Top 5 Tennessee Distilling Craft Spirits You Need to Try
Tennessee’s craft distilling scene has exploded beyond its legendary whiskey heritage, drawing inspiration from the legends of Tennessee distilling and creating a vibrant landscape of small batch spirits that rival anything produced in the country. While the state’s distilling tradition runs deep, today’s Tennessee distilleries are pushing boundaries with innovative techniques, unique botanicals, and award-winning recipes that capture the essence and spirited life of the Volunteer State.
Whether you’re a bourbon purist or an adventurous spirit seeker, these five craft distilleries represent the best of Tennessee distilling, showcasing the present vitality and ongoing evolution of the craft, each offering something truly exceptional that you won’t find anywhere else.
1. Company Distilling (Lynchburg, Thompson’s Station & Townsend) – Multi-Award-Winning Bourbon Whiskeys
Of course we’d have to put ourselves at number one! But we promise it’s not just hometown pride: our spirits genuinely stand up to the best Tennessee distilling has to offer.
With three locations across Tennessee: Lynchburg, Thompson’s Station, and Townsend, Company Distilling has become a cornerstone of Tennessee’s craft spirits movement. Founded by Master Distiller Jeff Arnett (former Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller and 2017 Master Distiller of the Year) and Kris Tatum, we bring decades of Tennessee distilling expertise to every bottle we produce.
What makes Company Distilling truly unique is our innovative approach to finishing our multi-award-winning bourbon whiskeys. Each of our flagship whiskeys is finished with a native Tennessee hardwood for a taste that’s truly one-of-a-kind—a technique that honors the state’s rich natural heritage while creating distinctive flavor profiles you won’t find anywhere else.
Our Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Maple Wood is where tradition meets innovation. This complex and smooth wheated bourbon blends three different wheated mash bills from three different states—two column distilled and one pot distilled—for incredible depth. Aged between 3 years 10 months and 6 years, this 90-proof bourbon enters with sweet notes of caramel and cinnamon toast paired with green apple, then finishes with a silky blend of oak and maple. The maple wood finishing adds a subtle sweetness and warmth that perfectly complements the wheated mash bill.
Our Straight Tennessee Whiskey Finished with Apple Wood (formerly Tennessee Three Wood) celebrates Tennessee’s whiskey-making heritage through the Lincoln County Process. Mellowed through maple charcoal, matured in charred white oak, and finished with toasted apple wood, this expression showcases the diversity of Tennessee’s fruit and hardwood trees. At 86.5 proof, it opens with aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and golden raisins, then delivers a subtle blend of sweet vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, and plums with a soft warm oak finish.
Discover Tennessee’s signature finish
We also offer limited releases and single barrel selections that push the boundaries even further, including our Tennessee Three Wood Single Barrel proofed at 93.1,a number that pays homage to the area code of Lincoln County, Tennessee.
And we’d be remiss not to mention our award-winning Ghost Rail Tennessee Dry Gin. Distilled on an open-fired alembic still using just six botanicals including locally foraged ingredients, Ghost Rail delivers a bright and clean flavor profile—citrus-forward without being sharp, with a prominent juniper note that defines its character, and herbal without overwhelming the palate. It’s equally stunning in a classic martini or a refreshing gin and tonic, proving that a Tennessee whiskey distiller can craft world-class gin too.
Our spirits are distilled using both traditional and innovative methods, ensuring each bottle reflects the highest standards of craft and quality.
What sets us apart is our commitment to the craft at every level. Small batches mean quality control is paramount, and our tasting rooms offer intimate experiences where you can talk directly with the distillers about the process. With production carried out on site at each of our locations in the heart of whiskey country (Lynchburg), just south of Nashville (Thompson’s Station), and at the gateway to the Smokies (Townsend), we’re perfectly positioned for your Tennessee spirits adventure.
2. Corsair Distillery (Nashville) – Experimental Innovation
Just a short drive from our Thompson’s Station location in downtown Nashville, our friends at Corsair Distillery in Nashville have earned national acclaim for their willingness to experiment. This Nashville-based operation (with a second location in Bowling Green, Kentucky) produces everything from traditional whiskeys to truly unusual spirits that challenge what you think distilling can be. Corsair also offers innovative cocktails and mixology experiences, showcasing their expertise in crafting flavorful and convenient mixed drinks.
Their Quinoa Whiskey might sound unconventional, but it’s won multiple awards for good reason, nutty, smooth, and unlike anything else in your liquor cabinet. Meanwhile, their Ryemageddon rye whiskey brings aggressive spice and bold flavor that appeals to serious whiskey drinkers. Corsair’s willingness to play with alternative grains, unique barrel finishes, and creative mash bills makes every visit an adventure.
