Nashville: Green Brier Distillery Tour & Whiskey Tastings

Summary

Family whiskey tales old barrels sweet liqueur and laughter in nashville

You’ll step into Nashville’s Green Brier Distillery for a guided walk through whiskey history—think old barrels, family legends, and hands-on tastings of Tennessee whiskey and bourbon. With a local guide sharing stories (and jokes), you’ll sample four spirits—including Louisa’s sweet liqueur—and get time to wander or shop before heading out again. It’s more personal than you might expect.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell—sort of sweet, but with this sharpness that hit right behind my nose. We’d barely stepped into Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Nashville when our guide, who introduced himself as Mike (he had a beard like he’d been working here forever), started telling us about sunken ships and lost gold. I actually laughed out loud—I mean, I didn’t expect whiskey to have pirates involved. But apparently, the Nelson brothers dug up their family’s whole history just a few blocks from where we were standing. The air inside felt cool and heavy, like it was holding onto all those old secrets.

I kept running my fingers along the wooden rails as we walked through the production floor. The barrels stacked up everywhere looked older than my granddad’s stories. Mike let us peek into the mash tanks—bubbling away with this sour-sweet steam rising up—and explained how Tennessee whiskey gets mellowed with sugar maple charcoal. He handed me a glass of their original recipe (the main reason most people book this day trip to Green Brier) and told us to sip slow. It tasted warm, almost nutty, with something softer underneath I couldn’t quite name. Someone next to me said “vanilla?” and Mike just grinned.

We tried two more bourbons—the modern ones the Nelson brothers make now—and then finished with Louisa’s coffee caramel pecan liqueur. That last one honestly surprised me; it was strong but had this dessert edge that made me want another round (I didn’t ask though). There was a couple from Memphis at our table who kept joking about buying a barrel for their garage. The whole thing felt casual, not rushed at all, which I liked. I still think about that first sip—how it lingered even after we left the tasting room.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided whiskey tasting and distillery visit

• Hear stories of sunken ships and lost gold
• Learn about pre-prohibition whiskey history
• Taste Tennessee’s oldest whiskey
• Taste two modern-day bourbon recipes
• Sample Louisa’s coffee caramel pecan liqueur
• Visit gift shop for spirits and apparel

Top questions

How long does the Nelson's Green Brier Distillery tour take?

The guided tour and tasting experience typically lasts around 1 hour.

Are children allowed on the distillery tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join in prams or strollers; infants must sit on an adult's lap.

Is the distillery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible at Nelson's Green Brier Distillery.

What drinks are included in the tasting?

You’ll taste Tennessee whiskey based on the original recipe, two modern bourbons by Nelson Brothers, and Louisa’s coffee caramel pecan liqueur.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is included; you need to arrive at the distillery yourself.

Can I buy spirits or souvenirs during my visit?

Yes, there is a gift shop where you can purchase spirits, apparel, and barware after your tasting.

Are service animals allowed on the tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted throughout the distillery experience.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to Nelson's Green Brier Distillery in Nashville.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Nelson's Green Brier Distillery in Nashville with a guided walk-through of their production floor led by a local expert; you’ll sample four premium seasonal offerings—including Tennessee whiskey and bourbon—and hear real stories from generations of distillers before finishing with Louisa’s coffee caramel pecan liqueur (and time to browse their shop if you want).