More Than Music, More Than Hot Chicken
When people think of Nashville, they think of neon lights, honky-tonk bars, country music stars, and yes, the fiery glory of hot chicken. For years, I thought the same. But when I finally gave myself the chance to spend extended time in Nashville, I realized that the city is also riding a quieter, yet equally powerful, wave: a craft beer and whiskey renaissance.
Not drinking to get drunk, but drinking to connect: to sit where locals sit, sip what they’ve been crafting for generations (or innovating in the last few years), and learn about history and culture one glass at a time.
Nashville turned out to be a city where that belief rang truer than ever. Whiskey has always been Tennessee’s beating heart, with names like Jack Daniel’s echoing across the globe. But in Nashville, I found whiskey heritage mixing with experimental distillers, and alongside them, a booming craft beer scene with breweries producing everything from crisp lagers to barrel-aged stouts.
Over several days, I explored some of Nashville’s most beloved distilleries and breweries. I’ll share with you three drinking adventures I personally lived — moments where I laughed with bartenders, sniffed glasses like a nervous sommelier, and sometimes felt the burn of whiskey stronger than I expected. Then I’ll recommend four more spots that, while I didn’t personally drink in them this time, I researched, walked past, and spoke with locals about — enough to convince me they’re worth your time.
So let’s raise a glass and dive in.
Part I: My Three Personal Drinking Adventures
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery
• Location: 1414 Clinton St., Nashville, TN 37203 (The Marathon Village complex)
• Hours: Mon–Sat 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun 12 p.m.–6 p.m.
• Ticket Price: Tours around $25 per adult; tastings included
• Getting There: From downtown Nashville, it’s a 7-minute Uber or a brisk 25-minute walk west along Charlotte Avenue.
The Experience
My first stop had to be Nelson’s Green Brier, a name that I kept hearing from locals who said, “If you want real Nashville whiskey history, this is it.”
When I arrived, the building itself already set the mood: part of the historic Marathon Motor Works complex, with brick walls and industrial charm. Inside, I was greeted with the warm smell of oak and a guide who clearly loved his job.
The tour took us through the distilling process, but what really captivated me was the story of the Nelson brothers, who revived their family’s distillery after it lay dormant for nearly a century. Whiskey, in their telling, wasn’t just a drink — it was family, heritage, and perseverance.
Then came the tasting. We tried a flight of four:
- Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey – Smooth, slightly sweet, with hints of vanilla.
- Belle Meade Bourbon (Classic) – A bold, oaky bourbon that lit up my palate.
- Belle Meade Reserve – Richer, deeper, the kind of bourbon that makes you sit back and nod slowly.
- Special cask finish bourbon – This one was finished in sherry casks, giving it a fruit-forward complexity I didn’t expect.
I’ll admit: the Reserve was my favorite. I savored every sip, imagining what it would taste like paired with a ribeye steak.
Pros & Cons
• Pros:
o Rich historical storytelling
o Beautiful tasting room with friendly staff
o Great balance of educational + fun
• Cons:
o Tours can get crowded (book online early)
o If you’re not into whiskey, it might feel overwhelming
My Reflection
Walking out of Nelson’s, I felt like I’d tapped into Nashville’s roots. This wasn’t tourist gimmickry — it was a proud revival of history. I even bought a bottle of Belle Meade to bring home, which later became the star of my dinner parties.
Tennessee Brew Works
• Location: 809 Ewing Ave., Nashville, TN 37203
• Hours: Tue–Thu 4–9 p.m., Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Beer Flight Price: Around $12 for 5 tasters
• Getting There: From downtown, just a 10-minute walk south of Broadway, near the Gulch.
The Experience
After whiskey, I needed beer. And everyone I asked pointed me to Tennessee Brew Works, a brewery that prides itself on using local ingredients and sustainable brewing practices.
The space itself is stunning: tall glass windows, a modern taproom, and a stage where local musicians often play. Nashville doesn’t seem to let you drink anywhere without music being part of it.
I ordered a flight:
- Southern Wit – A Belgian-style wheat beer with citrus zest. Refreshing, perfect for a hot day.
- Cutaway IPA – Hoppy and bold, with pine and grapefruit notes.
- State Park Blonde Ale – Light, crisp, and brewed in collaboration with Tennessee State Parks (part of the proceeds go to the parks, which I loved).
- Hippies & Cowboys IPA – A hazy, juicy IPA that might be one of my favorites ever.
- Basil Ryeman Saison – The wild card: brewed with basil and rye. Spicy, herbal, and surprisingly delicious.
