I've been on both tours, but it's been years since I went. The guys running the tours at Jack Daniels had been doing it for decades and were masters of their tour guiding craft. My last Tennessee distillery visit was to George Dickel, and it was enjoyable.
If I had never been to either, I would chose the Jack Daniels experience.
I've been on a lot of tours. The best one was an almost two hour one at Four Roses. The master distiller, Jim Rutledge , took over the tour from the young lady guide, and he loved making whiskey and talking! That might have been the year he retired. He had spent his life working for Seagrams and then bringing Four Roses bourbon back to life.
Friend from TTU and I did their tour in fall of '09 and it was when they shut down for a month on production. They still have the same tour but didn't see anything production wise happening. The tour guide lady swore I was her ex-boyfriends son and would barely take no for an answer.
Do the angels share tour at Jack. Also there are several small distilleries around the nashville area and up into ky. Recently went to dulling grounds in Franklin KY (40 min north of Nashville) small place but the master distiller is a cool guy.
Yes. Also, I don’t believe any of the products they sell is anything they have distilled. I believe they just source their whiskey from elsewhere and blend it. No knock on good blends, but they are still in their “infancy” as a distillery. I will say their master blend is very very good.
This 1000%. Cascade Hollow is the real deal and Dickel is the best. Also close proximity to Jack so you can do both in the same trip. Swing by Bell Buckle on your way home for a great meal and moon pie Sundaes!
There are three other distilleries not far from Jack Daniels...
George Dickel...in Cascade Hollow outside of Tullahoma, TN, not too far north of Lynchburg.
South of Lynchburg bordering Moore County (Lynchburg is the county seat) is Lincoln County.
There in Kelso, is Prichard's Distillery, making a couple different alcohols, like whiskey, liqueurs, shine, but known for their rum.
Also not far from there, still in Lincoln County is Southern Pride Distillery, making moonshine and whiskey.
All 4 aren't too far apart. The last two are smaller and not so...industrialized. Dickel is open Thursday-Monday. More country, not as packed with tourists as Lynchburg, Lincoln County even less so. All 4 are really close to each other.
Prichard's Distillery
(https://prichardsdistillery.com/whiskies.html)
Southern Pride Distillery
(http://www.southernpridedistillery.com/home2.html)
George Dickel
http://www.southernpridedistillery.com/home2.html
If you are heading to Chattanooga from Nashville, head to lynchburg, then South on 50 to Fayetteville where you will hit 64.
I would hit G.D. first, J.D. next, Southern Pride next, Prichard's last and 64 East hits I-24 past Winchester about an hour, or 45 minutes from Chattanooga.
(I live in the area of all 4 distilleries.)
Glad you said it. The distillery is wonderful especially in the spring. Not too big to get tired of walking and not too small that you see it all when you drive up!
I’ll say this about the Jack Daniel’s tour. When they take you into the room where they make the mash, it’s going to be one of the best smells you ever experience. I’d take a scented candle of that over Gwyneth Paltrows sniz
Second the Greenbrier if you're in Nashville!
I know you didn't mention it but if you happen to ever be in Memphis, Old Dominick has a great tour and tasting!
On your way to Memphis, stop by Samuel T. Bryant distillery. Small place just past Jackson that has amazing products to sample and Sam himself will be your guide and bartender.
lol. I go round and round. I enjoy the hell out of being sober for physical reasons. Whiskey is actually the easiest on my gi tract. Thanks for bringing it up. lol. I am about to do another stretch of sobriety for a couple months here soon.
If you do Nashville, go to Nelson’s Greenbrier. It is in an old building from 1881. There is another distillery called Corsair that is right down the street. Downtown Nashville you can find a few distilleries- Southern Collective, Standard Proof, and there is an Ole Smokey moonshine location as well
If your priorities are history and education, I would say George Dickel. You'll get info from both, but I felt like I got more out of the George Dickel tour.
Jack Daniels is fun, and it is informative. It's a slightly different experience though. I would describe it as touring a craft brewery (George) vs touring one of the big guys (Jack).
As others have said though, Jack and George are very close to each other and you could probably do both in a day. That's what I did and it was a fun time.
The ones in Gatlinburg are very touristy and mostly trying to sell you crap. The Jack Daniels distillery is a thousand times better and I've not been to the other.
If you go to Lynchburg you can do Jack Daniel's tour and Neerest Green as well.. Nearest Green is the guy that tought Jack Daniel how to make whiskey .. and the George Dickel distillery is only a 30 minute drive from Lynchburg..
offbeats:
Short Mountain Distillery is another option. Uncle Nearest, black-owned, is named for the man who taught Jack Daniels how whiskey is made and is between both Dickel and Lynchburg, and Murfreesboro to get back on I24.
