Nashville’s Whiskey Story - Where Heritage Meets Modern Flavor
There’s a reason whiskey lovers feel at home in Nashville. Here, the spirit isn’t just poured, it’s celebrated. You’ll find old-school bars where the same stool has been worn smooth by decades of regulars, sleek lounges serving single-barrel flights with skyline views, and speakeasies so tucked away you’ll wonder if you’re in the right place until the door swings open.
In the heart of Tennessee, whiskey is as much a part of the city’s identity as live music and hot chicken. Some spots honor tradition, pouring Tennessee whiskey neat with little more than a knowing nod from the bartender. Others experiment by infusing rye whiskey with pecans or mint, pairing rare single malts with barbecue, or serving custom flights that let you compare distilling styles from around the world. If you’re looking for even more detail, you’ll love our ultimate guide to whiskey in Nashville.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or you’ve called Nashville home for years, these are the whiskey bars worth seeking out. I’ve included neighborhood tips, local insights, and a few can’t-miss dishes along the way. And if you want to combine your whiskey love with a taste of the city’s food scene, my Downtown Nashville Food Tour includes a stop at the award-winning Standard Proof Whiskey Co. for a tasting you’ll remember.
Prefer to taste with transportation handled? Pair these bars with a guided Nashville whiskey tasting or tour so you can explore more in less time and never worry about a designated driver.
Barrel Proof
A Whiskey Library in Germantown
Neighborhood: Germantown
Why go: Over 300 whiskeys and bartenders who guide you like a sommelier.
Barrel Proof is the kind of place where you’ll walk in for “just one drink” and find yourself three pours deep in a discussion about mash bills. The whiskey list reads like a collector’s dream with Kentucky heavy-hitters, rare Japanese single malts, and craft distilleries you’ve never heard of but will want to remember. The space feels warm and lived-in, with dark wood, soft lighting, and a slow buzz of conversation that makes you want to stay awhile.
What to order: Start with a themed flight like “Tennessee vs. Kentucky” is a great entry point, then splurge on something from the chalkboard list of rare finds.
Vibe & crowd: Local regulars, whiskey enthusiasts, and travelers who came for the list and stayed for the atmosphere.
Local tip: Make it a Germantown night. Pair your visit with dinner at 5th and Taylor, Rolf & Daughters, or Henrietta Red.
Price expectations: Moderate to high depending on your pour; flights offer the best variety for the cost.
“Want to dive even deeper into Tennessee whiskey history? Check out our History of Tennessee Whiskey post for the stories behind these bottles.”
Gertie’s Bar at The 404 Kitchen
Refined Sips in The Gulch
Neighborhood: The Gulch
Why go: Upscale whiskey bar with a menu curated for thoughtful tasting.
Gertie’s feels like stepping into a whiskey sanctuary. Sleek wood, ambient lighting, and shelves lined with carefully chosen bottles set the scene. Their list runs 200+ strong, with options from powerhouse bourbons to elegant scotches. The bartenders are excellent guides—whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned collector, they’ll find something that surprises you.
What to order: Build your own whiskey flight with their help, or choose one of the rotating featured bottles.
Vibe & crowd: Dates, small groups, solo sippers seeking a quiet experience.
Local tip: Order from The 404 Kitchen upstairs, try the lamb meatballs with a rye whiskey flight.
Price expectations: Higher-end; you’re paying for quality and presentation.
Pair your visit with our Hot Chicken & Whiskey Tour for a local twist on two Nashville icons.
HoneyFire BBQ
Whiskey Meets Smoke in Bellevue
Neighborhood: Bellevue
Why go: 170+ whiskeys, 80 bourbons, and barbecue that’s worth the drive.
HoneyFire’s whiskey list could stand alone as a reason to visit, but then there’s the barbecue. Pitmaster Shane Nasby’s menu blends classic Southern smoke with creative flavor combos. Join the Whiskey Club for $50/year and you’ll get access to exclusive tastings, distillery trips, and the bragging rights that come with working through their 150-whiskey challenge.
What to order: Smoked wings or brisket with a pour of something barrel-proof. For pairing, try their Tennessee whiskey with the smoked turkey.
Vibe & crowd: Neighborhood locals, families, and whiskey lovers making the pilgrimage from across the city.
Local tip: Thursdays often see quieter crowds, ideal if you want to talk whiskey without the weekend bustle.
Price expectations: Moderate for food; whiskey pours range from approachable to premium.
What to pair whiskey with food? The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Tour is the perfect way to experience whiskey with curated food stops.
Bourbon Steak
Whiskey Above the City
Neighborhood: Downtown (JW Marriott, 34th floor)
Why go: Skyline views with a whiskey list to match.
Bourbon Steak turns whiskey into an event. The floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Nashville skyline, and every detail, from the glassware to the way they cut their ice—feels intentional. Their selection is deep, with a focus on bourbon, and their bartenders know how to craft a drink that’s as impressive as the view.
