Curious about Tennessee whiskey? Here are 12 bars to try unique spirits statewide
Mackensy LunsfordTennessee is home to plenty of distilleries, many of which can be found on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. On and off the trail, there are a plethora of unique and surprising finds at watering holes throughout the state.
Here are some favorite bars worth a stop for whiskey drinkers and non-whiskey drinkers alike.
Knoxville
PostModern Spirits Craft Cocktail Bar: The bar in this working distillery has the vibe of a neighborhood haunt. All of the spirits, shrubs and liqueurs used in the cocktails are made onsite. Try the distillery's excellent botanically forward Giniferous Gin in the Spanish Gin and Tonic, which tastes like a refreshing garden in a glass. 205 W Jackson Ave. Suite 205, postmodernspirits.com.
Boyd's Jig and Reel: The description of this bar ― "Scotland meets Appalachia" ― is apt. Bluegrass jams and honky-tonk music feel unexpected but also perfect in this gorgeous wood-lined bar that offers more than 1,000 whiskies from around the world. 101 S Central St. jigandreel.com.
Chattanooga
Pickle Barrel: This bar and restaurant feels like an absolute revelation. Try an order of tater tot nachos or a cream cheese and pepper jam-topped burger. To drink: the spicy margarita with pickled jalapenos and extra pickle juice. 1012 Market St., picklebarreltn.com.
Rosecomb: Sit in the garden of this charming Northshore bar and sip cocktails like the American Heirloom with barrel-rested PostModern Gin, sassafras and pecan and snack on deviled eggs drizzled with hot honey. 921 Barton Ave., www.rosecombbar.com.
Whiskey Thief: For unparalleled views of the city and river, head to this bar on the rooftop of the Edwin Hotel. Try a bourbon flight or put yourself in the hands of the bartenders. Don't be concerned if they recommend the lychee-based, brightly colored Meditation in Blue; it's actually good. 102 Walnut St., www.whiskeythiefchattanooga.com.
Memphis
Bog and Barley Irish Pub: Just about everything that makes this Irish Pub gorgeous is imported straight from Ireland. Expect about 200 types of whiskey, some rare, and plenty of flights in which to try them. Don't skip the traditional Irish fare and other dishes from a talented kitchen, either. 6150 Poplar Avenue #124, www.bogandbarley.com.
Peabody Hotel Lobby: The famous marching Peabody Ducks aren't the only draw to this historic bar, though it's hard not to be charmed by the little rubber duckies floating in each cocktail. Try the Peabody single-barrel selection from Jack Daniel's in an Old Fashioned. www.peabodymemphis.com, 149 Union Ave.
Old Dominick Distillery: This distillery bar sets itself apart with well-crafted spirit-forward cocktails, but also a few drinks that don't take themselves too seriously, which can be refreshing. In the latter camp, try the Honeyball Slushie made with citrus vodka and sweet tea. 305 S. Front St., olddominick.com.
Clarksville
Old Glory Distilling Co. This distillery added its restaurant and spacious Silo Park this year. During a distillery visit, you may also stop for lunch, dinner or brunch and an extensive menu of fun cocktails. Order the Grind Burger; it's as good as everyone says. For cocktails, you can't go wrong with the small-batch sour. 451 Alfred Thun Road, oldglorydistilling.com.
Blackhorse Pub and Brewery: People stop by here for burgers, pizza and house-brewed beers, but there's also a notable list of Scotch, Irish and American whiskeys. 132 Franklin St., www.blackhorsebrews.com.
Nashville
Gertie's Whiskey Bar Nashville: This spot at 404 Kitchen is a Gulch destination for whiskey drinkers, with its large and growing collection of rare and private-barrel whiskeys, excellent craft cocktails and menu of upscale southern fare. 507 12th Ave S Fl 1, www.gertieswhiskeybar.com.
Barrel Proof Nashville: This outpost of a New Orleans hot spot has more than 200 whiskey selections. But what makes it extra fun is the commitment to not just baller whiskey but perfectly good cheap pours, too. There's a great selection of beer and other cool things to sip on including aged Armagnac and botanically distinct spirits you've never heard of from around the world. 1010 4th Ave. N., https://www.barrelproofnash.com.