Best Distilleries Near Nashville
Nashville has become one of the most popular starting points for exploring Tennessee whiskey, and for good reason. Within a short drive of the city, you’ll find some of the most historic, innovative, and well-known distilleries in the country—each offering a different take on how whiskey is made, aged, and experienced. From long-established names with global recognition to smaller craft producers pushing boundaries, the region gives visitors a wide range of options to choose from.
This guide breaks down some of the best distilleries near Nashville, what makes each one unique, and what you can expect if you decide to visit. Whether you’re planning a full-day whiskey-focused trip or just trying to narrow down a few stops, this overview is designed to help you compare options and find the right fit for your time in Middle Tennessee.
Jack Daniel Distillery
Location: Lynchburg, TN (73 miles from downtown Nashville)
Primary Release: Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey
Top Shelf Release: Jack Daniel’s Coy Hill Single Barrel
Tour Length: 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Number of Samples: 6
About the Jack Daniel Distillery:
Founded in 1866, Jack Daniel’s is widely recognized as the oldest registered distillery in the United States. The brand traces its roots to Jasper Newton 'Jack' Daniel, who learned the craft of whiskey-making at a young age, including from Nathan 'Nearest' Green—an enslaved man who became Jack’s mentor and the first known African American master distiller. From the beginning, the distillery set itself apart with a focus on consistency and a distinct production method that would later define Tennessee whiskey.
What makes Jack Daniel’s unique is the Lincoln County Process, where newly distilled whiskey is filtered through sugar maple charcoal before aging. This extra step gives the whiskey a smoother character compared to traditional bourbon. Today, the distillery produces a wide range of expressions, from the globally recognized Old No. 7 to more premium offerings like Single Barrel and limited releases. Despite its massive scale and worldwide reach, every drop is still made in Lynchburg using the same core methods that built the brand nearly 160 years ago.
Jack Daniel Distillery Tours
People travel from all around the world to visit the Jack Daniel Distillery. Tours are offered daily, and guests experience a full behind-the-scenes look into one of the world’s largest whiskey operations. Step inside the barrel houses, witness the famed “Lincoln County Process” first-hand, and learn the history of this iconic American whiskey brand. While Jack Daniel’s is in a dry county (or is it?), guests are able to partake in a guided tasting of 6 of their most popular expressions.
Pro Tip: The Jack Daniel Distillery is about 90 minutes away from Nashville, and Uber and Lyft aren’t really an option. We recommend booking a bus tour!
Nearest Green Distillery (Uncle Nearest)
Location: Shelbyville, TN (50 miles from downtown Nashville)
Primary Release: 1884 Small Batch Whiskey
Top Shelf Release: Master Blend Edition Premium Whiskey
Tour Length: 90 Minutes
Number of Samples: 5
About the Nearest Green Distillery
Nearest Green Distillery is one of the newer additions to Tennessee’s whiskey landscape, but its story goes back much further. The brand is built around the legacy of Nathan 'Nearest' Green, the first known African American master distiller and the man credited with teaching Jasper Newton 'Jack' Daniel the craft. For decades, Nearest Green’s role in whiskey history was largely overlooked. That changed when the Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey brand was founded with the goal of honoring his contribution and telling a more complete story of Tennessee whiskey.
The distillery in Shelbyville serves as both a production facility and a tribute to that legacy. Uncle Nearest whiskeys are known for their smooth profile, shaped by the Lincoln County Process, and have quickly earned a strong reputation through multiple award-winning expressions. While the brand sources and blends some of its whiskey, it has also invested heavily in expanding its own distillation operations on-site. In a relatively short time, Nearest Green Distillery has become one of the most recognized names in modern American whiskey, combining historical significance with a fast-growing portfolio of premium products.
Nearest Green Distillery Tours
The combination of important history and delicious whiskey puts a visit to Uncle Nearest on the wish-list for many Nashville visitors. Tours are offered daily, last about 90 minutes, and include a guided walk through the grounds, bottling areas, and rickhouse. The tour includes a guided tasting of five of their popular expressions and often includes limited-release whiskies only available at the distillery.