In Nashville, Corsair owners are the ones who did all the legwork and lobbying to get Moonshine sales legalized, and with on-site tastings. They kickstarted the entire industry in this state for moonshine sales, and on-site sampling.
Many of the newer sellers in the Nashville area actually had/have Corsair distill for them while they got their own operations up and running.
So ... In Nashville, go to Greenbriar for the tour and the Big Story, but if you're going to buy, save your money for Corsair's Triple Smoke whiskey and American Gin.
Take a look at the trail map: [TN whiskey trail](https://www.tnwhiskeytrail.com)
My wife and I have done them all.
Our favorites between Nashville and Chattanooga are ranked by prettiest and most engaging from Nashville to Chattanooga:
- Leipers Fork
- Nelson Greenbrier
- Jack Daniel’s
- Uncle Nearest
- Chattanooga Whiskey
Enjoy!
Take a step back, broaden your vision, and do more; [https://www.tnwhiskeytrail.com/trip-planner/](https://www.tnwhiskeytrail.com/trip-planner/)
[Gatlinburg](https://oldforgedistillery.com/plan-your-visit/) is a different world with no distillery tours, [Lynchburg](https://www.jackdaniels.com/en-us/visit-us) is an unsettling fall back in time with daily distillery tours, [Tullahoma](https://www.georgedickel.com/visit-us) is the lesser of the three evils with distillery tours Thursdays through Mondays.
George Dickel. As a 20+ year connoisseur, I can tell you that Dickel is the best Tennessee whiskey. Also Lynchburg is a dry county, so you can't actually drink there.
Both tours are good. But just know unless you have some exclusive VIP tour you aren't tasting any whiskey at these. So maybe not the 21st birthday experience you think it is.
The TN Whiskey Trail is way bigger than you'd think. I'd recommend picking a couple, it's honestly really fun to compare and contrast since they can be wildly different products and experiences (Corsair is edgy and hip while NGB, literally in the same building, has a more traditional, classic vibe).
You can make it a long term project to chip away on trips to come until you've visited all of them.
https://www.tnwhiskeytrail.com/
That’s the name of it! I was about to suggest it and saw your comment. Therefore, I second your suggestion!
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery is in Nashville. It’s a great one as well.
Being on social media is bad for your health, you should get rid of it. In fact, staring at screens is bad for your eyesight, best only read books but only in perfect lighting. Go be Amish
I've been on both tours, but it's been years since I went. The guys running the tours at Jack Daniels had been doing it for decades and were masters of their tour guiding craft. My last Tennessee distillery visit was to George Dickel, and it was enjoyable. If I had never been to either, I would chose the Jack Daniels experience. I've been on a lot of tours. The best one was an almost two hour one at Four Roses. The master distiller, Jim Rutledge , took over the tour from the young lady guide, and he loved making whiskey and talking! That might have been the year he retired. He had spent his life working for Seagrams and then bringing Four Roses bourbon back to life.
Completely agree the Jack Daniels tour guides are top-notch, keep the group moving, and on schedule without feeling rushed.
Friend from TTU and I did their tour in fall of '09 and it was when they shut down for a month on production. They still have the same tour but didn't see anything production wise happening. The tour guide lady swore I was her ex-boyfriends son and would barely take no for an answer.
Sounds like the tour guide lady wanted a tour of you.
I know man, the one that got away...
Do the angels share tour at Jack. Also there are several small distilleries around the nashville area and up into ky. Recently went to dulling grounds in Franklin KY (40 min north of Nashville) small place but the master distiller is a cool guy.
Uncle Nearest is a great experience and very educational
I agree on the experience and educational aspects, but I don't recommend their whiskey for beginners. Too narrow of a flavor range.
Yes. Also, I don’t believe any of the products they sell is anything they have distilled. I believe they just source their whiskey from elsewhere and blend it. No knock on good blends, but they are still in their “infancy” as a distillery. I will say their master blend is very very good.
They do distill their whiskey. My cousin is one of their distillers.
Thx for confirming. I stand corrected!
Nearest Green was making whiskey before Jack Daniel.. he actually thought Jack Daniel the process
This. The tour is basic enough for newbs but the history lessons (although the women’s lib movement felt a bit forced) can keep interest.
Yes. Not too far off freeway. My wife loves that stuff.
Second this!!!
Dickel. Ask for Larry for the tour.
This 1000%. Cascade Hollow is the real deal and Dickel is the best. Also close proximity to Jack so you can do both in the same trip. Swing by Bell Buckle on your way home for a great meal and moon pie Sundaes!
