Just minutes from Downtown Nashville, tucked in the heart of Marathon Village, is Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery. This local staple offers award-winning spirits alongside a rich family history. We recently sat down with the distillery’s Director of Hospitality, Erica Dahlgren, to learn more about its offerings and what we can expect to see from it later this year!
The History of Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery
The origins of Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery date back to 1858, when founder Charles Nelson opened a wholesale grocery store. “It was at that grocery store that Charles first bottled and sold his Tennessee whiskey,” says Erica. “This really set the whole distillery adventure in motion for him and his wife, Louisa.”
By 1885, Charles Nelson was selling almost two million bottles of whiskey every year. However, his death and the start of Prohibition eventually led to the distillery’s almost century-long closure. It wasn’t until 2014 that the brand was officially relaunched by Charles’s two triple-great-grandsons, Andy and Charlie Nelson.
“When Charlie and Andy were home from college, they stumbled upon a roadside sign about Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery and its history,” explains Erica. “They looked into it and figured out they were the triple-great-grandsons of Charles Nelson. The way they tell the story is that it was like lightning struck. They knew right then and there they were supposed to re-open the distillery.”
Take an In-Depth Tour of the Distillery
Perhaps one of the biggest draws of Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery is its unique behind-the-scenes distillery tours. Available seven days a week, the in-depth tours guide you through the distillery’s past, present, and future.
The tour begins with stories from 1835, when Charles’s family first immigrated from Germany to the United States. From there, you are guided through the entire Nelson family history, their impact on the whiskey-making industry, and the distillery’s production floor.
“My favorite part is the charcoal mellower, which is a crucial part of any Tennessee whiskey because you have to run the whiskey through sugar-maple charcoal,” adds Erica. “We have one of those right on the tour path, so when we’re talking about what sets Tennessee whiskey apart from bourbon, guests can actually see and even pick up charcoal while on the tour.”
The tour ends with a guided tasting of four seasonal spirits. Whether or not you’re a whiskey drinker, you’re likely to walk away with a newfound appreciation for whiskey and the distilling process.
Enjoy a Meal at the Distillery’s Restaurant
Before or after your tour (or even if you’re not taking a tour!), you’re invited to enjoy a meal at the distillery’s restaurant, which is currently open on select days for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Standout dishes include The No. 5 Burger and chicken wings. Erica adds that the German-inspired schnitzel also cannot be missed and is a great option for first-time visitors. The entrée features a Niman Ranch Iberian pork bone-in cutlet, herb spätzle, and apple cider cabbage.
To top off your meal, Erica says the distillery’s Old Fashioned is always a classic. Plus, they offer a slushy version of the traditional cocktail in the summer, called a Cold Fashioned.
The Future of Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery
When it comes to the distillery’s future, Erica says they have a few things in the works. For example, Erica also says that the distillery recently launched a program called Bottle Your Own Brier. “This is an add-on to the tour that invites people to bottle their own spirit,” she says. “It’s one of the first programs of its kind in Tennessee, and it’s made readily available for all guests coming through the distillery.”
Whether you’re a Nashville local or just passing through, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery promises an unforgettable experience steeped in tradition and Southern charm. The perfect blend of history, innovation, and hospitality, the storied distillery offers something for everyone — from whiskey enthusiasts to food lovers!
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery is located at 1414 Clinton St, Nashville, TN 37203. To learn more, visit greenbrierdistillery.com or call (615) 913-8800.
This article is sponsored by Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery.
