Big Machine Distillery Tour (FormerlyTenn South Distillery)
Big Machine Distillery Sign
Big Machine Distillery Side View
Big Machine Distillery Hybrid Still
Cooker (aka Mash Tun)
Big Machine Distillery Hybrid Still for Whiskey and Moonshine
Large Closed Fermenters - (smaller fermenters towards the back, cooker on the right)
Lincoln County Process for Tennessee Whiskey
Big Machine Distillery Vodka Still and Platinum Filtration System
Platinum Filtration System for Big Machine Vodka Still
Whiskey Barrels
Big Machine Distillery Tasting Room Bar
Tasting Room Tables
Bottle Your Own Whiskey Station
Bottle Your Own Big Machine Vodka Station
Big Machine Distillery from Abernathy Rd. Entrance
1800 Abernathy Rd.
Lynnville, TN 38472
(931) 527-0027
Our first visit to Big Machine Distillery (formerly known as Tenn South Distillery) was back in 2019. After a four year absence, it was definitely time for a return visit and a fresh look at the now, Big Machine Distillery.
From the outside, the distillery appears very much the same as it did during our visit in 2019. It turns out, though, that looks can be deceiving. Quite a bit has changed at this little Lynnville distillery. First, there has been a change in branding, and the distillery now goes by the name Big Machine Distillery. While the name Tenn South is not fully retired, the change reflects the distillery's current owner, Scott Borchetta, Founder, President and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group. The second notable change is that founding owner and original Chief Distiller Clayton Cutler has since retired.
The Tenn South Distillery was originally started by two brothers-in-law, one a radiologist and one an engineer. They parted ways shortly after the distillery got underway. Co-founder, Clayton Cutler, remained in charge, and handled the duties of Chief Distiller. In 2015, Scott Borchetta of the Big Machine Label Group acquired the distillery, although Clay stayed on maintaining his same distilling duties.
One of the very interesting things about the distillery, both when we first visited, and continuing to this day, is that virtually all of the employees are women. In a traditionally male dominated industry, it was surprising, yet refreshing, to see the pendulum swing the other direction. In fact, Clay’s daughter, Margeaux, once held the title of head distiller at Tenn South. Today, Devin Walden fills the shoes as Master Distiller at Big Machine Distillery.
The Tenn South Distillery was originally started by two brothers-in-law, one a radiologist and one an engineer. They parted ways shortly after the distillery got underway. Co-founder, Clayton Cutler, remained in charge, and handled the duties of Chief Distiller. In 2015, Scott Borchetta of the Big Machine Label Group acquired the distillery, although Clay stayed on maintaining his same distilling duties.
One of the very interesting things about the distillery, both when we first visited, and continuing to this day, is that virtually all of the employees are women. In a traditionally male dominated industry, it was surprising, yet refreshing, to see the pendulum swing the other direction. In fact, Clay’s daughter, Margeaux, once held the title of head distiller at Tenn South. Today, Devin Walden fills the shoes as Master Distiller at Big Machine Distillery.
Our host for our walk through was Rudy. She filled us in on all the happenings at Big Machine Distillery these days.
The distillery's layout is essentially two distilleries in one. When entering, we first see the hybrid still used for making the Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey and moonshine. In the next room is the column still used for making the Big Machine Vodka. We'll get to the vodka in a bit, but we'll start with the whiskey and moonshine area.
Big Machine Distillery has the same interesting hybrid still. It has the “pot” portion with a short column on top, and next to it is a second short column. The vapor comes out of the first column and then heads into the second. The net effect is the same as if a taller column was placed on top of the pot. Why did they do it this way? They were constrained by the height of the ceiling. If they wanted to have the entire column on top of the pot, they would have had to break through the ceiling. On our initial visit, I had not seen that set up before and thought it was quite ingenious. I have since seen it elsewhere, but I still think it is very cool.
The distillery's layout is essentially two distilleries in one. When entering, we first see the hybrid still used for making the Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey and moonshine. In the next room is the column still used for making the Big Machine Vodka. We'll get to the vodka in a bit, but we'll start with the whiskey and moonshine area.
