10 Tennessee Distilleries That You Should Definitely Check Out!

The role of distilleries in Tennessee’s economic and cultural history is one worth knowing. By the late 18th century, rye whiskey production had risen in Tennessee and the demand was increasing. By the mid-1880s, the distilling industry was one of the largest in the state but, by the late 1880s, the industry began to decline before manufactured whiskey was prohibited in 1909. When Prohibition ended in 1933, the industry did not rise to its former glory. Instead, laws made it difficult for distillers to practice their craft and production was only legal in a handful of counties. This held true until 2009 when a new law was passed that gave more than counties distilling eligibility. Old distilleries reopened under the control of younger generations — and new distilleries began laying the groundwork to begin creating a history of their own.

Not only do Tennessee’s 20-plus craft distilleries embody the state’s rich history and the industry’s longevity, they make for a fun way to spend a Saturday (or really any day of the week), as well! You may recognize many of these brands from menus across town but, more likely than not, you haven’t had the joy of seeing the production firsthand. We rounded up a list of 10 distilleries that open their doors — and their bottles — to visitors from all over to provide an up-close-and-personal look at the process.

See the List on StyleBlueprint

Vendome machinist, Tim Mattingly and Family, visiting Leiper’s Fork Distillery