Tennessee is one of the prettiest states in America, they have the Great Smoky Mountains, rushing waterfalls, bountiful wildlife, and many great distilleries. It’s not hard to see why you might choose it as your next holiday destination.

But when you’ve soaked in all of nature’s glory, there is one other thing that you really need to take the time to appreciate. And that is the state’s distilleries. Tennessee Whiskey is renowned across the entire globe so it would be criminal to come to the state without partaking in a sip or two of the stuff.

And you won’t find a finer pour of that delicious Tennessee spirit than in one of the many distilleries scattered around the state. But the Tennessee Whiskey Trail has over 26 different distilleries across each region of the state – so how do you pick which ones are worth a visit?

That’s where I come in. Below you’ll find a list of the 15 very best distilleries in Tennessee that you’ll need to visit.

Jack Daniel’s Distillery

280 Lynchburg Hwy, Lynchburg, TN 37352

You have to have been living under a rock – or at least never visited a liquor store – to not have heard of Jack Daniel’s. It’s one of the most popular whiskeys worldwide. And this distillery is actually a pretty important part of Tennessee history being the first ever distillery in the states, established way back in 1866.

A tour of this distillery and learning how they created the award-winning No.7 whiskey is an absolute must. And of course, while you’re there it would be rude not to sample that classic whisky along with their many new and different delicious flavors.

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

1414 Clinton St, Nashville, TN 37203

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery is a long-standing distillery that was incredibly popular during the 19th century. Of course, its doors had to shut for a while due to a state-wide Prohibition. Thankfully, over 100 years later after its initial closure, those doors swung wide open again.

A trip to this distillery is educational and filled with rich history, but it is also a great amount of fun. You’ll definitely want to take a sip of their gold-medal-winning whiskey that has hints of caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa, and more. Delicious.

George Dickel Distillery

1950 Cascade Hollow Rd, Tullahoma, TN 37388

George Dickel Distillery has built up quite a reputation over the last 150 years. Known for creating some of the finest spirits and the ‘mellow as moonlight’ whisky, tourists and locals alike have reveled in the produce at this distillery.

A tour of this amazing distillery should definitely be at the top of your wishlist, as should sipping at the cocktails on offer. Try the Sothern Simplicity – it’s amazing.

Short Mountain Distillery

8280 Short Mountain Rd, Woodbury, TN 37190

If you’re looking for a picturesque visit to a distillery, you’ll adore Short Mountain which is set on a working farm in Cannon County. This distillery had begun crafting delightful spirits long before the Prohibition and was even known for the finest Moonshine all around.

Today a visit will show you a glimpse of the cherished heritage of producing such spirits. So make sure that you get a taste of their Prohibition Tea Shine and their Apple Pie Shine which are both delightful.

Corsair Distillery

Taproom & Tasting Room – 1200 Clinton St #110 Nashville, TN 37203
Distillery & Headquarters – 601 Merritt Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

When a distillery has won over a whopping 450 medals throughout its history, I think it’s safe to say that it’s earned the right to a visit. Formed in 2008, you’ll find this distillery home to classic whisky, as well as gins rum, brandy, and off-the-wall spirit concoctions.

You’ll definitely have an absolute blast in their tasting room with many wonderful spirits but their tour is definitely worth booking too.

Old Glory Distilling Co

451 Alfred Thun Rd, Clarksville, TN 37040

This small-batch artisan distillery prides themselves on quality above all else. Only the very best batches make it to bottles and you’ll see this for yourself during testing and tours.

Whisky and bourbon are probably their main specialty but they also produce some top-shelf vodka that tastes unbelievably good (read here to learn more about what vodka tastes like). While there, you’ll have to ensure that you try the famous flavored moonshines that come in Blueberry or Strawberry Lemonade, Apple Cider, and Cinnamon roll!

Ole Smoky Distillery

903 Parkway #128, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 (Holler)

If you love moonshine then there is nothing you’ll love more than Ole Smoky Distillery. They produce over a dozen authentic-recipe flavors such as Sour Apple, Cucumber Mojito, Pumpkin Pie, Butter Pecan, and many more.