What to order: Old Fashioned at sunset, then a neat pour from the reserve list once the city lights come up.
Vibe & crowd: Celebrations, business dinners, special-occasion nights.
Local tip: Reservations timed for golden hour give you the best show in town.
Price expectations: High; you’re here for the experience as much as the drink.
“If you love the pairing of food and whiskey, you’ll love our Downtown Nashville Food Tour which three drink pairings included, plus some of the city’s best locally owned restaurants.”
Old Glory
Industrial Speakeasy Energy
Neighborhood: Edgehill Village
Why go: Hidden bar in a former boiler room, with cocktails and whiskey worth finding.
Old Glory’s soaring ceilings, steel beams, and tucked-away entrance make it one of Nashville’s most photogenic bars. The whiskey list may not be the longest in town, but it’s sharp and curated, and their cocktails are consistently excellent.
What to order: A whiskey-forward cocktail followed by a pour of something new to you.
Vibe & crowd: Stylish locals, industry folks, small groups.
Local tip: Perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks after a meal in Edgehill Village.
Price expectations: Moderate; well worth it for the atmosphere.
Standard Proof Whiskey Co.
Infused Flavored Whiskey, Nashville-Style
Neighborhood: Downtown
Why go: Creative infusions like pecan, mint, and honeysuckle in a laid-back tasting room.
Standard Proof isn’t just for whiskey newbies—their infusions are playful but made with care. A tasting here is fun, interactive, and quick enough to fit into a night downtown. And if you join my Downtown Nashville Food Tour, you’ll get to sample their most popular flavors.
What to order: Pecan whiskey neat or mixed with ginger beer.
Vibe & crowd: Tourists, groups of friends, and locals looking for something different.
Local tip: Great stop before a Broadway music crawl, it’s just a few blocks away.
Price expectations: Moderate; bottles make great souvenirs.
Skull’s Rainbow Room
Live Jazz & Classic Pours
Neighborhood: Printer’s Alley (Downtown)
Why go: A supper-club throwback with live music every night.
Step into Skull’s and you’re stepping back in time: red velvet booths, candlelight, the sound of jazz floating from the stage. Their whiskey list complements the setting, classic, accessible, and meant to be enjoyed without distraction.
What to order: Whiskey Sour or Manhattan during the show, then a Tennessee whiskey to end the night.
Vibe & crowd: Tourists, locals, music lovers, date nights.
Local tip: Reserve ahead, especially on weekends.
Price expectations: Moderate to high; live entertainment is included in the experience.
FAQs About Nashville’s Whiskey Scene
What is the most popular whiskey in Nashville?
Visitors usually ask for Jack Daniel’s first, but locals spread love across Uncle Nearest, Nelson’s Green Brier, and newer bottlers like Nashville Barrel Company. Bartenders citywide keep solid ryes and Scotch on hand, too.
Are there whiskey flights in Nashville?
Yes, Gertie’s, Barrel Proof Germantown, and The Fox all do flights or custom mini-pours. Many spots will build a themed progression if you ask.
Where can I try rare whiskeys in Nashville?
Barrel Proof is your best bet for breadth. Gertie’s and Bourbon Steak occasionally land special bottles. HoneyFire often has house picks and club-only offerings.
Is Nashville a good city for whiskey lovers?
Absolutely. Between bars, distilleries, and guided tastings, you can learn, sip, and compare without repeating yourself for days.
What’s the dress code at these bars?
Most are “smart casual.” Bourbon Steak is dressy; Patterson House and Old Glory are vibe-forward but not formal. East Nashville (The Fox) is relaxed but stylish.
Do I need reservations?
Helpful for Patterson House, Bourbon Steak, and The Fox, especially on weekends. Gertie’s and Barrel Proof are often first-come; calling ahead never hurts.
Final Pour - Where to Start Your Nashville Whiskey Adventure
Nashville’s whiskey scene is a mix of heritage and reinvention which is exactly what makes it so fun to explore. You can sip a rare Scotch in Germantown, chase barbecue with bourbon in Bellevue, or find yourself in a hidden bar you’d never spot without a local’s tip.
Nashville rewards whiskey lovers who plan just a little. Start with a speakeasy like The Patterson House, chase rare bottles in Germantown at Barrel Proof, catch sunset at Bourbon Steak, and make a pilgrimage to HoneyFire for BBQ with a 170-bottle whiskey wall. Then go deeper with a guided tasting or distillery tour so you can compare styles, ask questions, and taste like an insider.
If you want to pair whiskey with an insider look at the city, my Downtown Nashville Food Tour includes tastings, local history, and a guide to the restaurants and bars locals love most.
Ready to map out your perfect whiskey day? Start with one of these bars, then book a Nashville whiskey experience to round it out without worrying about the drive.
Or download my free Nashville Whiskey Guide (coming soon) to plan your own route through these top spots.