Best Way to Tour Jack Daniel’s Distillery from Nashville
The Rockstar Tips on visiting the legendary Jack Daniel’s Distillery and historic town of Lynchburg, Tennessee
On our recent surprise birthday weekend adventure, we explored Nashville, Tennessee. Unimpressed by the infamous Broadway, we were happy to take a day trip from Downtown Nashville. Being Whiskey enthusiasts, it was only right to visit the birthplace of Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey. We want to share the BEST way to Tour The Jack Daniel’s Distillery from Nashville
The Quick History of Jack Daniel’s
I bet you didn’t know that our famous “Jack” was actually a nickname of Jasper Newton Daniel. His story dates back to 1864 – where the young boy left home to live with Reverend Dan Call. The call family farm was already home to an enslaved man named Nathan “Nearest” Green. Nearest took young Jack under his wing and taught him everything he knew about the art of whiskey making. We don’t want to spoil too much of the tour, but it’s important to know what happened to the duo. One day Jack would honor his mentor by hiring him as the Jack Daniel Distillery’s Master Distiller.
The Music History of Jack Daniel’s
As we know Jack Daniel’s doesn’t make music. But they do help make memories of artists and fans alike across multiple music genres. After surviving Prohibition, the Great Depression, and World War II the distillery sees a skyrocket in sales during the evolution of the music industry.
In 1951, rock n roll takes over the airwaves. The production at the distillery begins to rise to pre-prohibition levels. In 1966 we heard the cultural phenomenon of The British Invasion. Greats from across the pond took a liking to authentic American blues AND authentic American Whiskey. During 1977, the punk movement thrashes New York City Clubs. Legend has it a constant partner to this revolution was Jack Daniel’s. And in 1981, hair metal sweeps the Sunset Strip in California. But our favorite Tennessee local becomes a seamless fixture of the 80’s music scene. The legacy continues on today!
The BEST way to Tour The Jack Daniel’s Distillery from Nashville
The BEST way to visit the distillery is through the Viator “Nashville to Jack Daniel’s Distillery Bus Tour & Whiskey Tastings”. (Otherwise known as the “Jack n’ Back Tour”) This 7-hour experience not only offers a special look inside the Old No. 7 brand, but it also tells the story of how the best selling American whiskey in the world grew from one of the smallest counties in Tennessee.
Book your very own tour here. https://www.viator.com/search/14219P1?mcid=42383&pid=P00163364&medium=link
What to Expect on the Nashville to Jack Daniel’s Bus Tour
The morning of your tour, you are picked up in comfortable transportation at a designated spot in Downtown Nashville. Bongo Java, Nashville’s oldest and most honored Coffee Company is right next door. This is a great place to grab a coffee before you hop aboard the bus. This particular tour is also BYOB! If you want something a little stronger in the morning you are welcome to it.
From there you take the 1.5 hour trip to Lynchburg. The route crosses through the town of Shelbyville; famous for the Tennessee Walking Horse. The ride is quick, easy, full of whiskey-themed country music, and views of rolling hills. Before long you arrive outside of the distillery. You are met by tour guides who lead you every step of the way.
Jack Daniel’s Family Style Tour
Our tour guide Morgan was one of the best parts of the experience! He was enthusiastic and genuine throughout the entire two hours. Morgan was dedicated to showing us how special the company was for focusing on the importance of family. From the master distiller to the tour guides, there isn’t a day that goes by at the distillery that doesn’t have a family descendant of Jack Daniel’s continuing the legacy. By the end of the tour, he really did have you feeling like part of the family.
The tour ended with a premium Tennessee Whiskey tasting ranging from the Single Barrel Collection to the limited edition whiskeys. Morgan made sure to teach us the tips of the tasting trade. He also explained the process of each whiskey that we sampled. It was the perfect place to let the taste of classic whiskey bring back old memories and start new ones.
Lunch in the town of Lynchburg, TN
After a quick trip to the White Rabbit Bottle Shop, we were given some time to explore the historic town of Lynchburg. Even though the town is home to the distillery, it has been a dry county ever since Prohibition. But that shouldn’t stop you from visiting all it has to offer. If you’re looking for souvenirs, The Lynchburg Hardware & General Store has a huge selection of branded items. And the restaurants in town are worth stopping for a bite or two!
Here are some of our recommendations for Lunch in Lynchburg on the Tennessee Whiskey Tour:
Miss Mary Bobo’s: The BEST place to taste southern dishes that have been cooking up there for just about as long as Whiskey has been made in town.
Barrelhouse BBQ: Home of the award-winning “Grilled Cheese on Crack” Sandwich
Prince’s Parlor: Home of Lynchburg’s Original Whiskey Ice Cream
Southern Perks Cafe & Bistro: A great stop for coffee before or after your tour. They also have great home made sandwiches!
ROCKSTAR TIPS OF THE TOUR: Things To Know Before You Go
All ages are welcome, but restrictions do apply depending on the tour.
Tours run daily 9am-5pm.
The tour involves a lot of walking both indoor and outdoor; so dress accordingly – especially with your shoe choice!
Bags are not permitted on the tour – including backpacks, purses, and camera bags. There are free lockers available.
Cameras and cellphones are allowed on the tours, but there are restricted areas where you are not allowed to use them. There is also no professional photography allowed without prior written permission. Plan accordingly and please be respectful!
This is still a working facility, so no smoking is permitted on the property.
Jack Daniel’s Distillery is part of the well-traveled Tennessee Whiskey Trail! It is so close to the George Dickel and Nearest Green Distilleries that you could visit them all in one day if you plan correctly.
Traveling to Nashville for the first time with your significant other? Read our Couples Guide to Confident Travel to find tips on traveling better together!
Need more suggestions for your Nashville Trip? Read our Music Lover’s Guide To Nashville (coming soon)