path, so a quick map check may be beneficial before setting out. Don't hesitate to inquire about the vintage bottles during your visit; original bottles of George Dickel's Tennessee Whiskey are highly sought after.
Finding whiskey sources independently can be a daunting task, but with the expertise of industry leaders like Brindiamo Group, locating barrels becomes a much smoother process. For further details, reach out to the Brindiamo Group for additional information.