Greenbrier Distillery Nashville

If you love Tennessee whiskey, Nashville history, or just discovering cool places in Marathon Village, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery (often called Greenbrier Distillery Nashville) should be on your list. This revived 19th-century distillery combines a dramatic family story, award-winning spirits, and a modern restaurant and bar in one easy stop just minutes from downtown.

This guide walks you through the history, tours, tastings, tickets, and practical tips for visiting—plus how to plan your transportation so you can fully enjoy the experience without worrying about driving.

The Legacy of Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

The story starts in the 1800s, when German immigrant Charles Nelson built Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Robertson County, Tennessee. At its peak in the late 19th century, the distillery produced hundreds of thousands of gallons of whiskey each year and was one of the largest sour-mash producers in the state—well before Prohibition shut it down in 1909.

After Charles passed away, his wife Louisa Nelson stepped in to run the distillery, making her one of the few women of her era leading a whiskey operation. When statewide Prohibition hit, she was forced to close, and the original property eventually fell into ruin.

More than a century later, Charles’s descendants Andy and Charlie Nelson brought the family brand back. They relaunched Nelson’s Green Brier in Nashville in the 2010s, using historic recipes to create modern Tennessee whiskey and bourbons including lines like Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey and Nelson Brothers bourbons.

Today, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Marathon Village blends this heritage with a polished, contemporary visitor experience.

What Makes Greenbrier Distillery in Nashville Unique?

Several things set Nelson’s Green Brier apart from other distillery tours in Nashville:

Deep storytelling: Tours weave together the family’s immigration journey, the original Greenbrier operation, Louisa’s leadership, and the modern revival, so you get more than just production facts.

Original Tennessee whiskey: The modern Tennessee whiskey recipe is based on Charles Nelson’s 19th-century mash bill, filtered through sugar maple charcoal and aged in new charred oak—often described as one of the roots of the “original Tennessee whiskey” style.

Restaurant and bar on site: A full-service restaurant and whiskey-forward bar offer elevated Southern dishes, flights, and cocktails in a large, stylish space with open kitchen and event rooms.

Event-ready spaces: Dedicated rooms like the Oak Room, Whiskey Garden, Cooper’s Club, and Rickhouse make it a popular spot for corporate events, private dinners, and celebrations.

Tours, Tastings & Tickets

Explore unforgettable tours, enjoy curated tastings, and secure tickets to top attractions for a complete travel experience. Discover local flavors, iconic sights, and must-see events all in one place.

Distillery Tour

The standard Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery tour is designed to cover the past, present, and future of the brand in one visit. You’ll:

• Start in a small museum-style area that tells the story of Charles and Louisa Nelson and the original Greenbrier distillery

• Walk through the modern production floor to see mash tuns, stills, and barrel storage

• Finish with a premium tasting of four seasonal whiskeys or liqueurs.

Tours typically run about 45–60 minutes and, at the time of writing, are priced around $25 for adults 21+ with discounted rates for non-drinkers, guests 10–20, and military/first responders. Children 10 and under can usually join free, but can’t participate in tastings.

Bottle Your Own Brier & Premium Experiences

Beyond the core tour, there are add-on or speciality experiences like:

“Bottle Your Own Brier” – where you hand-fill a bottle from limited barrels in the warehouse at set times during the day.

Premium or private tastings – elevated sessions with extra pours, guided sensory analysis, or private group bookings, often capped at smaller group sizes.

Because schedules and pricing can change, it’s always smart to check the distillery’s official information and secure reservations before you go.

Planning Your Visit

Plan ahead to make the most of your visit, from choosing the best time to go to organizing tickets and schedules. A little preparation ensures a smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free experience.

Location & Neighborhood

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery sits in Marathon Village, a historic former automobile factory complex just west of downtown Nashville. The area is now packed with shops, studios, and other spirits producers, making it easy to turn your tour into a half-day outing.

The current distillery address on Clinton Street is only a short drive from the Gulch, downtown hotels, and popular neighborhoods—perfect for visitors based in central Nashville.

Parking & Arrival

There is a designated parking lot directly across from the distillery plus street parking nearby. On busy weekends and evenings, spots can fill quickly, so plan to arrive a little early and expect some walking.

Tours usually start on the hour or half-hour, and the distillery recommends arriving 10–15 minutes before your scheduled time to check in.

Who the Experience Is For

Couples: looking for a date-night or birthday outing with history, cocktails, and dinner.

Friends’ trips and bachelor/bachelorette groups: who want a polished whiskey experience without leaving the city.

Corporate groups: who can combine a tour, tasting, and private dinner or reception in one of the event spaces.

Families and mixed-age groups: All ages can join the tour, but only guests 21+ can drink. Kids and non-drinkers still get the history and production walk-through.

The facility is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with accessible restrooms and surfaces throughout, making it one of the easier Nashville attractions to visit for guests with mobility needs.

Getting Around Nashville for Your Distillery Day (Transportation Keywords)

Many visitors coordinate their Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery tour with airport arrivals, hotel check-ins, or nights out downtown, so reliable ground transportation is important. In Nashville you’ll find Airport Transportation Nashville, Corporate Transportation Services Nashville, Hourly Limo Service, Group Transportation Services, Wedding Transportation, Prom Limo Service, Town Car Service Nashville, Sprinter Van Service Nashville and Black Car Service Nashville to help you move between BNA, your hotel, the distillery, and other stops safely and comfortably—all without worrying about parking or driving after tastings.

