After enjoying breakfast, our first stop of the day is the Nearest Green Distillery, located in Shelbyville, Tennessee, about an hour and a half from Nashville. This distillery is named after the man credited with teaching Jack Daniel the art of whiskey-making, Nathan "Nearest" Green. The facility stands as a tribute to his legacy, highlighting the history of African American contributions to the whiskey industry.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a warm welcome from the staff, who provide an overview of the distillery's history. The tour walks you through the entire whiskey-making process, from the milling of grains to the distillation and aging process. The highlight of the visit is learning about Nearest Green's pivotal role in the creation of Jack Daniel's whiskey, as well as his long-overlooked legacy that has recently gained much-deserved recognition.
After our tour and tasting, we'll have lunch at Humble Baron. Humble Baron is Middle Tennessee’s newest restaurant, bar and entertainment venue, located on the property of the Nearest Green Distillery. Home to the world’s longest bar at 518-feet-long.
After an immersive experience at Nearest Green Distillery, the bus continues the journey towards the legendary Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, just 30 minutes away.
The tour of Jack Daniel’s begins with a walk through the distillery’s historic grounds. Guides share stories about the distillery’s early days, including its innovative approach to crafting Tennessee whiskey. Visitors will learn about the unique charcoal-mellowing process known as the Lincoln County Process, which gives Jack Daniel’s whiskey its signature smoothness.
After the Jack Daniel’s Distillery tour and tasting, we will make our way back to Virginia. Tonight, we will check into an en-route hotel in Knoxville, TN (Turkey Creek) for a good night’s rest.