Big Machine Distillery has the same interesting hybrid still. It has the “pot” portion with a short column on top, and next to it is a second short column. The vapor comes out of the first column and then heads into the second. The net effect is the same as if a taller column was placed on top of the pot. Why did they do it this way? They were constrained by the height of the ceiling. If they wanted to have the entire column on top of the pot, they would have had to break through the ceiling. On our initial visit, I had not seen that set up before and thought it was quite ingenious. I have since seen it elsewhere, but I still think it is very cool.
Before entering the still, the grain must be “cooked” or mashed to get those enzymatic reactions going. The “cooker” sits just to the left of the still. Behind the cooker and still are the fermenters; 2 large closed fermenters and 2 smaller rectangular fermenters. Once fermentation is complete, the grain will go to the stills.
In addition to producing Tennessee Whiskey and moonshine, Tenn South also produces Big Machine Vodka and Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers. That "Big Machine", as I alluded to above, is Big Machine Records. The company is an independent record label specializing in country and pop artists. Big Machine Records’ founder, Scott Borchetta, was interested in making a premium vodka, and thus Big Machine Platinum Filtered Premium Vodka was born. This vodka, as its name implies, is filtered though a proprietary Platinum Filtration system after distillation. Not being a huge vodka fan, I hadn’t heard of this, but apparently platinum, and some other metals, are thought to improve the mouthfeel, texture and “smoothness” of vodka, and are used by some distilleries.* Big Machine uses the slogan "The smoothest tasting vodka, period!", and, I have to say that after tasting it on both visits now, I must agree!
Although I am far from being a vodka expert, I found the still very unique; actually, a work of art, if you will. The Big Machine Vodka still is a large column still, clearly built with aesthetics, as well as function, in mind. It looks like it could have come from the future, with its sparkling stainless steel wrapped in rings of copper. Adjacent and connected to it, is the Platinum Filtration system, which consists of a glass cylinder with 3 horizontal plates, each holding a neat pile of platinum pellets, with the upper and middle plates also holding shungite stones and gravel, respectively. The Russian Shungite stones are a new addition to the filtration process since our last visit. The distilled spirit enters from the top, and flows downward through the layers of platinum pellets & shungite, and exits the bottom of the cylinder as Big Machine Platinum (& Shungite) Filtered Premium Vodka.
While the vodka and moonshine can be bottled after distillation, the whiskey must age. It is barreled, and the barrels are then stored and aged off-site.
Since Big Machine Distillery is in Tennessee, the primary whiskey that they make is, appropriately, Tennessee Whiskey. Tennessee Whiskey must undergo the Lincoln County Process, unless it is made by
Prichard's Distillery (a story for another day) Essentially, the Lincoln County Process (aka LCP) is a method where the new make, fresh off the still, is slowly passed through a significant depth of sugar maple charcoal. The idea is that the whiskey's flavor will be further "mellowed". Since we last visited, Big Machine has put their Lincoln County Process front and center, and visitors can watch the new make trickle into the charcoal right before their eyes!
Another nice addition to the Big Machine Distillery visitor experience is the "Bottle Your Own" stations. These are available for both the vodka and barrel strength versions of the Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey. They may be a bit gimmicky, but I love the experience, and will do it whenever I can. So, needless to say, I did it this time as well. The 142.2 proof Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey that I put in my bottle is just fantastic!
The Big Machine Distillery Gift Shop also received an upgrade. Guests are able to sample all of the distillery’s spirits, and cocktails are also served. In addition to the Bottle Your Own spirits, all of Big Machine's spirits are available for purchase, as well as a full line of logo merchandise.
