You might be familiar with Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, but did you know there’s a Tennessee Whiskey Trail? There are over 30 distillers across the state from Memphis to the Tri-Cities!

 

What is the Tennessee Whiskey Trail passport and how does it work?

Think of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail Passport as your official "Spirit Scavenger Hunt." Available as a physical booklet or a digital app, it tracks your journey across the state. Every time you visit a distillery and get a "stamp," you’re one step closer to earning exclusive rewards, like a commemorative poker set, provided by the Tennessee Distillers Guild. Download your passport or pick up a physical printed version from any participating distillery and start your adventure!​Shape 

What makes Tennessee Whiskey different from Bourbon? 

It all comes down to the "extra mile" known as the Lincoln County Process. While Tennessee Whiskey meets all the legal requirements of a straight bourbon, it undergoes one final step: the new spirit is filtered through sugar maple charcoal before it ever touches a barrel. This creates a smoother, mellower finish that is uniquely Tennessean.

  • The Law of the Land: Per House Bill 1084, Tennessee Whiskey must be fermented from at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak. If it doesn't meet these standards, it isn't the real deal. 

  • Charcoal Mellowing: This filtration process doesn't just add smoothness; it removes harsh oils. Even global icons like Jack Daniel’s and boutique shops like our own Knox Whiskey Works respect this time-honored tradition. Shape 

In Knoxville, there is one stop on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail: Knox Whiskey Works in the Old City. We asked a few questions so you could get to know them better and plan a visit in person!

 

How/why did you open Knox Whiskey Works? 

We had a passion for bourbon, so when the laws changed to allow for new distilleries in Tennessee, we decided to pour that passion into Knoxville’s first legal distillery!

What products does Knox Whiskey Works make?  

We make two vodkas:

  • Tennessee Valley Vodka - Our award-winning 100% corn vodka.
  • Tennessee Tailgate Orange Vodka - Made from our corn vodka, this spirit is both naturally colored and flavored with blood oranges. A great spirit to show your VOL pride!

We make three Gins:

  • Marble City Pink Gin – Popular Jackson Ave Gin, barrel finished in Cabernet barrels from Napa Valley. The toasted French oak adds a subtle floral flavor while subduing the big botanical flavor. The distinct pink color is reminiscent of the pink marble that made East Tennessee famous.
  • Dry Gap Gin – Our Dry Gap Gin is derived from different cuts of our distillation process and bourbon barrel finished to create an interesting twist on a traditional spirit.
  • Jackson Ave Gin – Distinct, bold gin with a big juniper aroma and s smooth floral finish. Made from nine botanicals including chamomile, rose hips and orris root (the root of the iris flower, the TN state flower).

We make three whiskeys:

  • Old City Heirloom Corn Whiskey - Our award-winning unaged corn whiskey is double distilled using a repurposed pot still.
  • Gold Release Tennessee Whiskey - We take our Silver Release Bourbon and filter it three times through Sugar Maple charcoal, also known as the Lincoln process. Creating a superbly smooth Tennessee whiskey.
  • Deals Gap Dragon Tail - Habanero and ghost chile extract infused whiskey, naturally sweetened with local clover honey.

Additionally, one rye and a bourbon:

  • Rye 95 - Single barrel, limited reserve.
  • Silver Release Bourbon - Our award-winning Heirloom Corn Whiskey aged to perfection in American Oak Barrels.

And lastly, elderflower and coffee liqueur and a rum:

  • Fleur De Vie - Our elderflower liqueur is made with rose buds, lavender, chrysanthemum, red clover tops and hibiscus. Sweetened
  • Cold City Old Brew Coffee Liqueur - Made with locally roasted coffee beans from Honey Bee coffee.
  • Three Rivers Rum - Jamaican rum blended with light brown sugar and maple. 

Is there anything unique about your process/approach to your craft? 

We use locally grown organic products whenever possible. All of the spirits made here at Knox Whiskey Works are made from 100% non-GMO, Heirloom Hickory Cane Corn grown at Riverplains Farms in Jefferson County, Tennessee.

Where can your products be found in Knoxville (bottle form and cocktails)?  

Our products can be found in liquor stores, bars, and restaurants in East and Middle Tennessee, as well as the Tri-Cities. Check out the bottle finder feature on our website. 

Does Knox Whiskey Works offer tours?

Yes! Tours include a tasting of our hand-crafted KWW spirits. Under age persons are welcome to also tour the facility when accompanied by an adult over the age of 21. All tours are $15 and include a tasting flight of our 13 spirits. Tours are limited to 10 people, so make certain you reserve your spot online. Must be 21+ for the tasting experience. Tours for those under 21, $7.50. If you are making an online reservation, a $5/person booking fee* guarantees your spot on the tour & you will pay the remaining balance when you check in with one of our tasting room associates. We always try to honor walk-ins, but reservations are suggested. 

Anything else you would want a visitor to your distillery to know?  

We are proud to be Knoxville's first legal distillery. And as a local business, we try to partner with as many other local entities to help out our community. We also proudly offer a discount to all military, firefighter, police officer or first responder personnel.

We hope this helps you learn a bit more about this distillery in Knoxville, a great way to celebrate National Craft Distillery Day, today – and every day!