Nashville might be known for its music, but if you ask any local—or anyone who’s ever had a proper pour of Tennessee whiskey—they’ll tell you: this city runs on more than just soundwaves. It runs on whiskey.
From hidden craft operations to historic labels, the distillery scene in Nashville is booming. And there’s no better way to experience it than on a Nashville Pub Crawl that combines drinking, storytelling, and a deep dive into local history.
Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon buff or just here for a smooth sip with a side of honky tonk, this guide will introduce you to some of the best distilleries in Nashville—and show you how to taste them like a local.
1. Big Machine Distillery – Broadway’s Whiskey Outpost
Right in the heart of downtown, Big Machine Distillery is a must-stop for visitors wanting to experience small-batch Tennessee spirits without leaving Broadway. Known for their Platinum-filtered vodka and smooth whiskey, Big Machine combines craft quality with Music City energy.
Their tasting room also happens to be one of the stops on the Nashville Adventures Pub Crawl. Here, you can try their award-winning lineup while hearing stories of Nashville’s whiskey-soaked past—from frontier saloons to Prohibition-era smuggling.
2. Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery – A Legacy Reborn
Located in the Marathon Village district, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery is steeped in history. Originally founded in the 1800s and resurrected by descendants in the 21st century, this place is more than a distillery—it’s a living tribute to Nashville’s original whiskey empire.
Their flagship Belle Meade Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey are top-tier, and their historic tours are perfect for those wanting more than just a drink. While not always a stop on our standard crawl, guests often hear tales of the Nelson family and their comeback during our Nashville History Tour.
3. Corsair Distillery – Craft Meets Creativity
Corsair isn’t afraid to break the mold. With two locations in Nashville (including one in Wedgewood-Houston), they’ve become known for pushing boundaries with unusual grains, smoked expressions, and even quinoa whiskey.
This is the spot for adventurous drinkers—and yes, it’s sometimes included as a partner on our Nashville Pub Crawl route. Even if it’s not on your specific crawl, Corsair’s reputation for boundary-pushing blends often makes it part of the storytelling.
4. Pennington Distilling Co. – Local Pride in Every Bottle
Tucked in The Nations neighborhood, Pennington Distilling Co. has become a favorite for locals who want authentic, grain-to-glass Tennessee spirits. Their Davidson Reserve line of whiskey is gaining national attention, and their Pickers Vodka is a Music City bar staple.
While this distillery is off the beaten Broadway path, the Nashville Adventures Pub Crawl often features their products at local partner bars—so don’t be surprised if your pour came straight from Pennington’s barrels.
Why Do a Nashville Pub Crawl Instead of Just Hopping Around?
Sure, you could visit these distilleries one by one. But here’s the thing—drinking is only part of the experience. To really understand whiskey in Nashville, you have to understand the city’s story. And that’s where the Nashville Adventures Pub Crawl shines.
Led by expert guides who are also local historians (and occasionally, whiskey philosophers), our crawl connects each drink to the people, places, and moments that shaped it. You won’t just taste whiskey—you’ll experience it the way it was meant to be: surrounded by music, laughter, and stories that linger longer than the finish on your bourbon.
Our Nashville tour routes are tailored to showcase the best flavors and the most fun bars while also giving guests a front-row seat to Music City’s whiskey-fueled history.
It’s Not Just a Crawl—It’s a History Tour in Disguise
We call it a Nashville History Tour, but you might not even realize you’re learning something until you find yourself telling your friends about Andrew Jackson’s distillery habits or the Prohibition loopholes that kept Nashville wet while the rest of the South dried out.
Every stop on our crawl has a story. Every guide has their own way of connecting the past to the pour in your hand. And every guest walks away with a newfound love for both Nashville’s whiskey scene and its rebellious, creative spirit.
Book Your Spot and Drink Like a Local
So whether you’re a whiskey aficionado, a curious traveler, or just someone looking for a good time, the Nashville Adventures Pub Crawl is your backstage pass to the city’s best spirits and boldest stories.
Book your crawl today and get ready to sip, savor, and see Nashville through the eyes of a local—one glass at a time.