Inside the Experience: What You’ll See & Taste

Step inside an immersive experience where every detail comes to life, from vibrant visuals to inviting atmospheres.
You’ll discover rich flavors, unique textures, and unforgettable tastes that make the journey truly memorable.

Museum & Storytelling

Your tour usually begins in a small exhibit area where artefacts, old labels, and storytelling panels walk you through the original Greenbrier operation, Charles and Louisa Nelson’s lives, and the brand’s re-launch by Andy and Charlie.

It’s a surprisingly moving part of the visit, especially for guests who enjoy local history as much as whiskey.

Production Floor & Barrel Aging

From there, you’ll head into the working distillery:

• Stainless steel tanks and fermented

• A gleaming hybrid still for distillation

• Racks of barrels where Tennessee whiskey and bourbons rest, sometimes including special finishing casks for limited releases. Guides explain each step of the process—from grain selection to charcoal mellowing to aging in new oak so you can connect what you taste to what you see.

Tasting the Whiskeys

At the end of the tour, you’ll sample a curated lineup that often includes:

• Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey

• Nelson Brothers Classic or Reserve bourbons

• A rye or seasonal special release

• Occasionally a cream liqueur or other experimental bottle.

Even if you’re not a hardcore whiskey fan, the guided tasting is approachable and educational, with tips on nosing, sipping, and describing flavors.

Restaurant, Bar & Events

One of the biggest upgrades in recent years is the on-site restaurant and bar:

• An open-kitchen dining room that seats around 100 guests with booths and tables

• A menu featuring elevated takes on Southern staples—think gourmet burgers, salads, and shareable plates designed to pair with whiskey cocktails

• Multiple event spaces (like the Oak Room, Whiskey Garden, and Cooper’s Club) for private dinners, weddings, and corporate functions.

You can visit just for lunch or brunch, pop in for cocktails, or cap off your tour with a full meal.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit

Book ahead: Tours and tables can sell out, especially on weekends and during busy tourist seasons. Reserving in advance gives you the best choice of time slots.

Bring a valid ID: Anyone tasting needs government-issued photo ID showing they’re 21 or older.

Dress comfortably: You’ll be on your feet walking through production spaces, so comfortable shoes are a smart choice.

Plan your ride: Because tastings are part of the experience, line up a designated driver or professional car service so you don’t have to worry about driving after.

Arrive early: Aim to be there 10–15 minutes before your tour to check in, use the restroom, and browse the mercantile.

Leave time for the shop: The gift shop stocks bottles (including distillery-only releases), barware, and apparel—great for souvenirs or gifts.

Visiting Greenbrier Distillery with Yaz Luxury Transportation

When you’re planning a Greenbrier Distillery day from Nashville, the experience is always better when you don’t have to drive, navigate, or search for parking after a tasting flight and dinner.

Yaz Luxury Transportation is based in Nashville and focuses on luxury, chauffeur-driven rides for locals and visitors alike. With a diverse fleet of sedans, SUVs, town cars, limousines, and Sprinter vans, Yaz can pick you up at BNA, your hotel, or your home, drive you to Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, wait while you tour and dine, and then take you safely to your next stop or back home—on your schedule.

Whether you’re organizing a couple’s outing, a corporate whiskey tasting, or a group celebration in Marathon Village, booking a private Yaz limo service in Nashville with professional chauffeurs means you can relax into the story, savor the whiskey, and enjoy every moment of your Greenbrier Distillery visit—while Yaz Luxury Transportation handles the road.

FAQs About Nelson’s Green Brier (Greenbrier) Distillery

1. Is Greenbrier Distillery the same as Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery?
Historically, the original Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery was located in Greenbrier, Tennessee, and became one of the largest whiskey producers in the state before Prohibition. Today’s distillery in Marathon Village is the modern home of that same family brand in Nashville, run by Charles Nelson’s descendants.

2. How much do tours cost and how long do they last?
Standard tours generally run about 45–60 minutes and include history, a production walk-through, and a tasting of four seasonal offerings. Current pricing is around $25 for adults 21+, with discounted or free options for under-21 guests and certain groups. Always double-check the latest details before booking.

3. Is Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery family-friendly?
Yes. All ages can enter the distillery and join the tour, though only guests 21+ may participate in tastings. Children 10 and under are typically free, and the building is stroller-friendly and wheelchair accessible.

4. Do I need a reservation?
Walk-ins may be possible during slower times, but reservations are strongly recommended—especially for weekends, larger groups, or add-on experiences like Bottle Your Own Brier.

5. What about parking?
There’s a parking lot across the street plus surrounding street parking. Because Marathon Village is a busy destination, it’s smart to arrive early or use private car service if you don’t want to deal with parking at all.

6. Can I host a private event or corporate outing there?
Yes. The distillery offers several private spaces including rooms like the Oak Room, Whiskey Garden, and Cooper’s Club—which can be reserved for dinners, receptions, meetings, or celebrations.