For more than 75 years after the repeal of Prohibition, only three distillers in three counties were allowed to produce alcohol in the state of Tennessee. That all changed when the laws were relaxed across the state in 2009—and we’re fortunate they did, since it’s allowed a number of new distilleries to come into the market. In and around Nashville, we’ve seen a resurgence of small, family-run distilleries, some of which have ties to distilleries of the past. Here are five that are starting legacies all their own.
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery
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Brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson have revived a distillery that was started by their great-great-great grandfather and was once one of the largest whiskey producers in the country. At Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, housed inside Marathon Village, you can take a journey back in time to learn about the original distillery with a tour of historical records, articles, advertisements, bottles, and pictures, as well a wander through the distillery itself. Afterward, hit the tasting room for samples of their signature products, including Belle Meade Bourbon, Louisa’s Liqueur (named for their great-great-great grandmother, who ran the distillery herself for awhile), and the newly released Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey, based on the original recipe produced by founder Charles Nelson.
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, 1414 Clinton St.,615-913-8800; greenbrierdistillery.com
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Owned by couple Jeff and Jenny Pennington, this distillery in the Nations got its legs with what became a popular coffee companion: Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream. From there, they launched Pickers Vodka, which now comes in a wide variety of flavors, and soon after launched their very own whiskey. Davidson Reserve Rye came out in 2017, and in 2019, they launched Davidson Reserve Tennessee Whiskey, the first to be distilled and released in Nashville since Prohibition. You can tour the sprawling distillery for a look at the process from grain to glass, with final stops at the tasting bar and bottle and gift shop.
Pennington Distilling Co., 900 44th Ave. N.; penningtondistillingco.com
Stacy Preston Photography
Newly opened in Shelbyville, the Nearest Green Distillery was launched by bestselling author and historian Fawn Weaver—when she learned about Nearest Green, a former slave who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey, Weaver set down the path of creating Uncle Nearest Whiskey with his family’s consent, in homage to Green’s legacy. Today, the distillery brings that history to life. Set on a former Tennessee Walking Horse farm, the experience offers a tribute to the state’s resources, with nods to its equestrian roots, as well as good music and, of course, whiskey. Though it’s still a work in progress, Phase One of the space is open for tastings—they now have single barrel and small batch editions—and hard hat tours, which takes you through the Heritage Hall, a showcase of items representing Tennessee’s many inventions.
Nearest Green Distillery, 3125 Highway 231 N., Shelbyville; unclenearest.com
Nicholas Fantasia
Bruce Boeko had been brewing his own beer and making wine at home for nearly 25 years while he spent his career as a forensic scientist and DNA lab director. When he was faced with a corporate relocation in 2010, he decided he wanted to stay—it was time to switch jobs and do the thing that he truly loved. After attending a few professional programs, he opened Nashville Craft Distillery in 2016. Inside the sleek, industrial space, you’ll find a compact tasting room and all five of the distillery’s products. Boeko prefers to use ingredients he can find right nearby for his inventive spirits. Stop by the tasting room for a taste of Golden Biscuit Sorghum Spirits, Crane City Gin, or the smooth and sweet Nashville Honey, a spiced honey liqueur. The distillery has also recently released its Traditional Bourbon Whisk(e)y, which is only available if you visit in person.
Nashville Craft, 514 Hagan St., 615-457-3036; nashvillecraft.com
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Joe and Jessi Baker launched Gatlinburg’s Ole Smoky Moonshine in 2010 after leaving their careers in law. Joe, whose family has deep roots in and around Appalachia (and a history making moonshine), started making plans for a moonshine distillery in time for the laws to change in 2009. The business originated in Gatlinburg but quickly exploded and now has three locations, which have become the most visited distilleries in the country. Here in Nashville, they joined forces with Yee-Haw Brewing, their beer business, to open 6th & Peabody, a sprawling space that houses a distillery, brewery, tasting rooms, a taco restaurant, and a Prince’s Hot Chicken food truck. With multiple stages and screens, and a large outdoor living room, it’s a destination for great drinks (you’ll find all 20-plus flavors of. Ole Smoky flavors) and plenty of fun.
6th & Peabody, 423 6thAve. S., 865-436-6995; olesmoky.com