For those seeking the best Tennessee distilleries pushing creative boundaries, Corsair is essential. Their Marathon Village location in Nashville offers tours that dive deep into their experimental process, where many of their spirits are made from scratch using unique ingredients. Perfect for combining with a visit to our Thompson’s Station tasting room!
3. Chattanooga Whiskey (Chattanooga) – Experimental Excellence
About 60 miles south of our Townsend location, these innovators in Chattanooga revived the city’s 100-year prohibition on distilling and released their first whiskey, marking a historic milestone as the first whiskey produced in Chattanooga since Prohibition. They have since become one of the most innovative producers in the state. Their Experimental Batch series releases limited runs that explore different grains, yeast strains, and barrel treatments, each offering a distinctive nose that highlights unique aromatic profiles.
The Experimental Batch 033 Triple Peat Blended Whiskey layers three different peated malts for a Tennessee whiskey with Scottish influence—smoky, complex, and utterly unique. Their core Chattanooga Whiskey 111 (formerly “1816 Reserve”) offers a high-rye bourbon mash that delivers spice, fruit, and oak in perfect harmony.
What makes Chattanooga Whiskey essential for small batch spirits TN enthusiasts is their transparency. Each experimental batch comes with detailed information about the production process, allowing drinkers to understand exactly what makes each bottle special. An easy road trip from our Townsend location, and their visitor center is absolutely worth the drive.
4. Leiper’s Fork Distillery (Leiper’s Fork) – Traditional Craft Excellence
Right in our backyard near Thompson’s Station, the picturesque village of Leiper’s Fork, just outside Franklin, is home to this gem of a distillery that focuses on small-batch, high-quality bourbon made the right way: no shortcuts, no gimmicks.
Their Tennessee Bourbon uses a high-corn mash bill and patient aging to create a spirit that’s smooth enough for newcomers but complex enough for bourbon connoisseurs. Notes of honey, oak, and dried fruit develop beautifully, and the finish lingers without harsh alcohol burn.
Leiper’s Fork represents the artisanal side of Tennessee distilling—small production runs, attention to every detail, and a commitment to quality over quantity. The distillery draws inspiration from local farm traditions, using ingredients sourced from nearby farms to reinforce their authentic, regional heritage. Their intimate tasting room experience feels more like visiting a friend’s home than a commercial operation. You can easily visit both Leiper’s Fork and our Thompson’s Station location in the same afternoon!
5. Old Forge Distillery (Pigeon Forge) – Smoky Mountain Moonshine
Our neighbors to the east, just about 20 miles from our Townsend location, Old Forge Distillery brings authentic Appalachian craft distilling to the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Located in Pigeon Forge, they’re producing award-winning spirits that honor East Tennessee’s rich moonshine heritage, shaped by generations of legendary moonshiners whose craftsmanship and stories are woven into the region’s history.
Their Mountain Laurel Moonshine is a standout, a traditional white whiskey that captures the essence of Smoky Mountain distilling without the harsh bite often associated with moonshine. Smooth, clean, and authentically crafted, it’s what shines should taste like when made by artisans who care about quality.
Old Forge also produces creative liqueurs, rum, and flavored spirits that showcase local ingredients, making them a fantastic stop for those exploring the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge area. Their selection of rums highlights their commitment to quality and distinct flavors. Combined with our Townsend location, you can experience authentic East Tennessee craft spirits in a single day, all inspired by the surrounding woods that define the Smoky Mountains and the distillery’s identity.
While visiting, don’t miss their welcoming gift shop, where you can purchase spirits, souvenirs, and local products to remember your trip.
Why Tennessee Distilling Matters
Tennessee’s craft distilling renaissance isn’t just about great spirits, it’s about reviving local economies, preserving agricultural heritage, and creating products that reflect their communities. Notably, Clarksville has emerged as a key distilling location, with Glory Distilling recognized for its commitment to traditional craftsmanship and regional identity. From the Smoky Mountains to middle Tennessee, the best Tennessee distilleries are using local grains, water sources, and even botanicals to create spirits that taste distinctly of their place. Local establishments like the salt house also serve as points of interest, highlighting the area’s rich history and traditions.
The state’s craft distillers benefit from Tennessee’s limestone-filtered water (the same natural advantage that made Tennessee whiskey famous), a climate that accelerates barrel aging, and access to quality grains from local farmers. These natural advantages, combined with passionate distillers willing to experiment, have created a spirits scene that rivals anywhere in the country.
Company Distilling Tasting Experience
Step into one of our three welcoming tasting rooms across Tennessee and discover the Company Distilling experience, A true celebration of Tennessee whiskey. With locations in Lynchburg, Thompson’s Station, and Townsend, each destination offers more than just a place to sip award-winning spirits; it’s an immersive journey into the world of innovative wood-finished whiskeys, where every glass tells a story rooted in tradition and innovation.
