A Guide to National Bourbon Day in Franklin: Bars, Tours & Tastings
National Bourbon Day arrives each year on June 14th. The holiday celebrates America’s native spirit and its deep roots in Southern culture. Kentucky may claim the birthplace of bourbon, but Middle Tennessee has built its own strong appreciation for well-crafted pours. From Leiper’s Fork to Downtown Franklin and Cool Springs, Williamson County offers plenty of ways to celebrate. Each area brings its own character, from walkable historic streets to scenic countryside escapes and modern dining hubs. Together, they create a bourbon trail feel without leaving Williamson County.
Leiper’s Fork Distillery
Leiper’s Fork Distillery continues reviving small-batch whiskey production in Williamson County. Located near the scenic village of Leiper’s Fork, the distillery focuses on traditional Tennessee whiskey-making methods and locally sourced ingredients. Limestone-filtered water and careful production techniques help create the distillery’s signature flavor profile. The distillery embraces a low-volume approach that prioritizes craftsmanship over mass production. That attention to detail has helped make Leiper’s Fork Distillery a top spot for bourbon and whiskey fans visiting Franklin and Williamson County. The setting also reflects the area’s deep appreciation for Southern heritage and local history.
Featured Experience, Tours and Tastings:
Visitors celebrating National Bourbon Day can explore the distillery through guided tours and tastings. Members of the Leiper’s Fork Distilling Team lead each experience and walk guests through the whiskey-making process from grain to glass. Tours begin inside the still house, where visitors learn about traditional distillation methods and barrel aging techniques. The tour concludes inside the distillery’s historic 200-year-old tasting room. Guests sample a selection of handcrafted whiskeys while learning the story behind each bottle. The experience combines Tennessee whiskey education with the relaxed atmosphere that defines Leiper’s Fork. Each tour accommodates up to 24 guests, making reservations popular during weekends and holiday events like National Bourbon Day. For visitors exploring Franklin’s bourbon scene, Leiper’s Fork Distillery delivers one of the area’s most authentic experiences.
House of Spirits
Leiper’s Fork Distillery brings its House of Spirits experience to Downtown Franklin. The space sits in the heart of the historic district. It blends Tennessee whiskey heritage with a modern tasting room atmosphere. Guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails made with Leiper’s Fork Distillery spirits. Live music often fills the space with local talent. Visitors can also browse exclusive bottles and branded merchandise. The setting fits Franklin’s walkable downtown energy. It offers an easy stop during a Bourbon Day crawl through Williamson County. The experience connects local craftsmanship with Southern hospitality in every pour.
Bourbon Selection:
Leiper’s Fork Bottled in Bond Bourbon delivers a bold, balanced sip at 100 proof. The whiskey ages five years under strict Bottled-in-Bond standards. It follows a traditional Tennessee process from grain to glass. Rich notes of praline, chocolate, and antique oak lead the aroma. The palate opens with butterscotch, sweet herbs, and dried citrus. A long finish brings mint, cherry, and warm maple spice. The mash bill uses 70% corn, 15% wheat, and 15% malted barley. The distillery uses locally grown non-GMO corn from the head distiller’s farm. Pot distillation and low barrel entry proof create a full-bodied, pre-prohibition style bourbon built for depth and character.
Stable Reserve Distillery
Stable Reserve Distillery offers a modern bourbon experience to historic Downtown Franklin. Located across from The Franklin Theatre, the distillery marks the first Main Street distillery in Franklin since Prohibition. Guests can stop in for morning coffee, craft cocktails, or guided bourbon tastings inside a space built around the building’s original 1800s horse stable. Stable Reserve continues expanding its lineup of award-winning spirits, including rye whiskey, wheated bourbon, rye-based bourbon, vodka, gin, and cream liqueurs. The tasting room has also become known for its espresso martinis, seasonal cocktails, and live music through the monthly Stable Songwriter Series.
Featured Bourbon Experience and Cocktails:
Visitors looking for a deeper bourbon experience can book guided tastings or the Blend Your Own Bourbon Experience, where guests create a custom barrel-proof blend to take home. The experience gives bourbon fans a hands-on look at blending and flavor development through two cask-strength pours, including a high-rye and high-wheat bourbon. Guests learn how mash bills, barrel aging, and balance shape each final blend. Ready for a drink? Cocktail favorites include The 412 with bourbon or rye, Angostura bitters, orange, and Luxardo cherry. Guests also gravitate toward Tea Time with tea-infused bourbon and peach bitters, along with the Lunchbox made with peanut butter fat-washed bourbon and berry syrup.
Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club
Tucked away behind Mellow Mushroom in Downtown Franklin, Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club delivers a Prohibition-inspired experience with a distinctly local flair. This intimate speakeasy blends vintage charm with modern cocktail craftsmanship, creating one of Franklin’s most unique bourbon destinations. Inside, guests find low lighting, classic jazz, and expertly crafted drinks made with house-made syrups, fresh ingredients, and premium spirits. Knowledgeable bartenders guide visitors through an impressive whiskey selection, while the club’s bottle locker program adds an exclusive touch for regular patrons. For National Bourbon Day, Amendment XVIII offers a memorable stop for bourbon enthusiasts exploring Franklin’s vibrant cocktail scene.
