Open Roads And
ROLLING HILLS
Middle Tennessee offers a huge variety of experiences for visitors. One could easily spend a week visiting all these distilleries in this region, so plan accordingly!
Middle Tennessee may be home to some of the world’s most recognizable alcohol brands, yet at the same time offers some of the smallest “craft distillers” in Tennessee. The sheer variety of distilleries in Middle Tennessee are to be celebrated. Some are cool, urban hangouts in downtown Nashville, others are tucked away in the hills and forests that are so abundant in Middle Tennessee, and yet others are eclectic, honky tonk-inspired hangouts that scream Americana. One things for sure … no matter which ones you visit, you’ll always be greeted by a smile.
Clarksville Area
30 minutes north of Nashville, in Clarksville, TN, you’ll find Old Glory Distilling Co., a small batch artisan distillery right off of Interstate 24. Inside, you’ll find lots of barrels of bourbon and Tennessee whiskey aging, as well as a vodka that is sure to please. After you’ve enjoyed all there is to offer in this TN/KY border town, head south on I-24 to Nashville. Or catch an old country road into the big city — there are plenty to choose from.
Nashville Area
Franklin Area
If you’re in the mood for some hand-crafted whiskey in a quiet, yet vibrant, town, head south to Williamson County to the city of Franklin, TN and visit Leiper’s Fork Distillery – a destination that focuses on bringing back the lost art of small-batch distillation using premium, local ingredients. Just a mile west is downtown Leiper’s Fork, a charming stop where you can find farmers, tourists, songwriters, and country music stars alike roaming the streets. Another distillery gem amid the rolling hills and pastoral countryside is H Clark Distillery in Thompson’s Station, where their aim isn’t to make a lot of spirits, but to make a few really good ones. Be sure to try one of their small-batch creations that pays homage to the state of Tennessee, including its Tennessee Bourbon, Tennessee Dry Gin, Tennessee Rye Whiskey, Tennessee Black & Tan, New Whiskey and other seasonal spirits.
Woodbury Area
Heading east from Franklin, TN you’ll past through the town of Murfreesboro, and then a few more miles east and you’ll arrive at Short Mountain Distillery in the small town of Woodbury. Short Mountain Distillery is a craft, small-batch distillery located in the heart of Middle Tennessee crafting authentic Tennessee moonshine, organic Tennessee whiskey, bourbon, and other authentic and original spirits. Their 400 acre farm is located in Cannon County, TN.
South Central Tennessee
An hour or so south of Williamson County is where you’ll run into more distilleries on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Start your day at the George Dickel Distillery hidden away in Cascade Hollow surrounded by 600 protected acres of forest and crystal-fresh springs. Since 1870, the distillery has been faithful to the recipe George A. Dickel created and perfected and they continue to craft George Dickel Whisky just as it was made then — Handmade the Hard Way. You’ll see grains being mashed, watch the spirit come off the stills, and the chill-charcoal mellowing process that gives Dickel that extra bit of smoothness. While you’re in the area, stop by the world-famous Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg.
Just an hour’s drive west is Tenn South Distillery, a perfect spot to try some of Tennessee’s best hand-crafted, small-batch artisan spirits, which are entirely produced and finished on-site.
More Trips & Trail Routes
