Best Whiskey Bars, Distilleries & Events Near Franklin, TN
Whether you prefer your whiskey neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a favorite cocktail, winter in Franklin, Tennessee offers the perfect excuse to slow down, settle in, and savor a quality pour. For some, whiskey is a year-round staple; for others, the first crisp days and longer nights signal it’s finally time to raise a glass. There’s something about the winter season that makes each sip feel more intentional and inviting. A warm seat by the fireplace, a smooth pour in hand, and the quiet charm of Franklin, TN. It is the ideal setting to let both body and spirit unwind.
Tennessee’s connection to whisky runs deep, making the slower winter months a great opportunity to explore its history. Rooted in tradition and craftsmanship, local bars and distilleries celebrate the rich history that helps define Tennessee whiskey. Whether you’re discovering a new favorite or returning to a trusted classic, the colder evenings in Franklin, TN, are the perfect reason to raise a glass and warm up with some of the best whiskies around.
So, gather your friends. Let’s make this winter a season of lingering conversations and cozy atmospheres. We’ll help you discover the best bars and distilleries in and around the Franklin, TN area for a truly unforgettable whiskey experience.
Stable Reserve Distillery
Located in the heart of downtown Franklin, TN, Stable Reserve holds the distinction of being the first distillery on Franklin, Tennessee’s historic Main Street since Prohibition. Housed in a beautifully restored building, once serving as an 1800s horse stable, the tasting room features a long bar built into the original structure. They also offer plenty of cozy seating and tables throughout. It is an inviting space for any time of visit, day or night. Stable Reserve welcomes guests with coffee in the mornings and cocktails throughout the day and into the evening.
The distillery’s regularly expanding lineup of award-winning spirits showcases rye whiskey, rye-based bourbon, wheated bourbon, and unique single-barrel selections. Centrally located and buzzing with local charm, Stable Reserve has also earned a reputation as the unofficial home of Franklin’s favorite Espresso Martini– The One With The Whiskey is a must-try for whisky lovers.
For those looking to dive deeper, Stable Reserve offers a range of exclusive experiences designed for first-time visitors and seasoned bourbon enthusiasts alike. The Stable Reserve Tasting Experience provides a guided tasting led by knowledgeable spirit educators, offering a step up from the daily tastings. Guests can also take part in the Blend Your Own Bourbon Experience, gaining hands-on insight into the distilling process while crafting a personalized barrel-proof bourbon to take home and share with friends and family.
412 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064
Leiper’s Fork Distillery
This next one is a part of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail– and for good reason. If you’re craving hand-crafted whiskey in a quiet yet vibrant Tennessee town, Leiper’s Fork Distillery is a must-visit destination. Nestled in the heart of Leiper’s Fork, the distillery is committed to reviving the lost art of small-batch whiskey production in Williamson County. Using mostly local ingredients and limestone-filtered water, they craft premium spirits with a signature taste that reflects both tradition and craftsmanship, honoring the rich heritage of Tennessee whiskey.
Leiper’s Fork Distillery operates with a low-volume, low-impact approach, ensuring that every pour showcases authenticity and quality. From rye and bourbon to unique seasonal expressions, each whiskey tells a story of careful production and dedication to the craft. The distillery’s focus on artisan methods makes it a standout destination for anyone looking to experience whiskey at its finest.
Visitors can take part in guided tours, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the distilling process and include tastings in the cozy tasting room. After sampling their exceptional spirits, you can browse merchandise or simply relax and soak in the welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to enjoy handcrafted whisky while embracing the slower, cozier pace of winter in the charming town of Leiper’s Fork.
3381 Southall Rd, Franklin, TN 37064
House of Spirits
Can’t get enough of Leiper’s Fork Distillery? You’re in luck, Leiper’s Fork Distillery’s House of Spirits is right here in the heart of downtown Franklin. This intimate, inviting space encourages guests to slow down, cozy up, and savor handcrafted spirits in a warm, cozy atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a quality pour while soaking in the charm of Main Street.
Every whiskey offered by House of Spirits is crafted entirely in-house at their Leiper’s Fork Distillery, from grain to glass. From selecting the finest grains to mashing, fermenting, distilling, barrel aging, and bottling, the team controls every step of the process. This hands-on approach ensures each small-batch spirit reflects the distillery’s commitment to quality, integrity, and the rich heritage of Tennessee whiskey.
Although you might be here for the whiskey, don’t forget the food. In partnership with Circa Grill, a beloved Thompson’s Station restaurant known for elevated Southern cuisine and hospitality, House of Spirits has become a true gathering place for both drinks and food. Together, they offer an experience where carefully crafted spirits, inspired food, and community come together. They are the perfect destination for winter evenings filled with warmth, flavor, and connection.
334 Main St #104, Franklin, TN 37064
Company Distilling
Located just south of Franklin in the charming town of Thompson’s Station, TN, Company Distilling is a Tennessee whiskey distillery that feels especially inviting during the winter months. Housed in a historic building once used by local farmers to store grain before it was loaded onto the railroad, the distillery blends small-town charm with warmth and nostalgia. The setting creates the perfect backdrop for slowing down and enjoying a quality pour when the temperatures drop.
