The Tennessee Whiskey Trail is a collection of 30+ distilleries across the state of Tennessee, showcasing the rich history and craftsmanship of Tennessee whiskey and other spirits. It includes everything from world-famous brands like Jack Daniel’s and George Dickel to smaller, craft distilleries producing unique small-batch whiskeys.
Unlike regular bourbon, Tennessee whiskey must go through the Lincoln County Process, which involves filtering the whiskey through charcoal before aging in barrels. This gives it a smoother, mellower taste compared to traditional bourbon.
This road trip will take you through Tennessee’s best distilleries, combining whiskey, history, and scenic drives. The route starts in Nashville, heads south to Lynchburg, then east to Chattanooga and the Smoky Mountains, before looping back. It’s about 5–7 days, but you can adjust based on your schedule.
Day 1: Nashville – Whiskey & Music Capital
Start in Nashville, home to iconic distilleries and legendary country music.
🔹 Breakfast: Loveless Cafe – Fuel up with Southern biscuits and country ham.
🔹 Tour 1: Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery – Try their award-winning Belle Meade Bourbon.
🔹 Tour 2: Corsair Distillery – Known for experimental small-batch spirits.
🔹 Lunch: Peg Leg Porker – Perfect BBQ to pair with whiskey.
🔹 Tour 3: Pennington Distilling Co. – Home of Davidson Reserve Whiskey.
🔹 Evening: Explore Broadway for live music & optional bar hopping (Tootsie’s, The Stage).
Stay in: Nashville – Omni Nashville or a boutique hotel like Urban Cowboy.
Day 2: Lynchburg – The Jack Daniel’s Experience
A 1.5-hour drive south brings you to the historic town of Lynchburg.
🔹 Breakfast: Biscuit Love (Nashville) before heading out.
🔹 Tour 4: Jack Daniel’s Distillery – Take the “Angel’s Share” tour for premium tastings.
🔹 Lunch: Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House – Classic Southern fare.
🔹 Tour 5: Lynchburg Distillery – Small-batch whiskey & moonshine.
🔹 Explore: Downtown Lynchburg’s quaint shops and the Jack Daniel’s General Store.
Stay in: Tullahoma (Holiday Inn Express) or a local B&B.
Day 3: Tullahoma & Chattanooga – Small-Batch Gems
Drive 45 min to Tullahoma, then 1.5 hours to Chattanooga.
🔹 Tour 6: Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. (George Dickel) – Fantastic Tennessee whisky.
🔹 Lunch: Local in Tullahoma before heading to Chattanooga.
🔹 Tour 7: Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery – Unique whiskey blends.
🔹 Dinner: STIR – Great food & craft cocktails.
🔹 Evening: Walk across the Walnut Street Bridge or check out a local speakeasy.
Stay in: Chattanooga – The Read House (historic hotel) or Moxy Chattanooga.
Day 4: Knoxville & the Foothills
Drive 1.5 hours to Knoxville, a growing whiskey hub.
🔹 Breakfast: Maple Street Biscuit Co.
🔹 Tour 8: PostModern Spirits – Experimental craft whiskey.
🔹 Lunch: The Oliver Royale.
🔹 Tour 9: Tennessee Shine Co. – Taste moonshine & whiskey.
🔹 Evening: Explore Market Square for dinner & drinks.
Stay in: Knoxville – The Oliver Hotel or Embassy Suites.
Day 5: Smoky Mountains – Gatlinburg Whiskey & Views
Drive 45 min to Gatlinburg for a mix of whiskey & nature.
🔹 Breakfast: Crockett’s Breakfast Camp.
🔹 Tour 10: Ole Smoky Moonshine & Whiskey Distillery – The most famous moonshine brand.
🔹 Tour 11: Sugarlands Distilling Co. – Smooth whiskey & cool tasting experience.
🔹 Lunch: The Peddler Steakhouse.
🔹 Afternoon: Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
🔹 Dinner: Cherokee Grill.
Stay in: Gatlinburg – Margaritaville Resort or rustic cabin rental.
Day 6: Back to Nashville (Optional Bonus Stops)
Drive 3.5 hours back to Nashville, stopping along the way.
🔹 Tour 12: Leiper’s Fork Distillery (optional stop near Franklin).
🔹 Lunch: Puckett’s Grocery in Franklin.
🔹 Final stop: H Clark Distillery in Thompson’s Station.
Stay in: Nashville for one last night or head home.
Tips for the Tennessee Whiskey Trail:
✔ Book distillery tours in advance – Some require reservations.
✔ Plan for a designated driver or use ride-share where available.
✔ Eat well & hydrate – Whiskey tastings can sneak up on you.
✔ Grab a Whiskey Trail Passport – Collect stamps at each distillery.
✔ Check local laws – Lynchburg is a dry county, but tastings are allowed.