The Volunteer State’s history is steeped in centuries of bootleggers and teetotalers and while some parts of the state are still technically dry, other parts take their whiskey and moonshine very seriously. Tradition and history are as much a part of the craft as taste and quality. Not to mention Southern hospitality. You can find out how they make some of the best spirits in Tennessee with a tour at one of these eight awesome distilleries.
Best Distilleries With Tours in Tennessee
1. Chattanooga Whiskey Co.
In early 2015, this micro-distiller became the first to make whiskey in Chattanooga in over a century, thanks to laws still in place from the Prohibition Era that they helped to overturn. Chattanooga Whiskey makes one thing and they make it well: handcrafted, barrel-aged whiskey. The distillery takes you back to the days of bootlegging rumrunners, with reclaimed wood and a custom-made still. You can book a tour of their rule-breaking facility online.
Chattanooga Whiskey Co. is located at 1439 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Distance from Gatlinburg: 2.5 hours (150 miles)
Distance from Nashville: 2 hours (130 miles)
2. Jack Daniel’s
No doubt you’ve heard of Tennessee’s legendary whiskey-makers. In the small town of Lynchburg (located, surprisingly, in a dry county), you’ll find this 150-year-old distillery brewing one of America’s favorite whiskeys. Free tours of their state-of-the-art facility are offered everyday from 9am-4:30pm. Or, for a small fee, you can upgrade to the tasting tour, which includes samples.
The Jack Daniel’s distillery is located at 280 Lynchburg Hwy, Lynchburg, TN 37352
Distance from Gatlinburg: 4 hours (232 miles)
Distance from Nashville: 1 hour and 20 minutes (73.5 miles)
3. George Dickel Tennessee Whisky
Along with Jack Daniel’s, Dickel is the other heavy-hitter among Tennessee whisky makers. Compared to titan Daniel’s, Dickel’s smaller batches are aged longer and the quality can’t be beat. Not much has changed about the distilling process since George Dickel first started making whisky in 1870 (except for their awesome lady distiller!): high quality and hand-made remain priorities. For $10 you can tour the original Dickel distillery in rustic Cascade Hollow Monday-Saturday 9am-4:30pm.
George Dickel is located at 1950 Cascade Hollow Rd, Tullahoma, TN 37388
Distance from Gatlinburg: 3 hours and 50 minutes (209 miles)
Distance from Nashville: 1 hour and 15 minutes (73 miles)
4. Prichard’s Distillery
Whiskey is not hard to find in Tennessee but rum? Yes, look no further than Prichard’s. These artisan distillers pride themselves on their hands-on, small batch process. In addition to the variety of award-winning rum and whiskey flavors available they also make specialty liqueurs like Praline Cream and Sweet Lucy (as well as Lucy’s devilish cousin, Sweet Lucifer). You can tour their Nashville location (featuring their stunning French-style copper still) Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 12pm-5pm. The original location is in Kelso and is open for tours Monday-Friday 9am-4pm and Saturday 9am-3pm.
The Kelso distillery is located at 11 Kelso Smithland Rd. Kelso, TN 37348
Distance from Gatlinburg: 3 hours and 50 minutes (209 miles)
Distance from Nashville: 1.5 hours (88 miles)
The Nashville distillery is located at 4105 Whites Creek Pike, Whites Creek, TN 37189
Distance from Gatlinburg: 3 hours and 36 minutes (230 miles)
5. Corsair Distillery
Self-described as “hand-crafted small batch ultra premium booze for badasses,” this little craft distillery packs a big punch. With a long list of unique liquors, like Buck Yeah whiskey made with buckwheat and Steam Punk gin, Corsair’s spirits are never boring. Take a tour of the distillery and sip some of the offerings in their tasting room, a perfect mix of modern industrial and Southern charm. Tour times are offered Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (contact the distillery or check their website for specific times.)
Corsair Distillery is located at 601 Merritt Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Distance from Gatlinburg: 3.5 hours (220 miles)
6. Nelson’s GreenBriar Distillery
This family-run distillery is a Tennessee stalwart. Founded in the 1800’s (by the current owners’ great-great-great grandfather), they focus their efforts on making the best bourbon and whiskey they possibly can. No funky flavors here; just high quality, award-winning bourbon. Tours of the historic distillery cost $10 and are offered Tuesday-Saturday 11am-6pm and Sunday 11am-5pm.
Nelson’s GreenBriar is located at 1414 Clinton Street, Nashville, TN 37203
Distance from Gatlinburg: 3.5 hours (222 miles)
7. Knox Whiskey Works
You don’t necessarily need to have a century of whiskey making under your belt to craft fine spirits and Knox Whiskey Works proves that. This craft distillery produces small batches of high-quality whiskey, gin, and vodka, all made with local corns and grains from Riverplains Farm. Learn about their process with a $10 tour of their brand new facility and copper stills Thursday-Sunday.
Knox Whiskey Works is located at 516 W. Jackson Ave., Knoxville, TN 37902
Distance from Gatlinburg: 1 hour drive (35 miles)
Distance from Nashville: 2.5 hours (180 miles)
8. Tenn South Distillery
If dark liquor isn’t your thing, Tennessee might seem like a bourbon-heavy bore. Don’t worry, Tenn South has some clear options, too. Bringing the old fashioned tradition of spirit distilling to the 21st century, this artisan distiller is handcrafting gin, vodka, whiskey, and moonshine in small premium batches. This newcomer is already winning awards and you can see them in action Monday-Saturday from 9am-close.
Tenn South Distillery is located at 1800 Abernathy Rd., Lynnville, TN 38472
Distance from Gatlinburg: 4 hours and 20 minutes drive (283 miles)
Distance from Nashville: 1 hours (66 miles)
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This article was written by Katie Vaughan.