Company Distilling is known for crafting fine distilled spirits, including Maple Aged Bourbon, Small Batch Rye Whiskey, and Ghost Rail™ Tennessee Dry Gin. Inside, guests can explore a working production area, browse the bottle and retail shop, and settle in at the bar for portfolio tastings or a signature cocktail. Each spirit reflects the distillery’s dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and connection.
Visitors are welcome to cozy up indoors or relax outside on the porch, where friendly pets are welcome on mild winter days. With no reservations required, the atmosphere remains easygoing and welcoming. They are the ideal place to gather with friends and family, enjoy great conversation, and embrace the quieter pace of a Tennessee winter.
1557 Thompson’s Station Rd W, Thompson’s Station, TN 37179
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery
Want to learn more about the whiskey distillery process? Lucky for you, just next door in Music City, the Distillery Tour at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Nashville, TN offers an immersive look into the past, present, and future of this storied brand. To begin, guests step into generations of history, learning how the distillery’s legacy continues to shape its craft today. From there, the tour moves onto the production floor, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how the spirits are made.
Next, the tour concludes with a premium tasting of four seasonal offerings. This final stop allows visitors to savor the finished product and better appreciate the distillery’s craftsmanship. Lasting approximately 45 minutes to one hour, the experience is both approachable and rewarding. As a result, it’s an easy addition to any winter visit to Nashville– especially for whiskey enthusiasts eager to deepen their knowledge.
For those looking to take the experience a step further, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery also offers the unique “Bottle Your Own Brier” experience. Available daily at 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., and 4:15 p.m., this hands-on option lets guests fill their own bottle straight from the barrel in the warehouse. Additionally, visitors can choose from extremely limited, hand-selected expressions. With the chance to date and personalize the label, it’s a memorable way to take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir from your Nashville whisky adventure. Finally, before heading home, be sure to stop by the distillery’s bar and restaurant.
1414 Clinton St, Nashville, TN 37203
Gertie’s Whiskey Bar at The 404 Kitchen
While you’re in Nashville, be sure to check Gertie’s Whiskey Bar in The Gulch. Led by celebrated Chef Matt Bolus, The 404 Kitchen blends Southern heritage cooking with a modern European sensibility, creating a dining experience that feels both rooted and refined. Seasonal ingredients are sourced with intention and prepared with originality, bringing a distinct local flavor to The Gulch. Anchored by Gertie’s Whiskey Bar, the restaurant and bar offer a setting where thoughtful cuisine and exceptional spirits come together seamlessly.
Gertie’s Whiskey Bar and The 404 Kitchen are home to one of the South’s most impressive collections of coveted whiskey. The exclusive selection is hand-curated by Chef Matt Bolus, who works directly with distillers to secure limited-series and rare bottles. The whiskey program has never been about sheer size, but rather about quality and curation– resulting in what is widely regarded as one of the most thoughtfully assembled whiskey collections in Nashville, TN.
Whiskey lovers are also invited to enjoy Whiskey Wednesdays, featuring two select whiskies offered at half-off pours all night. For those seeking to elevate their whiskey experience, Gertie’s Whiskey Bar and The 404 Kitchen offer the Whiskey Society membership. The membership includes exclusive access to one-of-a-kind barrel selections personally chosen by Chef Bolus, along with a private whiskey locker capable of housing up to nine bottles– it is an experience designed for true whiskey enthusiasts.
507 12th Ave S Fl 1, Nashville, TN 37203
1799 Kitchen & Bar Room
Located in downtown Franklin at The Harpeth Hotel, 1799 Kitchen & Bar Room is a place where history lives on through every dish, every pour, and every gathering. Their story is brought to life through exceptional flavors. Rooted in Southern tradition yet always looking ahead, the kitchen honors time-tested techniques while embracing fresh ideas, creating an experience that feels both timeless and alive.
Ingredients are sourced from nearby farms, fields, and waters, allowing the seasons to guide the menu. Familiar Southern flavors are thoughtfully reimagined, resulting in food that is both comforting and unexpected. Complementing the kitchen is the largest whiskey keep in Franklin, TN, featuring more than 250 carefully curated whiskeys and bourbons, including an exclusive barrel from Leiper’s Fork Distillery.
Here, the past sets the table for what’s next. Seasonal culinary craftsmanship meets legendary pours, inviting guests to slow down and come together. With Whiskey Wednesdays held every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to close, guests are invited to enjoy specially priced whiskey flights, spirits-infused appetizers, and live music in the lounge. More than an extensive collection of whiskey, 1799 Kitchen & Bar Room is a community built on history, flavor, and connection.
130 2nd Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064
O’ Be Joyful
Tucked into a historic Main Street building in downtown Franklin, O’ Be Joyful feels especially inviting during the winter months. Exposed red-brick walls and an intimate tavern setting create a cozy, neighborhood-bar atmosphere that’s perfect for settling in with a whiskey as temperatures drop. Known as a local favorite bar and grill, O’ Be Joyful pairs its warm surroundings with one of the largest whiskey collections in Franklin, making it an easy choice for a relaxed evening spent sipping and savoring.