Bourbon Cocktails:
One of the club’s signature bourbon cocktails, the Old Fashioned showcases Old Forester Bourbon with Demerara syrup, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters. Served with classic presentation and balanced flavor, it highlights the rich caramel and spice notes that make Old Forester a favorite among bourbon fans. Other popular bourbon selections include the Paper Plane, featuring Aperol, Nonino, and fresh lemon juice, and the Whiskey Sour crafted with bourbon, lemon juice, Demerara syrup, egg whites, and Angostura bitters.
O’ Be Joyful
Located on historic Main Street in Downtown Franklin, O’ Be Joyful combines Southern hospitality with one of the area’s most impressive whiskey selections. The neighborhood bar and grill occupies a charming brick-lined space that feels both timeless and welcoming. Guests can settle in for lunch, dinner, or an evening bourbon pour while enjoying elevated comfort food and attentive service. Known for its extensive whiskey program, O’ Be Joyful offers everything from everyday favorites to highly sought-after allocated bottles. For National Bourbon Day, they are a must-visit destination for bourbon enthusiasts exploring Franklin’s vibrant dining and whiskey scene.
Bourbon Selection:
Among their best pours, George Dickel 18-Year Bourbon showcases the depth and character that seasoned bourbon fans appreciate. This Tennessee bourbon delivers rich notes of oak, caramel, and baking spice with a long, smooth finish. Guests can also explore an extensive lineup featuring favorites such as Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, W.L. Weller, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, and Old Forester expressions. For those who prefer cocktails, the Boulevardier offers a bourbon-forward option made with bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
1799 Kitchen & Bar Room
Located inside The Harpeth Hotel in downtown Franklin, 1799 Kitchen & Bar Room blends Southern flavors with one of the area’s premier whiskey programs. The restaurant sources ingredients from regional farms and producers, creating dishes that celebrate Tennessee’s culinary heritage. Bourbon enthusiasts can explore more than 250 carefully curated whiskeys and bourbons, including exclusive selections and local favorites. The Whiskey Keep serves as both a collection and gathering place for whiskey lovers, while the members-only Cask Club offers private lockers, special tastings, and access to rare bottles. For National Bourbon Day, 1799 stands out as a destination where exceptional dining and outstanding whiskey come together.
Bourbon Selection:
A fitting choice for a Franklin bourbon experience, Leiper’s Fork Bourbon showcases local craftsmanship in every pour. Produced in Franklin and bottled in bond at 100 proof, this bourbon delivers a balanced profile with notes of caramel, toasted grain, and warm spice. Guests can also sample exclusive pours like The Harpeth Blend, along with Middle Tennessee favorites from Stable Reserve, Company Distilling, Nelson Brothers, and Chattanooga Whiskey. With one of the largest bourbon collections in Williamson County, 1799 offers plenty for both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers.
55 South
With locations in Downtown Franklin and Brentwood, 55 South brings the bold flavors of the Mississippi Delta to Williamson County. Chef Jason McConnell draws inspiration from the corridor stretching from Memphis to New Orleans, creating a menu filled with Southern favorites and Gulf Coast influences. Guests can enjoy po’ boys, jambalaya, fresh oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, and regional classics in a relaxed setting. The restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere and creative cocktail program make it a popular gathering spot for both locals and visitors. For National Bourbon Day, 55 South offers a flavorful way to pair Southern cuisine with bourbon-inspired cocktails.
Bourbon Cocktail:
The Perfectionist showcases Buffalo Trace Bourbon in a refined and balanced cocktail. Pedro Ximénez, sherry, Lillet Blanc, and sassafras sorghum bitters add layers of sweetness, spice, and depth. Guests looking for a bolder Southern twist can also try the Cajun Mule, which features bourbon infused with apricot, cherry, vanilla bean, and honey, finished with lime and ginger beer. Both cocktails highlight the restaurant’s creative approach to bourbon and Southern flavors.
The Whiskey Room Live
Located inside Kings Dining & Entertainment in Franklin, The Whiskey Room Live pairs live entertainment with a strong bourbon selection. This 118-seat venue hosts local musicians, touring acts, DJs, and karaoke throughout the week. Guests enjoy state-of-the-art sound and lighting while sipping cocktails and dining from the full-service menu. The venue offers a lively atmosphere that blends music, whiskey, and nightlife under one roof. Free parking makes it an easy stop for visitors celebrating National Bourbon Day in Franklin.
King Pin Old Fashioned:
The King Pin Old Fashioned puts a fresh twist on a timeless bourbon classic. Made with Michter’s Bourbon, rosemary simple syrup, and bitters, the cocktail balances herbal notes with rich bourbon character. Its smooth finish and aromatic profile make it a standout choice for whiskey lovers seeking a memorable National Bourbon Day sip.
Raise a Glass to National Bourbon Day in Williamson County
Whether you prefer a guided distillery tour, a rare bourbon pour, or a handcrafted cocktail, Franklin and Williamson County offer countless ways to celebrate National Bourbon Day. From the scenic backroads of Leiper’s Fork to the vibrant streets of Downtown Franklin and beyond, each stop highlights the craftsmanship, hospitality, and rich traditions that define Tennessee whiskey culture. Enjoy a pour on June 14th and discover why Williamson County has become one of Middle Tennessee’s premier destinations for bourbon lovers. To discover more great pours, read, Best Whiskey Bars, Distilleries & Events Near Franklin, TN.