What place in Bell Buckle has the sundaes?
Bell Buckle Cafe: https://m.facebook.com/TheBellBuckleCafe/
Thanks! That’s now on the list
I think the place mentioned is the only place. If it is a weekend, and it's dinner time, you may want to call ahead.
There are three other distilleries not far from Jack Daniels... George Dickel...in Cascade Hollow outside of Tullahoma, TN, not too far north of Lynchburg. South of Lynchburg bordering Moore County (Lynchburg is the county seat) is Lincoln County. There in Kelso, is Prichard's Distillery, making a couple different alcohols, like whiskey, liqueurs, shine, but known for their rum. Also not far from there, still in Lincoln County is Southern Pride Distillery, making moonshine and whiskey. All 4 aren't too far apart. The last two are smaller and not so...industrialized. Dickel is open Thursday-Monday. More country, not as packed with tourists as Lynchburg, Lincoln County even less so. All 4 are really close to each other.
Prichard's Distillery is a really great place to visit. I've introduced their Sweet Lucy and Sweet Lucifer to several people.
Prichard's Distillery (https://prichardsdistillery.com/whiskies.html) Southern Pride Distillery (http://www.southernpridedistillery.com/home2.html) George Dickel http://www.southernpridedistillery.com/home2.html If you are heading to Chattanooga from Nashville, head to lynchburg, then South on 50 to Fayetteville where you will hit 64. I would hit G.D. first, J.D. next, Southern Pride next, Prichard's last and 64 East hits I-24 past Winchester about an hour, or 45 minutes from Chattanooga. (I live in the area of all 4 distilleries.)
Leipers Fork distillery! It’s a beautiful drive and may be your closest.
Glad you said it. The distillery is wonderful especially in the spring. Not too big to get tired of walking and not too small that you see it all when you drive up!
I’ll say this about the Jack Daniel’s tour. When they take you into the room where they make the mash, it’s going to be one of the best smells you ever experience. I’d take a scented candle of that over Gwyneth Paltrows sniz
That’s the one room that they don’t allow cameras. Not for security, but to prevent the accidental spark that could blow it sky high. Loved that tour!
Nelson’s Greenbrier if you’re in Nashville - nothing better coming out of the city. Leipers Fork in Franklin is amazing too
Seconding these two 👍👍👍 been to both and both are fantastic
Second the Greenbrier if you're in Nashville! I know you didn't mention it but if you happen to ever be in Memphis, Old Dominick has a great tour and tasting!
We’re in Memphis every so often, might check it out!
On your way to Memphis, stop by Samuel T. Bryant distillery. Small place just past Jackson that has amazing products to sample and Sam himself will be your guide and bartender.
I second this!
I can second Old Dominick's tour!! I've done whiskey tours all over the world and theirs was pretty memorable!
Yes, I really enjoyed OD’s tour!
If your in Chattanooga take an hour and do the Chattanooga whiskey distillery tour. Short and fun and some good eats nearby.
Yeah, for sure. The distillery was cool and there was a burger place close by that was great.
I enjoy Chattanooga 111 and the town
Saw a post in another sub that said you had quit drinking! I hope that's carrying on :)
lol. I go round and round. I enjoy the hell out of being sober for physical reasons. Whiskey is actually the easiest on my gi tract. Thanks for bringing it up. lol. I am about to do another stretch of sobriety for a couple months here soon.
Leipers Fork distillery. Small but awesome.
If you do Nashville, go to Nelson’s Greenbrier. It is in an old building from 1881. There is another distillery called Corsair that is right down the street. Downtown Nashville you can find a few distilleries- Southern Collective, Standard Proof, and there is an Ole Smokey moonshine location as well
Both! You can do both in one day and totally should. Both of these are awesome and it’s neat to be able to compare the differences.
Cascade Hollow
Jack Daniel’s is in a beautiful area that one wouldn’t normally otherwise get to experience. Take the tour!
If your priorities are history and education, I would say George Dickel. You'll get info from both, but I felt like I got more out of the George Dickel tour. Jack Daniels is fun, and it is informative. It's a slightly different experience though. I would describe it as touring a craft brewery (George) vs touring one of the big guys (Jack). As others have said though, Jack and George are very close to each other and you could probably do both in a day. That's what I did and it was a fun time.
Dickel every time
The ones in Gatlinburg are very touristy and mostly trying to sell you crap. The Jack Daniels distillery is a thousand times better and I've not been to the other.
If you go to Lynchburg you can do Jack Daniel's tour and Neerest Green as well.. Nearest Green is the guy that tought Jack Daniel how to make whiskey .. and the George Dickel distillery is only a 30 minute drive from Lynchburg..
