Tennessee Whiskey Trail

Recent changes to Tennessee's distilling laws have rekindled interest in a cherished industry that was almost wiped out by Prohibition: whiskey making. 


Before whiskey making was outlawed, dozens of popular distilleries flourished in Tennessee. In the late 1800's, whiskey was a huge business for Tennessee. Demand for corn, oak for barrels and cash for expansion of successful distilleries like Charles Nelson's Greenbrier Distillery was a leading industry for Tennessee. 


After Prohibition, only Jack Daniels and George Dickel carried on the tradition. Until recently.


Important changes to Tennessee law, which previously limited the location of Tennessee distilleries, has sparked interest in Tennessee's whiskey legacy. Whiskey entrepreneurs are now free to resurrect the age-old tradition and legally make and sell Tennessee Whiskey.


Tennessee's whiskey heritage is a potentially serious attraction for national and international tourists.  Jack Daniels is one of the most famous brands in the world and a huge tourist attraction. We look forward to the proliferation of Tennessee artisan distilleries as an important step toward growing Tennessee as a destination for tourists interested in whiskey.


The Tennessee Whiskey Trail features old and new Tennessee distilleries. Visit these entrepreneurs and help resurrect Tennessee's proud history. 

2012 Tennessee Liquor Legislation Recap

Our annual summary of new Tennessee liquor laws is at this link.

If you would like to added to our mailing list, please email me here with your email address and your business type (package store, bar, distillery). We generally send two to four emails a year, and we promise not to spam you.

Metro Nashville Fixing Liquor Privilege Tax?

Many restauranteurs and bar owners have been badgered by Nashville for payment of two or three years of past due fees for a "liquor by the ounce permit." We have been following the issue and advising owners to hold invoices until a couple of legal questions are resolved.

As expected, Metro has changed the way the liquor tax is collected. Several folks have received letters like the following:

We have been in contact with the Metro Collections Office about the legality of collecting back taxes and the tax rate assessed. We continue to advise licensees to hold invoices pending discussions. Although some tax is definitely due, the amount may be significantly less than originally invoiced by Metro.

Stay tuned.