Nashville Distilleries & Tasting Rooms in the Downtown Area

Overview

While Tennessee whiskey might be born in Lynchburg, Nashville has grown into a serious sipping city. The downtown core is home to a growing number of distilleries, tasting rooms, and cocktail-forward experiences that showcase the spirit of the South with bold local flair. From traditional Tennessee recipes to new-school takes on bourbon, gin, and moonshine, these downtown spots let you drink deep without ever leaving the city grid.

What to Know

Most of Nashville’s downtown distilleries are walkable from Broadway or a short ride away. Some locations offer full tours and barrel tastings, while others lean into the tasting room vibe with curated flights, specialty cocktails, and lively events. Nearly all offer bottle sales onsite—perfect for taking a taste of Tennessee home with you. And while whiskey reigns supreme, don’t be surprised if you stumble across local vodka, rum, or even absinthe along the way.

Top Distilleries in Downtown Nashville

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

Located just outside The Gulch, Nelson’s Green Brier is a revival story in a bottle. Originally founded in the 1800s, the family-run distillery was resurrected in the 2000s and now produces award-winning Tennessee whiskey and bourbon. The space itself is industrial chic—think exposed beams, vintage photos, and the heady scent of aging barrels. Tours walk you through the full process, from grain to glass, and end with a guided tasting of several house spirits. If you’re short on time, the bar and bottle shop up front offer quick hits and a great cocktail menu. Their Belle Meade Bourbon is a staple, but limited editions and gift sets make for killer souvenirs.

Corsair Distillery (Marathon Village)

Corsair has long held a reputation as one of Nashville’s most inventive distillers. Known for pushing boundaries—think quinoa whiskey, smoked chocolate gin, or hopped malt spirits—Corsair’s Marathon Village location feels like a mad scientist’s lab meets your favorite hangout bar. The tasting room offers curated flights that range from approachable to experimental, and staff are eager to talk flavor profiles and distilling quirks. There’s also a cocktail bar on-site for those who prefer their spirits mixed. If you're looking to try something truly unique, Corsair delivers the weird and wonderful.

Big Machine Distillery

Situated just steps from the Country Music Hall of Fame, Big Machine is a hybrid between music brand and craft distillery. Known for their vodka and specialty moonshines, they also offer flavored whiskeys and pre-mixed cocktails that lean toward crowd-pleasing and party-ready. The space is bright and modern with a casual tasting bar and a lineup that includes house cocktails on tap. It's a quick stop, but a fun one, especially if you’re bar-hopping and want a taste of something sweet, strong, and local. Ask about their music industry ties—this place has serious backstory.

Standard Proof Whiskey Co.

Hidden just a couple blocks off Broadway, Standard Proof focuses on infused rye whiskeys and bold flavor combos. Think cinnamon spice, pecan, or tropical notes layered over a peppery rye backbone. The tasting room feels more like a boutique cocktail bar—dim lighting, exposed brick, and bartenders with serious chops. You can try their full flight neat or dive into creative cocktails that highlight the whiskey's infused character. It's an ideal stop if you’re looking for something smooth, sippable, and just a little bit different.

Pennington Distilling Co. (Whites Creek Pike)

A little further from the Broadway strip—but worth the ride—Pennington Distilling Co. is a powerhouse of small-batch spirits. Their Davidson Reserve series includes Tennessee whiskey, bourbon, rye, and even a four-grain hybrid. Tours run regularly and include full tastings, and the space itself is welcoming and packed with gear for serious spirit nerds. You’ll find seasonal releases, cask strength bottles, and everything from vodka to cream liqueurs. It’s a bit of a commitment distance-wise, but it’s one of the most complete distillery experiences in the city.

Pro Tips

• Go early: Most tasting rooms close by 8 or 9pm, so plan your visits before peak nightlife hours.
• Sample responsibly: Flights can sneak up on you—pace yourself and hydrate between stops.
• Ask questions: Distillers love to geek out—don’t be shy about asking what’s new or what they recommend.
• Buy bottles onsite: Many distillery exclusives aren’t available in stores. Grab it while you can.

The Bottom Line

Nashville’s downtown distillery scene offers a flavorful alternative to the Broadway bar crawl. Whether you're sipping a rye flight in a dim-lit tasting room or chasing down a smoked whiskey cocktail, you’ll find craft and creativity on every shelf. These aren’t tourist traps—they’re the real deal, made by locals who care about the spirit in every sense of the word. Add one or two to your itinerary and you’ll be glad you did.