15 Top Breweries and Distilleries in Nashville, as Recommended by Local Experts

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery

The story of Nelson's Green Brier Distillery dates back to the 1800s, when Charles Nelson, the great-great-great-grandfather of the current owners, achieved success producing Tennessee whiskey in pre-prohibition America. Today, Andy and Charlie Nelson blend history with modernity at their Marathon Village location, offering Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey crafted from their family’s original recipe. Olagundoye describes the distillery team as “community-focused and approachable,” while Wyman highlights the “fantastic tour of their facilities.” Just remember to book ahead, as weekend tours often fill up quickly.

Bearded Iris Brewing

“In my view, Bearded Iris is the top brewery in Nashville,” shares Wilson Brannock, managing partner at Noko. Olagundoye points out that their IPAs are “easy on the palate for those who prefer less hop intensity,” while Wyman describes their “innovative” brewing style, which leads to a “varied and thrilling beer selection.” The Germantown taproom serves as the original venue, featuring the main production site and ample patio space to enjoy a Queen Bee or Double Agent, among other brews on tap.

Ole Smoky Distillery

At Ole Smoky Distillery, the focus is on moonshine, offering flavors like butter pecan, blackberry, and apple pie. While the brand has multiple distilleries throughout Tennessee, the Nashville location is situated within the 6th & Peabody complex. Tastings don’t require a reservation, but guided tours do. These tours provide an exclusive look behind the scenes of the distillery, concluding with a tasting of 13 different moonshines and whiskies.

Corsair Distillery and Taproom

At the core of Corsair Distillery and Taproom lies experimentation. Founded by childhood friends Darek Bell and Andrew Webber, Corsair seeks to encapsulate “Nashville in a bottle” through its diverse selection of whiskies, gin, and craft beers. Daily guided tours and tastings can be easily booked online. Rick Margaritov, owner of Present Tense and Hippo Bodega in Nashville, notes that Corsair is certainly “a stop worth making, not only for a unique cocktail (or two) at their taproom but also for a walk through the revitalized shopping arcade in the former auto factory.”

Southern Grist Brewing Company

Olagundoye refers to Southern Grist Brewing Company as the “sour king.” “They consistently introduce exciting, seasonal, and adventurous sours that are perfect for warm weather and truly enjoyable year-round.” The East Nashville taproom, which opened in 2016, has dedicated the past seven years to crafting over 1,000 unique beers — including a blueberry cobbler sour ale, a mango upside-down cake IPA, and Southern Crisp, a classic pilsner. For Brannock, Southern Grist ranks at the top for its “fantastic outdoor space [and] extensive beer selection.” He also highlights their zero-proof options as a bonus.

Pennington Distilling Co.

The spirits collection of Pennington Distilling Co. comes highly praised by locals. “They produce Davidson Reserve, a Tennessee whiskey that probably deserves more recognition. They also create Pickers Vodka, a tribute to guitarists and Nashville’s vibrant live music scene,” shares Olagundoye. The craft distillery also features Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream and Walton’s Finest Vodka. “Each spirit is crafted with precision to meet the high standards of a bustling music city,” Wyman states. Olagundoye describes the Nations neighborhood location as a “fun and inviting place,” with tours available Tuesday through Sunday.

Nearest Green Distillery

Located just under an hour from Nashville in Shelbyville, Nearest Green Distillery earns its spot on the list due to its significant contributions to the industry and numerous accolades. “It’s a stunning location, steeped in vital Black and women’s history,” Olagundoye remarks. Victoria Eady Butler, the great-great-granddaughter of Nathan “Nearest” Green—an enslaved man who later gained freedom and taught Jack Daniel the art of whiskey distillation—represents this legacy. The distillery's whiskey has garnered a remarkable number of awards over the years, and Eady Butler was the first to be named “Master Blender of the Year” by Whisky Magazine for two consecutive years.