Pro-tip: Similar to Jack Daniel’s, ride-share services do not typically venture out to Shelbyville. We recommend booking a bus tour.
Nashville Barrel Company
Location: Nashville, TN (3 miles from downtown Nashville)
Primary Release: Small Batch Rye
Top Shelf Release: 9 Yr. Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon - Honey Cask Finished
Tour Length: Your Own Page
Number of Samples: 4
About Nashville Barrel Company
Nashville Barrel Company represents a newer, modern approach to American whiskey, built around the idea of sourcing, blending, and finishing exceptional barrels rather than focusing solely on in-house distillation. Founded in 2018, the company quickly gained attention for its single barrel program, offering private selections that highlight the unique character of individual casks. This model allows them to work with well-aged whiskey from established distilleries while applying their own standards for quality and flavor.
The brand has become especially well known for its cask strength bourbons and ryes, along with creative finishing techniques that introduce additional layers of complexity. Over time, Nashville Barrel Company has expanded into distilling its own spirits, signaling a long-term commitment to building a fully integrated operation. Even so, their reputation continues to be driven by carefully curated barrels and a focus on delivering bold, high-proof whiskeys that appeal to enthusiasts looking for something beyond standard, mass-produced offerings.
Nashville Barrel Company Tours
Nashville Barrel Company offers a variety of experiences, including a whiskey, wine, and chocolate pairing, premium whiskey tastings, whiskey thieving experiences, and blending opportunities that include a custom bottle of whiskey. Walk-ins are welcome, but booking in advance is necessary for their elevated experiences.
Pro Tip: Nashville Barrel Company is a regular stop on the Beer, BBQ, and Bourbon Tour, and participants get an exclusive tour and whiskey tastings straight from the barrel!
Leiper’s Fork Distillery
Location: Leiper’s Fork, TN (28 miles from downtown Nashville)
Primary Release: Bottled in Bond Tennessee Whiskey
Top Shelf Release: Single Barrel Cask Strength Tennessee Whiskey
Tour Length: 60 Minutes
Number of Samples: 3
About Leiper’s Fork Distillery
Leiper’s Fork Distillery was founded with a focus on bringing traditional, small-batch whiskey production back to Williamson County. The brand takes its name from the historic Leiper’s Fork area, a community with deep agricultural roots and a long connection to Tennessee whiskey-making. After Prohibition shut down many local distilleries, that tradition largely disappeared. Leiper’s Fork Distillery was established to revive it, emphasizing hands-on production methods and a slower, more intentional approach to making whiskey.
The distillery produces a range of spirits including bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, and whiskey finished in custom barrels. Their process leans heavily into grain-to-glass production, with an emphasis on quality ingredients and careful aging. Rather than focusing on high-volume output, the goal has been to build a reputation around consistency and craftsmanship. The result is a lineup of whiskeys that reflect both the heritage of the region and a modern commitment to small-batch production.
Leiper’s Fork Distillery Tours
Leiper’s Fork Distillery is truly a hidden gem in the greater Nashville area. Tours are offered Wednesday through Sunday, and guests experience the “start to finish” process they use to make their whiskey. The tasting portion takes place in a historic 200-year-old tasting room, and includes samples of three of their products.
Pro Tip: Visiting Nashville without a car? The Tennessee Whiskey Experience Tour is offered at 11am on Fridays and Saturdays, and typically includes a stop for a tour at Leiper’s Fork Distillery!
Company Distilling
Location: Thompson’s Station, TN (30 miles from downtown Nashville)
Primary Release: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Maple Wood
Top Shelf Release: Single Barrel Straight Tennessee Whiskey Finished with Pecan Wood
Tour Length: 60 Minutes
Number of Samples: 4
About Company Distilling
Company Distilling is a newer name in Tennessee whiskey, but it was founded by a team with deep experience in the industry, including former leaders from Jack Daniel's. The goal from the start was to build a brand that blends traditional whiskey-making with a more modern, approachable identity. Rather than centering everything around a single location, Company Distilling operates multiple distilleries across Tennessee, each designed to reflect its local community while contributing to the overall production and brand.
