Tennessee Launches Its Own Whiskey Trail

When the Kentucky Distillers Association launched the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in 1999, whiskey tourism was in its infancy, there was no bourbon or craft whiskey boom, and the trail had just 10 stops. The Tennessee Distillers Guild gets its tourist project started under very different circumstances, and on Monday it announced the official launch of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, a 25-stop distillery tour across the state of Tennessee.

“The Tennessee Whiskey Trail is a joint effort by all of our Guild members to feature Tennessee whiskey and moonshine, as well as the craftsmen and women that make them,” said Kris Tatum, president of the Tennessee Distillers Guild. “On the Trail, visitors can learn about the art of distilling and about the history and the culture of whiskey-making that is legendary in our state.”

The Tennessee Whiskey Trail consists of 25 distilleries ranging from boutique-sized distilleries to large internationally-recognized operations that span from East to West Tennessee. Along the Trail, visitors can get a taste of the history, tradition, and novelty of Tennessee whiskey, as well as experience the rich landscapes, must-see landmarks, and genuine Southern hospitality that embody the great state of Tennessee.

“This Trail puts an international spotlight on Tennessee and its whiskey culture,” said Tatum. “We hope to see people come from all over the world to just to get a taste of this once-in-a-lifetime Tennessee whiskey experience.”

To embark on the Trail, visitors can get their free passport booklet on tnwhiskeytrail.com or pick them up at select distillery locations and collect stamps at each distillery en route. Those who collect all 25 stamps will receive a commemorative gift to mark their achievement, as well as have their name listed on tnwhiskeytrail.com.