Take the tour and catch a glimpse at the super interesting distillery process.

And of course, while there you’ll have to sample the delicious Salty Caramel or Mango Habanero whiskey!

Old Tennessee Distilling Co.

3605 Outdoor Sportsman PI, Kodak, TN 37764

At this distilling company, you’ll learn and pay homage to the earliest moonshiners of the Smoky Mountains. It’s pretty educational, and fun, as you learn all about the remarkable history of whisky in the state along with the distilling process that has been handed down from generation to generation.

While at the distillery, be sure to try their amazing rum collection and moonshine samples too such as the Toasted Mango, and Watermelon Falls.

Old Forge Distillery

170 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Keeping its old heritage alive, Old Forge still uses old-fashioned methods that were developed by early settlers to create their amazing and delicious concoctions. There will be plenty to learn on the tours and even more spirits to sample.

From moonshine to rum, vodka to single-barrel aged bourbon they have it all. I would definitely recommend the French Toast moonshine and their 80-proof Old Forge Vodka!

Nashville Craft Distillery

514 Hagan St, Nashville, TN 37203

This distillery is fairly new to the game having opened in just 2016, however, it is definitely up their for one of the best. Wherever possible, they use only local or regional ingredients and produce the spirits from scratch right in the heart of Nashville.

There’s plenty to sample as you try bourbon, gin, liquor, and many other spirits. You should definitely opt for a classic and try the Orginal Bourbon Whisky which has a delectable aroma of vanilla, cherry, and caramel.

Old Dominick Distillery

305 South Front Street, Memphis, TN 38103

Pre-Prohibition, Old Dominick was known for its southern-infused whiskey. In fact, its fruity overtones and amazing flavor pretty much took Memphis by storm. And since 2013, this distillery has brought back that long-coveted spirit taste.

You can take tours to learn about the history, enjoy the many samples in the tasting rooms, and even stop for a bite to eat in their restaurant! You’ll have a variety of whisky, vodka, and gin cocktails to choose from all of which are of impeccable quality.

Southern Pride Distillery

108 Smith Mill Rd, Fayetteville, TN 37334

Sothern Pride’s spirit recipes date back generations. Using a locally-grown cron and on-site natural spring water source, and crafted in copper pot stills, only the finest beverages are produced.

In their tasting sessions, you’ll be treated to samples of delicious mellow and smooth moonshine along with other unique flavors such as Peach, Green Apple, and Blackberry. They also have a Cinnamon and Double Barrel Whiskey.

Sugarlands Distilling Co.

805 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Sugarlands Distilling Co. is arguably one of the best whiskey experiences across the entire United States, so it’s definitely worth a visit. They offer a tour that you simply cannot miss as it takes you around the modern facility and tells you the rich history of moonshiners.

The tasting sessions are just as much fun with so many different quirky flavors to choose from. There’s Sour Mash, Blueberry Muffin, Maple Bacon, Pina Colada, and many more!

Leiper’s Fork Distillery

3381 Southhall Rd, Franklin, TN 37064

Leiper’s Fork is another great distillery that while only producing small-batches of spirits ensures that the quality of said spirits is top-notch. A guided tour round his distillery will involve you learning about the Irish and Scottish settlers who traversed through the Appalachian Mountains. This distillery still uses old-fashioned methods today that you’ll also learn more about throughout the tour.

You’ll definitely want to sample the Colonel Hunter’s Single Barrel Tennessee Bourbon while you’re here.

Knox Whiskey Works

516 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902

Using locally grown heirloom corn, you won’t taste a better corn whiskey than that produced at Knox Whiskey Works. Many of the whiskey’s on offer have won awards, and there are also many delicious gins, liqueurs, and vodka samples available too.

Make sure to try the amazing Tennessee Tailgate Orange Flavoured Vodka or the Marble City Pink Gin while you’re there that are both crafted using 100% pure grain.

Final Thoughts

As you can see there are so many different Tennessee Distilleries available that you won’t want to miss. So be sure to book your spot for a tour in your distillery of choice – they are sure to fill up fast.