Their whiskey program focuses on both Tennessee whiskey and bourbon, with an emphasis on quality ingredients, thoughtful distillation, and a consistent flavor profile. As a newer distillery, much of their long-term portfolio is still aging, but they’ve introduced a range of early releases and sourced products to establish their presence in the market. With multiple locations and a scalable approach to production, Company Distilling is positioned to grow quickly while staying connected to Tennessee’s whiskey traditions.
Company Distilling Tours
Tours at Company Distilling offer a more modern take on the traditional distillery experience. Guests get a guided look at their production process, along with insight into how their unique wood-finishing techniques—like maple and pecan—impact the final product. The tour is approachable and informative, making it a solid option for both casual visitors and those looking to learn a bit more about how newer distilleries are carving out their place in Tennessee whiskey. Tastings are included at the end of the experience, typically featuring a mix of their core lineup and limited releases.
Pro Tip: Visiting Nashville without a car? The Tennessee Whiskey Experience Tour is offered at 11am on Fridays and Saturdays, and typically includes a stop for a tour at Company Distilling!
Corsair Distillery
Location: Nashville, TN (2 miles from downtown Nashville)
Primary Release: Triple Smoke American Single Malt Whiskey
Top Shelf Release: Tennessee Single Malt Whiskey
Tour Length: 60 Minutes
Number of Samples: 5
About Corsair Distillery
Corsair Distillery was founded with a focus on pushing the boundaries of traditional American whiskey. Established in 2008, the brand quickly built a reputation for experimentation, using uncommon grains, alternative malting techniques, and unique flavor profiles that stand apart from more traditional Tennessee whiskey producers. Rather than sticking to a single style, Corsair has produced a wide range of spirits over the years, often drawing inspiration from brewing, global whiskey traditions, and historical recipes.
The distillery is especially known for its innovative approach, including smoked malts, quinoa-based whiskey, and other non-traditional mash bills. This willingness to experiment has earned Corsair recognition within the craft spirits industry, including multiple awards and a strong following among whiskey enthusiasts looking for something different. While many Tennessee distilleries focus on heritage and consistency, Corsair has carved out its place by prioritizing creativity and exploration in every batch it produces.
Corsair Distillery Tours
Tours at Corsair Distillery offer a more laid-back, craft-focused experience compared to some of the larger operations in Tennessee. The guided tour typically runs about 60 minutes and walks guests through their production space, including a close look at their stills, fermentation process, and the unique grains they use in their spirits. The focus here is less about tradition and more about experimentation, which gives the tour a different feel than most Tennessee whiskey stops.
Tastings are included and usually feature a mix of their whiskeys along with other spirits like gin or rum, highlighting the range of what they produce. The Marathon Village location also includes a full taproom with craft cocktails, local beer, and food, making it easy to turn a quick visit into a longer stop. Since it’s located right in Nashville, Corsair is one of the most accessible distillery tours on this list and a strong option if you’re looking to stay in the city.
Nelson’s Green Brier
Location: Nashville, TN (2 miles from downtown Nashville)
Primary Release: Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey
Top Shelf Release: Nelson Brothers Calvados Cask Finished Bourbon
Tour Length: 60 Minutes
Number of Samples: 4
About the Nelson’s Green Brier
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery traces its roots back to the 1800s, when Charles Nelson built one of the largest whiskey operations in Tennessee. Before Prohibition, Nelson’s distillery was producing significant volumes of whiskey and distributing it across the country. Like many distilleries of that era, the business was forced to shut down in the early 1900s, and the brand largely disappeared for decades.
The modern version of Nelson’s Green Brier was revived by Charles Nelson’s descendants, who brought the family name back into the whiskey world with a mix of historical influence and modern production. Today, the distillery produces a range of spirits including bourbon and Tennessee whiskey, along with sourced and blended products that helped reestablish the brand early on.