Since Big Machine Distillery is in Tennessee, the primary whiskey that they make is, appropriately, Tennessee Whiskey. Tennessee Whiskey must undergo the Lincoln County Process, unless it is made by
Prichard's Distillery (a story for another day) Essentially, the Lincoln County Process (aka LCP) is a method where the new make, fresh off the still, is slowly passed through a significant depth of sugar maple charcoal. The idea is that the whiskey's flavor will be further "mellowed". Since we last visited, Big Machine has put their Lincoln County Process front and center, and visitors can watch the new make trickle into the charcoal right before their eyes!Another nice addition to the Big Machine Distillery visitor experience is the "Bottle Your Own" stations. These are available for both the vodka and barrel strength versions of the Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey. They may be a bit gimmicky, but I love the experience, and will do it whenever I can. So, needless to say, I did it this time as well. The 142.2 proof Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey that I put in my bottle is just fantastic!
The Big Machine Distillery Gift Shop also received an upgrade. Guests are able to sample all of the distillery’s spirits, and cocktails are also served. In addition to the Bottle Your Own spirits, all of Big Machine's spirits are available for purchase, as well as a full line of logo merchandise.
Big Machine Distillery now has two other locations:
When we visited the Lynnville location the first time, Chief Distiller Clayton was very welcoming and spent time with us. During this visit, current Master Distiller Devin, and our host Rudy, did the same. It is this kind of personal touch and passion for what they do that makes distilleries like Tenn South, and now Big Machine Distillery, so special. They are definitely worth a visit if you are anywhere in the area.
- The Nashville location, The Tasting Room, at 122 3rd Avenue South offers tastings, tours, cocktails, live music and a bottle your own experience.
- The Berry Hill location, the Big Machine Tavern, also in Nashville, is at 2824 Bransford Ave. It is a tavern offering dining, drinks and acoustic music.
When we visited the Lynnville location the first time, Chief Distiller Clayton was very welcoming and spent time with us. During this visit, current Master Distiller Devin, and our host Rudy, did the same. It is this kind of personal touch and passion for what they do that makes distilleries like Tenn South, and now Big Machine Distillery, so special. They are definitely worth a visit if you are anywhere in the area.
* A Gentler Form of Vodka. Esquire. October 4, 2012. https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/drinks/a16108/filtered-vodka-1012/ (accessed July 9, 2019)
https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/drinks/a16108/filtered-vodka-1012/ (accessed July 9, 2019)
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Please note that 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 | Monday - Friday Saturday 10AM-6PM (Check website for changes) |
| Paved Drive / Lot? | Gravel drive and lot |
| Motorcycle Parking | No |
| Motorcycle unfriendly features | Gravel Drive and lot |
| Number of tours per day | Every Half Hour Mon-Fri 9:30AM-4PM Sat 10:30AM-5PM (Check website for changes) |
| Length of Tour(s) | ~30 minutes, depending on the amount of questions |
| Advanced topic tours? | Vodka and Whiskey Fill Your Own Experiences |
Advanced topic tour names | Vodka and Whiskey Fill Your Own Experiences |
| Tours by owners /distillers available? | Distillers may be available for questions |
| Number of different types of tours | 1 |
| On-Line Tour Reservations Available | Yes |
| Advanced Reservations Recommended/Required | Probably Not |
| Cost for tour(s) in $ | $15 |
| Tasting Included? | Yes |
| Number of samples included in tasting | Up to 12 (anything currently available is available for tasting) |
| Tasting Only Option? | Yes |
| Tasting Only Option Cost | $10 |
High-end tasting option? | Everything is available in the regular tour/tasting |
High-end tasting option cost? | N/A |
| Designated Driver Option | N/A |
| Handicapped Accessible? | Yes |
| Souvenirs included with tour? | No |
| Gift shop | Yes |
| On-Site bottle sales? | Yes |
| On-site food: Restaurant/Cafe/Snacks | No |
| On-site Cocktail bar | Yes |
| On-site event space | No |
| Should I visit? (Yes, Perhaps, No) | Yes |
| Unique Features | Unique hybrid still and very ornate vodka still with a platinum filter used to produce Big Machine Vodka. Fill Your Own Whiskey and Vodka Experiences are fun and unique. Nearby town of Lynnville, TN is worth a visit. Attractions include Colonel Littleton’s retail & private stock stores and Lynnville Fried Pies |
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| Date Visited | May 2019 / July 2023 |
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