As you enter any of our distilleries and tasting rooms, you’re greeted by our friendly team where they will help you select a tasting experience. Here at Company Distilling our focus is on our unique approach: multi-award-winning bourbon whiskeys, each finished with native Tennessee hardwoods for flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re sampling our rich, maple wood finished bourbon or our smooth Tennessee whiskey finished with apple wood, every pour reflects the region’s proud distilling heritage combined with cutting-edge technique.
Premium Tasting Experience
Our premium tasting experience invites you to Discover a curated tasting of our signature whiskeys, beginning with our original and best-selling Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished with Maple Wood, followed by a bold pour of its Cask Strength counterpart. Continue your journey with our smooth Straight Tennessee Whiskey Finished with Apple Wood, and finish with the rich character of our Straight Rye Whiskey Finished with Cherry Wood.
Led by our expert staff—passionate storytellers who live and breathe the Tennessee Whiskey, you’ll journey through tastings that explore the nuances of mash bills, barrel aging, and the distinctive flavors created by our native Tennessee hardwood finishes.
They’ll share the history behind each batch, from the first grain to the final bottled product, offering insights that deepen your appreciation for the craft. You’ll discover why our maple wood finish creates those notes of caramel and cinnamon toast, how apple wood brings out vanilla and warm spice, and what makes our award-winning Ghost Rail Gin so perfectly balanced.
Three Unique Locations
Each of our tasting rooms offers its own special atmosphere:
- Lynchburg places you in the heart of Tennessee whiskey country, where tradition runs deep
- Thompson’s Station provides a relaxed, accessible experience just south of Nashville
- Townsend sits at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, offering fresh mountain air and stunning natural beauty alongside world-class spirits
The welcoming atmosphere at each location makes it the perfect destination for holidays, special occasions, or simply a memorable afternoon exploring Tennessee craft spirits. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or just beginning your journey into the world of small batch distilling, you’ll find something to delight your palate and spark your curiosity.
Ready to experience Company Distilling? Book your premium tasting or tour at one of our three locations. Raise a glass, savor the flavors, and become part of the story we’re writing in Tennessee spirits. From our award-winning bourbons to our Ghost Rail Gin, every sip is an invitation to gather around and celebrate the best of what Tennessee craft distilling has to offer.
Reserve your tasting experience today at CompanyDistilling.com and discover why our multi-award-winning spirits are earning recognition across the country. Cheers to creating unforgettable memories!
Planning Your Tennessee Distillery Tour
Each of these distilleries offers tasting experiences, and most provide tours that showcase their production process. When planning your Tennessee spirits journey:
- Company Distilling (that’s us!) with locations in Lynchburg (whiskey country), Thompson’s Station (south of Nashville), and Townsend (gateway to the Smokies) offering intimate experiences with our multi-award-winning bourbons and Ghost Rail Gin
- Corsair in Nashville provides the most experimental range and educational tours—easy to combine with our Thompson’s Station location
- Chattanooga Whiskey offers a comprehensive visitor center with their experimental series, great pairing with our Townsend location (60 miles)
- Leiper’s Fork Distillery provides a quieter, more traditional craft experience—practically next door to our Thompson’s Station tasting room
- Old Forge Distillery in Pigeon Forge showcases authentic Smoky Mountain moonshine—just 20 miles from our Townsend location
- Bristol is also a significant destination for craft spirits and distillery experiences in Tennessee, making it a great addition to your spirits tour.
With our three locations strategically placed across Tennessee, you can build the perfect distillery road trip hitting multiple craft spirits destinations!
The Future of Small Batch Spirits in TN
Tennessee distilling continues to evolve, with new craft operations opening regularly and established distilleries expanding their ranges. The combination of tradition and innovation means that today’s best Tennessee distilleries are creating spirits that honor the past while pushing boldly into the future. Many of these new distilleries are introducing spirits with a hint of unique flavors,like spearmint, vanilla, or caramel—adding complexity and nuanced layers to their profiles.
Whether you’re sipping our maple wood finished bourbon, exploring Corsair’s experimental releases, experiencing Chattanooga Whiskey’s innovation, enjoying the traditional craft of Leiper’s Fork, or tasting Old Forge’s authentic Smoky Mountain moonshine, Tennessee’s craft spirits offer something for every palate. These aren’t just great Tennessee spirits, they’re world-class products that happen to be made in the Volunteer State.
The next time you’re looking for exceptional small batch spirits, skip the mass-produced bottles and explore what Tennessee’s craft distillers are creating. Your taste buds will thank you.
Ready to explore Tennessee distilling? Start with one of our three Company Distilling locations: Lynchburg, Thompson’s Station, or Townsend, then map out your Tennessee craft spirits road trip to visit these incredible neighbors. Each offers unique expressions that showcase why the state’s distilling heritage is stronger than ever.
