The History Behind the Tennessee Whiskey in Your Glass

If ever you find yourself bound for the Great Smoky Mountains, you should know you’re headed deep into the historical roots of American Whiskey culture. More than 200 years ago, early settlers got their start in the valleys and surrounding foothills of Appalachia. The art of distilling has been passed down from generation to generation and today, these masters have broken down the craft to an exact science.

A great example of whiskey-making heritage is Old Forge Distillery nestled in the lively tourist town of Pigeon Forge. This particular distillery was established in an old farm supply store directly next to the old mill which supplied the corn maize needed for its whiskey mash. Upon your visit you’ll meet Keener Shanton who began distilling his own spirits before being recruited to run Old Forge. While there, you should certainly give the vast multitude of moonshine flavors a taste. Though their signature bourbon has won multiple awards, it’s also amazing to see the wide spectrum of truly intriguing flavors Keener has been able to create.

Not far from the lively main drag that is Pigeon Forge, you’ll find the Tennessee Legend Distillery right off Newport Highway in Sevierville. They have made quite a name for themselves and have been featured in several prominent restaurants such as Nashville’s popular Biscuit Love. During our visit, Tennessee Legend’s head distiller, Justin Holeman, proved himself to be a true chemist. It is truly impressive just how complicated and intricate the process of distilling can be. Justin spends most of his days testing new flavors and crafting new combinations to perfection and he invited us to sample a few for ourselves. Of special note was the Canebrake Whiskey, a true standout that is named after a Rattlesnake species indigenous to the area. For all you coffee lovers, Justin recommends you add a splash of Dirty Cream moonshine liqueur to your cup for an extra kick.

To find one of the best pieces of evidence that the moonshine industry is truly alive and well in today’s day and age, look to Sugarlands Distilling Company in Gatlinburg. The rustic walls are simply covered with a seemingly endless variety of moonshine and whiskey flavors. If you sign yourself up for one of the tasting circles, you’re guaranteed to make at least one (or 20!) new friends as you give the inventory a try. And be sure you don’t miss their specialty cocktail bar where the charismatic staff demonstrates just how creative you can get with moonshine-featuring recipes. If you take the distillery tour, you’ll experience an incredibly well-informed tour and you can see and smell the different states of moonshine in the distilling process. You’ll learn of the different phases a batch will go through as it approaches legal alcohol content. In one of the early stages, you learn of the substantial risk of blindness should it be consumed too early - listen to the professionals, folks!

16 generations flow through Bootleggers Distillery in the mountains of Hartford, Tennessee. Family owned and operated; artisan pride and family heritage gives Bootleggers its authentic flavor. Taste the secret family recipe in every distilled drop with a tour or tasting offered 7 days a week. You can even "Build a Barrel" and choose your own grain mash, ageing time, and custom label for a whiskey that is fully personalized to your bootlegging desires.

While East Tennessee is rife with generational distillers, a few stops on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail are pioneers: forging original takes on the old-fashioned-favorites. Founded by a duo of entrepreneurs, Mossback Distillery roots its young history in the community of Jefferson City. The "Mossback" title, Battery Tasting Room, and select spirits are named after much of the area's heritage. Taste the passion in the speakeasy-style tasting house and bring home a bottle to share.

Known as the "Home of George Dickel," "whisky" has been crafted at Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. for generations. While a bottle of George Dickel is globally famous, every last drop originates from the refreshing cascade spring in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Explore the distillery through three tour offerings: a tour & tasting, The George Dickel Bottled in Bond experience, or the George Dickel Single Barrel Experience. Absorb the serene beauty of the land surrounding the distillery and take a step back in time to 1870. 

Journey with the distillers of Short Mountain Distillery; starting with their origins in moonshine to their endeavors in fine-aged spirits. This small-batch distillery is innovative and ever-changing, striving to bring you their best craft whiskey and moonshine. Explore the 400-acre working-farm nestled in Woodbury with an Appalachian Wagon Ride. To get your own hands in the mix, take the Mixology Class and learn secrets behind the Short Mountain cocktails. Top things off with a traditional tour and private tasting. 

Stroll the streets of downtown Franklin to reach the buzzed atmosphere of Stable Reserve Distillery. Known as the first distiller in Franklin city limits since prohibition, these award-winning spirits combine tradition and modern innovation to bring excitement in your glass. As a full-service bar, no reservations are required to sample their selections. Sample the rye, bourbon, and straight whiskey or opt for clear spirits with the pot-stilled gin or ultra-premium vodka. For an ultimate pairing, explore their live music calendar and plan your trip around songs (and spirits) that speak to you.

Finding someone who has never heard the name Jack Daniel? Nearly impossible. Tennessee Whiskey History is practically bottled at Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee. For over 150 years, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey has found itself front-and-center in bars across the world. Taste the craftsmanship of Tennessee-water-turned-luxury on the Jack Daniel Distillery Tour. Prior to your tasting, learn the remarkable story of an inter-racial working relationship-- one that was so rare in the heart of the 1860's American South. 

With three locations spanning Tennessee, Company Distilling has made quite the name for themselves in the world of Whiskey. Looking for a great weekend activity near Nashville? Take a trip to Thompson's Station and explore the old grain-house-turned-distillery. Observe the open fire still and taste the magic it makes with a $15 portfolio tasting or a $20 premium tasting. With a mission for community, you'll be in good company when you stop on by.

For a "spirited-traveler", a trip to downtown Memphis must include a stop at the 150-year-old historic legend, Old Dominick Distillery. A tour of Old Dominick will take you on a journey of senses and history. Taste the award-winning spirit portfolio, see the state-of-the-art distilling process, and hear the story of the first post-prohibition Whiskey produced in Memphis. Visit the bar for a handcrafted cocktail with refreshing creations of their own whiskey and spirit offerings.