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery Tours
Tours at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery offer a strong mix of history and production, all within a compact, easy-to-access setting just outside downtown. The guided experience typically lasts an hour and walks guests through the full story of the Nelson family, from their pre-Prohibition success to the modern revival of the brand. From there, the tour moves onto the production floor and rickhouse, giving a clear look at how their current lineup is made.
Tastings are included at the end of the tour and usually feature a curated flight of four whiskeys, along with some guidance on how to properly evaluate each pour. For those looking to go a step further, they also offer elevated experiences like rickhouse tastings and bottle-your-own opportunities using limited releases. With its central location, strong historical focus, and variety of add-on experiences, Nelson’s Green Brier is one of the more well-rounded and accessible distillery visits in Nashville.
Big Machine Distillery
Location: Downtown Nashville
Primary Release: Borchetta Bourbon Small Batch, Picker’s Vodka
Top Shelf Release: Borchetta Bourbon 2025 Chip Ganassi
Tour Price: $15
Tour Length: 45 Minutes
Number of Samples: Varies
About Big Machine Distillery
Big Machine Distillery is part of a broader entertainment and spirits brand built by Scott Borchetta, the founder of Big Machine Label Group. The distillery reflects that background, combining whiskey production with a brand identity tied closely to music, motorsports, and Tennessee culture. Rather than focusing strictly on traditional distilling roots, Big Machine has positioned itself as a modern lifestyle brand that extends into spirits, with products designed to be approachable and widely appealing.
The distillery produces a range of Tennessee whiskey and bourbon under the Big Machine name, along with other spirits that complement its broader portfolio, including Picker's Vodka. Their whiskey follows the core principles of Tennessee distillation, including charcoal mellowing, while aiming for a smooth, easy-drinking profile. As a newer entrant in the market, Big Machine Distillery continues to grow its presence through brand partnerships and expansion, building recognition both within Tennessee and beyond.
Big Machine Distillery Tours
Tours at Big Machine Distillery offer a different kind of experience compared to most stops on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Located right in downtown Nashville, the tour blends a look at their production process with a more entertainment-driven atmosphere. Guests walk through the distilling and finishing side of the operation, learning how their spirits are made across multiple locations, before finishing with a guided tasting of their whiskey, vodka, and other products.
Final Thoughts
There’s no shortage of great distilleries within reach of Nashville, but the right choice really comes down to what kind of experience you’re looking for. You’ve got historic operations like Jack Daniel’s Distillery, modern destinations like Nearest Green Distillery, and a mix of in-town options such as Nashville Barrel Company and Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery. Each one offers something different, whether that’s deep history, innovative whiskey-making, or a more social, laid-back tasting environment.
The one challenge most visitors run into is logistics. Many of the top distilleries are 45–90 minutes outside the city, and getting there isn’t always simple without a car. That’s where guided experiences make a big difference. With Tennessee Whiskey Tours, everything is handled for you—from transportation to reservations—so you can focus on enjoying the day instead of planning it. Whether you’re visiting for a special occasion or just want to experience Tennessee whiskey the right way, a guided tour is the easiest and most reliable way to make it happen.
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It depends on what you’re looking for. Jack Daniel’s Distillery is the most iconic and history-driven, while Nearest Green Distillery offers a more modern, immersive experience. If you prefer to stay in the city, places like Nashville Barrel Company are a great option.
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Most of the major distilleries are between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours from downtown Nashville. For example, Jack Daniel’s is about 90 minutes away, while Leiper’s Fork and Company Distilling are closer to 30–45 minutes.
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DescriptionYes, but it takes planning. Travel time, tour schedules, and tasting experiences can make it difficult to coordinate on your own. Many visitors choose a guided tour to make this easier and fit multiple stops into one day. text goes here
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Most distillery tours include a guided tasting at the end, typically ranging from 3 to 6 samples depending on the location. Some also offer upgraded tastings or limited-release pours for an additional cost.
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For distilleries outside Nashville, rideshare options are very limited or unreliable—especially for the return trip. Booking a guided tour or arranging private transportation is usually the best and safest option.