Blending old Southern values with a modern, contemporary edge, O’ Be Joyful focuses on exceptional service, comforting flavors, and a welcoming vibe. Whether you’re stopping in for a casual lunch with friends or gathering for a lively night out, the space feels like a place where winter nights stretch a little longer. Their signature cocktails and expansive whiskey selection take center stage, offering something for seasoned whiskey lovers and curious newcomers alike.
From classic, Manhattan-inspired cocktails to refreshing takes like a Paper Plane–style drink, O’ Be Joyful’s skilled bartenders know how to craft the perfect winter sipper. More than just a bar, it’s a gathering place built on celebration and camaraderie. They are a place where friends, neighbors, and visitors can come together. So, warm up at O’ Be Joyful, and enjoy the season one pour at a time.
328 TN-6, Franklin, TN 37064
Cork and Cow
If you prefer your whiskey mixed into a thoughtfully crafted cocktail, Cork & Cow is the place to be. Opened in 2011 by Chef Jason McConnell, the downtown Franklin restaurant is known for pairing great steaks with an exceptional wine and cocktail experience. Alongside premium cuts of steak and outstanding seafood, Cork & Cow features a curated selection of more than 100 bottles of wine and a bar program designed to complement every dish.
The cocktail menu places special emphasis on Tennessee Whiskey whenever appropriate, blending classic techniques with creative flavor combinations. Guests are also invited to take advantage of excellent happy hour offerings, making it easy to arrive early, settle in at the bar, and enjoy a pour before dinner. Below are a few of Cork & Cow’s current whiskey cocktails.
- Cork & Cow Old Fashioned – A rotating selection of whiskies in a seasonal take on the classic. Ask your server about the current variation.
- Black Magic – Black tea–infused Sazerac Rye whiskey, Amaro Nonino, house ginger ale.
- Four Winds – Happenstance Bourbon, Noces Royales Pear Cognac, Canton Ginger Liqueur, lemon, Angostura bitters.
- Nut N’ Honey – Sagamore Small Batch Rye whiskey, Nutella-infused overproof dark rum, Poral coffee liqueur, Ancient Mayan liqueur.
403 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064
Whiskey Warmer Festival
Want to keep the good vibes going all year long? Fortunately, Franklin, TN hosts some of the best whiskey festivals around, and the celebration continues with the annual return of Whiskey Warmer. As always, each year gets more delicious. For one unforgettable evening, distillers from near and far come together with the region’s top chefs and mixologists to celebrate whiskey and the bold flavors it inspires.
Throughout the night, guests are guided through tastings by expert distillers. Along the way, sample-size signature whiskey cocktails are paired with bites of whiskey-inspired Southern fare. Together, these elements create an experience designed to sip, savor, and explore. Additionally, a wide selection of whiskey, bourbon, and scotch will be featured, making the event ideal for seasoned aficionados and the whiskey-curious alike. Set at the Westhaven Skube Swim Center, the evening delivers great spirits, memorable flavors, and a lively atmosphere.
To complete the experience, your all-inclusive ticket includes unlimited whiskey and cocktail samples along with unlimited bites. Guests also receive a commemorative glass and enjoy access to live music, a cigar lounge, whiskey education, photo opportunities, and more. Best of all, proceeds benefit The Westhaven Foundation, so every pour supports a great cause.
4121 Golf Club Lane, Franklin, TN 37064
The Southern Whiskey Society
Another whiskey event held annually right here in Franklin, TN is hosted by The Southern Whiskey Society. At its core, the Society is dedicated to building intentional community through thoughtfully curated whiskey and food experiences. Above all, genuine hospitality sits at the heart of every gathering. Their mission, focuses on bringing people together in meaningful ways. Therefore, you can expect shared tables, exceptional flavors, and immersive moments that spark lasting connections.
As a result, their mission is growing into what is now recognized as the premier food and whiskey event in the South. Designed to feel both elevated and inviting, the evening delivers a truly one-of-a-kind experience. By blending craftsmanship, conversation, and celebration, the event appeals equally to devoted whiskey enthusiasts and passionate food lovers alike.
Each year the lineup raises the bar even higher. The festival typically showcases 10 acclaimed chefs from Middle Tennessee alongside 40 distinguished distillers. Guests can sample an impressive selection of premium whiskies. And also enjoying craft vodka, gin, and tequila if desired. Altogether, it makes for an unforgettable night of flavor, connection, and whiskey discovery.
Franklin, TN
Have a Pour and Raise a Glass to Some of the Best Whiskey in and Around Franklin, TN
Gather your friends and make this winter a season of cozy conversations and warm moments. We invite you to explore local whiskey bars, distilleries, and annual events and festivals to discover new flavors and uncover the history behind the spirits. This winter is the perfect season to experience the welcoming whiskey scene in Franklin, TN, and the surrounding areas.