The Basil Ryeman was a revelation. I’d never tasted anything like it. It was like a farm-to-table meal in liquid form.
The food menu also surprised me. I paired my flight with a plate of Nashville hot chicken sliders ($14), and I swear the combo of beer and spice nearly made me weep with joy.
Pros & Cons
• Pros:
o Wide variety of beers with experimental flavors
o Fantastic food menu
o Live music adds to the experience
• Cons:
o Can be noisy when crowded
o Parking is limited (Uber/Lyft is easier)
My Reflection
This was where I realized Nashville’s craft beer scene isn’t just playing catch-up — it’s innovating. Tennessee Brew Works is bold, flavorful, and proudly local. I left buzzing (not just from alcohol but from excitement).
Corsair Distillery
• Location: 1200 Clinton St. #110, Nashville, TN 37203 (also in Marathon Village)
• Hours: Mon–Sun 12–6 p.m.
• Tasting Price: Around $15–$20 for a flight
• Getting There: Same area as Nelson’s Green Brier, easy to combine both in one afternoon.
The Experience
If Nelson’s Green Brier was tradition, Corsair was rebellion.
Corsair is known for experimenting — quinoa whiskey, hopped whiskey, even barrel-aged gin. When I arrived, I immediately felt the contrast: funky murals, younger staff, and an atmosphere that screamed creativity.
My tasting included:
- Corsair Triple Smoke Whiskey – Smoky, peaty, almost Scotch-like.
- Corsair Dark Rye – Bold rye spice, very drinkable.
- Corsair Quinoa Whiskey – Yes, quinoa! Nutty, earthy, very different.
- Corsair Oatrage – An oat-based whiskey, smooth and creamy.
The quinoa whiskey blew my mind. It tasted like whiskey had taken a yoga retreat and come back enlightened.
I chatted with the bartender, who told me Corsair sees themselves as “punk rock distillers.” I believed it.
Pros & Cons
• Pros:
o Unique and innovative whiskeys
o Fun, approachable atmosphere
o Affordable tastings
• Cons:
o Not for purists who only want traditional bourbon
o Smaller space, fills up quickly
My Reflection
Corsair reminded me that whiskey doesn’t have to be locked in tradition. It can be playful, surprising, and even weird — and that’s a good thing.
Part II: Four More Recommendations
Jackalope Brewing Company
Known for approachable beers and a fun taproom vibe. Signature brew: Bearwalker Maple Brown Ale, brewed with pure maple syrup. Location: 429B Houston St.
Yazoo Brewing Company
One of Nashville’s first craft breweries. Signature brew: Gerst Amber Ale. Location: 900 River Bluff Dr., Madison. Big taproom, family-friendly.
Ole Smoky Distillery (Broadway Location)
Touristy but fun. Moonshine tastings for around $10. Flavors like apple pie, peach, and even pickles. Location: 423 6th Ave. S.
Blackstone Brewing Company
Nashville’s oldest craft brewery. Known for Nut Brown Ale. Relaxed vibe, good for groups. Location: 2312 Clifton Ave.
Services, Pricing, and Discounts
• Whiskey tours: $15–$25
• Beer flights: $10–$14
• Happy hours: Many breweries run weekday specials (like $2 off pints)
• Booking: Best through Viator, GetYourGuide, or direct websites
Getting Around
• From BNA Airport: Uber/Lyft downtown for $20–$30, 20 minutes.
• WeGo Public Transit: Inexpensive but slower. Good for daytime brewery hops.
• Parking: Limited downtown, easier in outer neighborhoods.
My Honest Reflections
What I loved most was the balance: tradition at Nelson’s, innovation at Corsair, community vibes at Tennessee Brew Works. Nashville is building a scene where whiskey and beer aren’t competing — they’re coexisting, telling different stories.
The burn of whiskey, the cool refreshment of beer, the laughter of strangers becoming friends over a shared flight — these are the moments that stitched Nashville into my heart in a way no honky-tonk could.
Drink to Understand, Not Just to Indulge
If you’re coming to Nashville, don’t stop at Broadway’s neon lights. Step into a distillery, order a flight at a brewery, talk to the people making the drinks. You’ll learn about heritage, innovation, and community.
For me, these drinking adventures weren’t just about alcohol — they were about connection. To history, to locals, to a city that keeps reinventing itself.
So next time you’re in Music City, raise a glass not just to the music, but to the people brewing and distilling its spirit, one pint and one pour at a time.