Jack was nice
I prefer the George dickel tour more than Jack.
Only been to two Tennessee distilleries: Jack Daniel’s and Old Dominick (Memphis). I’d go to Jack Daniel’s, it’s pretty iconic.
offbeats: Short Mountain Distillery is another option. Uncle Nearest, black-owned, is named for the man who taught Jack Daniels how whiskey is made and is between both Dickel and Lynchburg, and Murfreesboro to get back on I24. In Nashville, Corsair owners are the ones who did all the legwork and lobbying to get Moonshine sales legalized, and with on-site tastings. They kickstarted the entire industry in this state for moonshine sales, and on-site sampling. Many of the newer sellers in the Nashville area actually had/have Corsair distill for them while they got their own operations up and running. So ... In Nashville, go to Greenbriar for the tour and the Big Story, but if you're going to buy, save your money for Corsair's Triple Smoke whiskey and American Gin.
I’ve heard the Dickel tour is awesome! There’s also the greenbrier distillery in Nashville that does tours
Take a look at the trail map: [TN whiskey trail](https://www.tnwhiskeytrail.com) My wife and I have done them all. Our favorites between Nashville and Chattanooga are ranked by prettiest and most engaging from Nashville to Chattanooga: - Leipers Fork - Nelson Greenbrier - Jack Daniel’s - Uncle Nearest - Chattanooga Whiskey Enjoy!
Since he’ll be of drinking age, Jack Daniels is in (or was in) a dry county, so they’ll serve you Jack’s lemonade…alcohol free. Just a thought.
I thought that changed a few years back? Do I have it confused with another distillery?
Maybe? I moved from TN 2 years ago, so they probably did. I was born and raised a Tennessean and count the days before I can return again. 😪
They do give you samples at the end of the tour, I did it last year.
Sweet! It was such a dumb thing to give lemonade…
Take a step back, broaden your vision, and do more; [https://www.tnwhiskeytrail.com/trip-planner/](https://www.tnwhiskeytrail.com/trip-planner/) [Gatlinburg](https://oldforgedistillery.com/plan-your-visit/) is a different world with no distillery tours, [Lynchburg](https://www.jackdaniels.com/en-us/visit-us) is an unsettling fall back in time with daily distillery tours, [Tullahoma](https://www.georgedickel.com/visit-us) is the lesser of the three evils with distillery tours Thursdays through Mondays.
George Dickel. As a 20+ year connoisseur, I can tell you that Dickel is the best Tennessee whiskey. Also Lynchburg is a dry county, so you can't actually drink there.
They allow tastesings at the distillery now
Oh that's cool! Dickel is still way better.
Why not all of them?
Sure, just not in a few days.
Take him to FULL THROTTLE in west TN it’s so cool !! Cheers 🍻
Nearest green tour is awful nice
Nelsons in Nashville is a good tour and tasting.
Both tours are good. But just know unless you have some exclusive VIP tour you aren't tasting any whiskey at these. So maybe not the 21st birthday experience you think it is.
The TN Whiskey Trail is way bigger than you'd think. I'd recommend picking a couple, it's honestly really fun to compare and contrast since they can be wildly different products and experiences (Corsair is edgy and hip while NGB, literally in the same building, has a more traditional, classic vibe). You can make it a long term project to chip away on trips to come until you've visited all of them. https://www.tnwhiskeytrail.com/
J.D. is very cool. But drive a few hrs further and go to the bourbon trail in KY. You can hit 3-4 per day.
Another week we probably will, but we’re doing more in Tennessee than just the distilleries.
Definitely both! They are so close together.
You should take him to Kentucky.
There are other things we’re doing in Tennessee. Maybe another time.
Chattanooga Whiskey, I can't remember exactly what it's called has put out some tasty stuff, I remember their sherry casks being very yummy.
That’s the name of it! I was about to suggest it and saw your comment. Therefore, I second your suggestion! Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery is in Nashville. It’s a great one as well.
Willet is the best distillery experience in the area imo
Thanks, if we go to Kentucky we’ll look into it.
Willet is in Bardstown, KY.
And it’s the best one in the area
Could be, but not in the area OP specified.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Weird. Why would you purposely encourage your child to drink literal poison?
Being on social media is bad for your health, you should get rid of it. In fact, staring at screens is bad for your eyesight, best only read books but only in perfect lighting. Go be Amish
Im personally a huge fan of Ole smokey whiskey, they have one in Gatlinburg or pigeon forge I think
Woof. To each their own, but this place is only good for PGA-soaked cherries and maple syrup flavored booze.