Nelson's Green Brier Distillery

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery History

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery Advertisement

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery Advertisements

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery Historical Marker

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery

Nelson's Green Brier Warehouse

Nelson's Green Brier Tasting Bar

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery Tasting Bar - These are the spirits that we sampled.

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery Gift Shop Bottle Selection

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery Barrel Head

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery History

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery Advertisement

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery Advertisements

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery Historical Marker

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery

Nelson's Green Brier Warehouse

Nelson's Green Brier Tasting Bar

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery Tasting Bar - These are the spirits that we sampled.

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery Gift Shop Bottle Selection

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery Barrel Head

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery can trace its roots back to the early days of Tennessee distilling. Their DSP (Distilled Spirits Plant) number of 5 can attest to this. The current distillery is not at the same location as the original, nor did they distill continuously since they first began in the 1860’s, but they are, none-the-less, steeped in tradition. Two brothers, Charlie & Andy Nelson, happened to chance upon their family's distilling history while stopping for gas one day and noticing historical markers for Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery. After some research into their family history, they were determined to make distilling an integral part of their family's story once again.

A fairly detailed history of the family and distillery is covered on the tour. In fact, the first half of the tour consists of progressing through 3 different galleries of photographs, newspaper stories and advertisements focusing on this history. Our knowledgeable tour guide provided explanations of what we were seeing, and answered any questions. A somewhat unique aspect of the Nelson's Green Brier tour is that more time is spent on the history than on explaining the distilling process or the actual touring of the the current operating distillery.

Unfortunately, our time spent in the production portion of the distillery was quite brief, explanations were relatively concise, and we were rushed as a group from area to area. This left little time to take photos or delve more deeply into the distilling process and unique features of this distillery. Perhaps the experience is different depending on the day and the tour guide, but this could be an opportunity for Nelson's to explore. Perhaps, a tour for those more interested in focusing on the distilling process could be added?

Our tour finished at the tasting bar where we sampled four of Nelson's Green Brier's products: Belle Meade Bourbon (sourced from MGP - Midwest Grain Products); the Madeira cask finished variant of their Belle Meade Bourbon; Louisa's Liqueur (a coffee, caramel, pecan liqueur); and the Nelson's 108 (the Tennessee Whiskey which is distilled on-site). The folks at Nelson's Green Brier Distillery, like many others starting out, needed a product to sell while they were waiting for their own whiskey to mature. So, like many young distilleries, they sourced their initial whiskey, a bourbon, from MGP. This is not a bad thing - MGP makes fine bourbons and ryes, with their older bourbons actually being in high demand. The Belle Meade Bourbon line, which has many barrel finished variants, some of which are highly sought after, such as their honey finished bourbon, will be continued. In addition they will also produce their Tennessee Whiskey, which is made entirely from their own distillate. Many distilleries discontinue their sourced line when they begin selling their own product, but I think Nelson's is wise to continue their successful Belle Meade line of bourbons.

When our tasting concluded, we were free to visit the gift shop, where logo items as well as spirits are available for purchase. Here you may find special or limited releases which are only available at the distillery. For example, we found the 12 year old Cask Strength Single Barrel version of their Belle Meade bourbon; quite a nice surprise! I also have to give a shout out to PJ in the gift shop, who was very knowledgeable and helpful, even though his true love is music.

A visit to Nelson's Green Brier Distillery is a worthwhile stop, especially for anyone who really enjoys learning about the history behind distilleries. Cheers!

Historical information from:

https://greenbrierdistillery.com/nelsonsgreenbrierhistory/ (accessed May 25, 2019)

(

https://greenbrierdistillery.com/newsblog/2014/11/29/forbes-brothers-resurrect-family-distillery-105-years-after-prohibition-closed-it) (accessed May 25, 2019)

Please note that due to COVID Distillery Hours and Tour/Tasting Availability may vary. Please contact the distillery or check their web page or social media for details before you go.

Days of operation	(As of May 2019) GIFT SHOP Monday - Friday 11am - 7pm Saturday - 10:30am - 7pm Sunday - 11am - 6pm TOURS & TASTINGS Monday 11am-5pm every hour Tuesday - Saturday 11am-6pm every half hour Sunday 11am-5pm every half hour
Paved Drive / Lot	Street parking
Motorcycle Parking	No
Motorcycle unfriendly features	No. Although if street parking is not available, the area parking lots are unpaved.
Number of tours per day	7+
Length of Tour(s)	1hr with tasting
Advanced topic tours?	No
Advanced topic tour names	N/A
Tours by owners /distillers available?	Private tours $15/person but $250 minimum
Number of different types of tours	1
On-Line Tour Reservations Available	Yes
Advanced Reservations Recommended/Required	Yes
Cost for tour(s) in $	$12
Tasting Included?	Yes
Number of samples included in tasting	4
Tasting Only Option?	No
Tasting Only Option Cost	N/A
High-end tasting option?	No
High-end tasting option cost?	N/A
Designated Driver Option	No
Handicapped Accessible?	Most areas
Souvenirs included with tour?	No
Gift shop	Yes
On-Site bottle sales?	Yes
On-site food: Restaurant/Cafe/Snacks	No
On-site Cocktail bar	Slushies available.
On-site event space	Yes
Should I visit? (Yes, Perhaps, No)	Yes
Unique Features	Two main whiskey product lines are made: The Tennessee Whiskey and Bourbon. The Tennessee Whiskey is distilled on-site using the old family recipe. The bourbon will continue to be sourced from MGP, and will continue to have variants, including cask finished versions.
Website	https://greenbrierdistillery.com
Date Visited	May 2019

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