A Distillery Tour by the Tims Ford Lake Area

In the heart of Tennessee lies a unique realm of flavor and tradition in the Tims Ford Lake Area -- Distilled Spirits.

Famous for its distilleries, the region boasts four iconic names in the spirit world: Jack Daniel's, Lynchburg, Branchwater, Nearest Green, and George Dickel. 

This guide provides an in-depth look into each distillery tour experience and their surroundings, giving visitors a comprehensive distillery tour itinerary complete with local attractions.  Plan to begin your distillery tour journey around 10am or so, and you'll have plenty of time to finish and enjoy the area as well  

In preparation for your Distillery Tour, advanced recommendations are recommended at both Jack Daniels Distillery and George Dickel Distillery (if you arrive without a reservation, you may not get a tour).  Also the time between cities is approximately 30 minutes (Lynchburg - Winchester - Tullahoma)

Jack Daniel's Distillery Tour in Lynchburg TN

Begin your spirituous distillery tour journey at the venerable Jack Daniel's Distillery Tour in Lynchburg TN.  This is the oldest registered distillery in the U.S.  As you step through the doors, you step into history.  There are a handful of distillery tours to choose from including one where you don't taste, and a few where you do taste Jack Daniel's whiskey.  

Check out the article on the history of Jack Daniels Distillery here.  

Distillery Tour of Jack Daniels in Lynchburg TN

A guided distillery tour lets you delve into the unique mellowing process involving sugar maple charcoal, which gives Jack Daniel's its signature smoothness.  You'll also learn about the hand-crafted barrels that lend each batch of whisky its unique flavor profile.

On the Jack Daniels Distillery tour, you'll visit the cave spring, the distillery's water source. Its iron-free water plays a crucial role in producing the whiskey's distinct taste. 

Jack Daniels Distillery Tour Spring

Once you've savored the whiskey's lore, head over to Miss Mary Bobo's for an unforgettable dining experience. This Lynchburg institution serves a Southern lunch that provides a comforting end to your distillery tour visit.   Or if you are more the barbecue type, there's both the BBQ Caboose.  Or one of our favorites, Whiskey Waffle.  Check out all of the Lynchburg TN Restaurants.

The Lynchburg TN Square which is just a short walk over the walking bridge from the distillery also has stores (in addition to restaurants).

Learn more about the history of the Jack Daniels Distillery.

Lynchburg TN Downtown on the Distillery Tour

Lynchburg TN Distillery Tour

While you are in the Lynchburg TN Square,  venture to the Lynchburg Distillery, known for its award-winning single malt.  It is located just next to the Lynchburg Winery -- if you like wine, you can enjoy some local wine tasting as well.

Distillery Tour of Lynchburg Distillery in Lynchburg TN

The rich caramel and vanilla flavors of their spirit are sure to linger on your palate.   They also make mixed drinks with their own whiskey -- try the smoked Old Fashion for a unique twist.

After you have sampled and browsed the Lynchburg Distillery and Lynchburg Winery, walk around the Lynchburg Square. This quaint town center is teeming with local shops offering handmade crafts, antiques, and more. The Old Jail Museum also provides a glimpse into the town's intriguing history. 

Center of the Lynchburg TN Square is the Courthouse

On the way to Branchwater distillery in Winchester TN, you can stop by the Tims Ford State Park to enjoy natures beauties by Tims Ford Lake.  And grab some hand scoped ice cream at the Ice Cream Shop at the Marina.

Branchwater Distillery Tour in Winchester TN

Continue your distillery tour journey to Branchwater Distillery, a small-batch moonshine producer passionately preserving Tennessee's moonshine heritage. This is about a 30 minute drive from Lynchburg TN.  They are located just a block off of the Winchester TN Square.

Distillery Tour of Branchwater Distillery in Winchester TN

Request a distillery tour which showcases their meticulous grain selection process and the exact blending techniques that lend their spirits their signature notes.  They have approximately 20 different flavors to add to your moonshine to give it just the custom taste..... and its run by a local family with a history of moonshine.  

Branchwater Distillery Flavorings 

We wrote an article about Branchwater Distillery in Winchester TN separately.

Enjoy some time in the Winchester TN Square on your Distillery Tour, which is surrounded by buildings made on or around 1900.    

If you have more time, here's a list of things to do in Winchester TN

George Dickel Distillery Tour in Tullahoma TN

Round off your whiskey tour at the George Dickel Distillery. With its unique approach of chilling whisky before charcoal mellowing – a process they claim renders their spirit as smooth as silk – the tour promises a fascinating insight into their craft.  The tour here is much smaller than the one at Jack Daniels, and much more personal as well.

George Disckel Distillery Tour

See the article we wrote about the George Dickel Distillery Tour as well.

The surrounding Cascade Hollow area is well worth exploring. The serene natural beauty and charming wildlife provide a tranquil backdrop to reflect upon your day of spirituous adventures in Tullahoma TN

George Dickel Distillery Tour inside

Craft Beer Brewery: Try Ole Shed in Tullahoma

I've driven past it many times, and had meant to drop by one day.  Ole Shed Brewery is the result of a passion of two local Tullahoma gentlemen that began around 2011.  Though they both had other jobs, they'd make their own beer and decide who's brewing shed they'd hang out at in the evening to check out the newest recipe.  The brewing was just a few gallons at a time back then.

Ole Shed Brewery - Tullahoma TN Front Door

Fast forward to 2023, and Ole Shed has quite a a following, and has grown quite a bit.  They make quite a few different beers from those on the lighter side to darker and everything in the middle.  

Ole Shed Brewery Tullahoma -- where its all made

I had the opportunity to sample each of the beers -- you can too when you go there -- and I must say, it was some of the best craft beer I'd had.

Ole Shed Brewery in Tullahoma - Can of Honey Do Golden Ale

Here's a list of additional things to do in Tullahoma TN

Lastly Nearest Green Distillery is in Shelbyville, just about 20 minutes from Tullahoma.  The tour of Nearest Green is next on our list to enjoy.

The Tims Ford Lake area is a whisky lover's dream. Each distillery has its unique tales of tradition and taste, offering a deep dive into the world of whisky-making. Coupled with the local attractions and the region's breathtaking natural beauty, your journey promises to be as fulfilling as it is enlightening. This is more than just a tour; it's a celebration of craftsmanship, heritage, and the enduring allure of Tennessee whiskey and distilled spirits.