Tennessee Brew Works

Tennessee Brew Works boasts several appealing features: a commitment to natural ingredients, eye-catching designs (check out their current beer lineup), and a venue that hosts live music, happy hour deals, and guided brewery tours. If the weather's nice, grab a seat on the rooftop and savor one of their “headliners” on tap—or a seasonal brew that piques your interest—alongside Nashville hot chicken or the brewery's Five Beer Burger.

Leiper’s Fork Distillery

“Leiper’s Fork Distillery, located just 15 minutes south of Nashville in Franklin, is a charming off-the-beaten-path destination to visit,” Margaritov shares. This small-batch whiskey distillery boasts a tasting room that dates back 200 years, where guests can enjoy samples of their in-house creations, including Bourbon Bottled In Bond, Leiper’s Fork Straight Rye Whiskey, and Tennessee Whiskey Single Barrel Cask Strength. Tours and tastings are available for booking online.

Yazoo Brewing Company

“Yazoo Brewing Company is among the most celebrated craft breweries in Nashville,” Wyman states. “Their dedication to high-quality ingredients and traditional brewing practices has garnered them a loyal following among both locals and tourists for the last 20 years, making them a top recommendation for out-of-towners.” Established in 2003, the brewery relocated to its current spot in the Gulch in 2010. If you prefer a classic, straightforward beer, Yazoo might be just what you’re looking for; Olagundoye describes their offerings as “good and easy,” with “no pretensions or frills.” His top pick? The Hop Perfect IPA.

Fait La Force Brewing

At Fait La Force Brewing, the rules are minimal. If you're hungry, you can choose from their pub fare menu (think sausage rolls and Belgian frites), order pizza from the nearby Il Forno, or bring your own meal. Dogs are also welcome! “The outdoor space at the brewery offers a unique spot on Chestnut Hill with a stunning view of downtown Nashville,” says Margaritov. In terms of beer, you’ll find a diverse selection on tap, ranging from Italian-style pilsners to Belgian-style saisons.

Nashville Barrel Company

At Nashville Barrel Company, the focus is on offering guests memorable “experiences” rather than traditional tours. For just $25, you can drop by the distillery (no reservation needed) for a tasting flight at the bar. The $50 Premium Tasting Experience includes a guided tour highlighting some Nashville Barrel Company favorites, along with a few surprise tastings. If you're ready to indulge, consider booking the Straight From the Barrel Experience, where a group of 12 can sample from four different barrels, ultimately choosing a favorite to take home in a bottle.

Blackstone Brewing Co.

Established in 1994, Blackstone Brewing Co. proudly holds the title of Nashville's oldest brewery. Its taphouse, located just north of Midtown, features 16 beers on tap, perfectly paired with food served from the brewery’s 1989 Ford school bus, affectionately known as the “B-Stone Bus.” Be sure to visit on days other than Monday, as both the taproom and the bus are closed then if you want to sample the St. Charles Porter, Chaser Pale, or HopJack IPA.

Black Abbey Brewing Company

“Black Abbey holds a special place in my heart,” remarks Margaritov. “These pioneers started as homebrewers in the late ‘90s and were instrumental in the craft beer movement, still producing exceptional Belgian ales that rival even the most esteemed Belgian breweries.” Located in Berry Hill, the brewery and taproom—known as Fellowship Hall—reflect the brand’s heritage with thoughtful details. Its seven handcrafted farmhouse tables evoke nostalgia and create a warm atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their drinks. Black Abbey offers a range of year-round, seasonal, and specialty brews, including its flagship beer, The Rose, available year-round.”

Honeytree Meadery

“Although mead isn't the typical ‘spirit’ found in Nashville, Honeytree Meadery absolutely deserves a spot on this list as passionate artisans and educators of their craft,” notes Wyman. “Visiting Honeytree Meadery offers an immersive experience, where guests can appreciate the synergy between local nature and sustainable craftsmanship.” This indoor-outdoor meadery prioritizes eco-friendly practices and welcomes visitors every day of the week, hosting a trivia night each Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m.