Corsair

Corsair Distillery

Region
  • USA, Tennessee
Awards
  • American Whiskey Distillery of the Year (2017 Berlin International Spirits Competition, 2016 Whisky Magazine Icons of Whisky), World Distiller of the Year (2017 Wizards of Whiskey), US Craft Distiller of the Year (2017, 2014 Wizards of Whiskey).
Website
  • https://www.corsairdistillery.com/
Phone Number
  • (615) 454-4871
Address
  • 601 Merritt Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

Historic Marathon Motor Works building with water tower.

History of Corsair Distillery

 

Corsair Distillery has a rich history that began over 14 years ago. It was founded in 2008 in Bowling Green, KY, by childhood friends Darek Bell and Andrew Webber.

Their journey into distilling started in Darek and Amy Lee Bell’s garage, initially as a homebrewing beer and wine project. 

The idea to switch to whiskey making came about during a bio-diesel plant project, leading them to delve into the world of distilleries and spirits.

By 2010, Corsair set up its operations in Nashville, becoming the city’s first craft distillery since prohibition. This marked a significant milestone, as Nashville is where it all started for the founders. 

The distillery has since grown in tandem with Nashville’s expansion, opening a second location in the city in January 2016, known as the WeHo Headquarters.

This expansion not only provided more office space and barrel storage but also allowed for higher-scale craft whiskey production.

Corsair Distillery is renowned for its innovative and adventurous spirits, which have earned over 800 medals at national and international spirits competitions.

Featured Publications

The distillery has been featured in several prestigious publications, including Food and Wine, Saveur, Imbibe, Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate, the Atlantic, Time Out New York, and Maxim.com.

Corsair’s commitment to local sourcing, utilizing local farms, and their own malthouse and smokehouse, is part of their ethos to encapsulate “Nashville in a bottle.”

In addition to craft spirits, Corsair has expanded its offerings to include craft beers, produced at their Marathon Village Brewstillery. This diversification aligns with their vision of providing a range of high-quality, handcrafted products.

Visitors can experience Corsair’s dedication to craft distilling by touring their facilities, where they showcase their small batch, ultra-premium American Booze.

 

 

Awards Won by Corsair Distillery

Distillery Awards:

  • American Whiskey Distillery of the Year (2017 Berlin International Spirits Competition, 2016 Whisky Magazine Icons of Whisky).
  • World Distiller of the Year (2017 Wizards of Whiskey).
  • US Craft Distiller of the Year (2017, 2014 Wizards of Whiskey).
  • American Craft Distillery of the Year (2014 Whisky Magazine Icons of Whisky).
  • Craft Distiller of the Year (2013 Whisky Magazine Icons of Whisky)​​.

Awards for Specific Products:

  • Triple Smoke American Single Malt Whiskey: Awards like Best in Category (2018 Wizards of Whiskey), Gold (2018 Wizards of Whiskey, 2017 American Craft Spirits Association), and Double Gold (2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition).
  • American Gin: Recognitions include Double Gold (2014 Fifty Best), Gold (2009, 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition).
  • Barreled Gin: Notable awards include Double Gold and #1 of 50 (2013 Fifty Best), Gold (2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition).
  • Dark Rye (Formerly Ryemageddon): Accolades such as Gold (2016 American Distilling Institute, 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition)​​​​​​.

Other Awards (2017-2018):

Various awards for Wildfire Single Malt Whiskey, Tennessee Single Malt Whiskey, Hydra Single Malt Whiskey, among others, including Gold, Silver, and Best in Category from competitions like the Wizards of Whiskey and American Distilling Institute​

Corsair Distillery Tour Information and Experience

Corsair Distillery offers immersive tour experiences at both their Marathon and Headquarters locations in Nashville, TN, each providing a unique insight into their artisanal spirit-making process.

Marathon Distillery & Taproom Tours:

  • Location: Situated in the vibrant Marathon Village, this location combines an active distillery and taproom.
  • Tour Details: The 30-minute walking tour delves into Corsair’s history and grain-to-glass spirit-making process. It includes a close look at their 1920s pot still, condensing stills, fermentation vessels, mash cooker, and pilot gin still.
  • Tasting: The tour includes tastings of five spirits, selected by the guide. Non-tasting options are available.
  • Capacity: Maximum of 14 people per tour, with arrangements possible for larger groups.
  • Pricing: Tour with tasting is $18, without tasting is $10, and free for children under 12.
  • Additional Offerings: The location also features a taproom & bar with craft cocktails, local beers, fresh baked pizza, and a bottle and gift shop.

Headquarters Tours:

  • Location: Located in the industrial Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, the Headquarters is the heart of Corsair’s production.
  • Tour Details: The 45-minute tour offers an in-depth look at Corsair’s custom 800-gallon pot still, condensing stills, gin still, fermentation vessels, blending tanks, barrel aging warehouse, and bottling line.
  • Tasting: Includes tastings of five spirits, guided by an expert.
  • Capacity: Maximum of 8 people per tour.
  • Pricing: Tour with tasting is $20, free for children under 12.
  • Additional Offerings: Cocktail creation courses taught by Head Bartenders, craft cocktail bar, tasting bar, gift shop, and outdoor decks with games.

Both locations offer guided spirits tastings and are near Marriott’s TownePlace Suites in Nashville’s Midtown, providing convenient accommodation options for visitors. 

The Marathon location is open Monday (Noon to 7 PM CST), closed Tuesday, and open Wednesday to Sunday (Noon to 7 PM CST). 

Public tours are available daily at various times. The Headquarters is open Thursday to Sunday (Noon to 7pm) with public tours available during these days.

Flask & Barrel Review of Corsair Distillery

As someone who’s been around the block with distillery tours, I’ve got to say, Corsair Distillery really stands out. From the get-go, the vibe at both their Marathon and Headquarters locations in Nashville was welcoming and had a cool, laid-back atmosphere.

Starting with the Marathon Distillery & Taproom, it was a treat. Nestled in the bustling Marathon Village, this spot isn’t just a distillery; it’s a social hub. The 30-minute tour was insightful, diving into the nitty-gritty of their spirit-making process. 

The guide was knowledgeable and had a knack for making the technicalities of distilling approachable. And let’s talk about the tastings – a lineup of five spirits that were a true representation of Corsair’s craft.

Each one had its own character, and as a whiskey collector, I appreciated the uniqueness.

The Headquarters tour was equally impressive. The 45-minute walkthrough of their production process was a deep dive into the art of distilling.

Seeing their custom 800-gallon pot still and the entire barrel aging warehouse was like peeking behind the curtain of a magic show. The tastings here were top-notch, and the guide’s expertise shone through, adding depth to each sip.

Now, no tour is complete without mentioning the extras. The taproom at Marathon with its craft cocktails and local beers was a great way to wind down.

And the cocktail creation course at the Headquarters? It’s a must for anyone who enjoys mixing drinks.

If I had to nitpick, I’d say I wished the tours were a bit longer to soak in more details. But that’s just me being a whiskey geek.

Overall, Corsair Distillery is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates fine spirits. Their commitment to craft and innovation is evident in every aspect of the experience.

It’s a solid 4.7 out of 5 in my book – a place I’d recommend to fellow whiskey enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

What To Do Nearby Corsair Distillery

  • Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Located 1.87km from the distillery, this iconic museum is a must-visit for music enthusiasts. It’s open from 9:00 to 17:00, and the recommended sightseeing time is 2-3 hours. A visit here offers an immersive journey through the history and sounds of country music​​.
  • Centennial Park and The Parthenon: Only 2.39km away, Centennial Park is a lovely outdoor space for a stroll or picnic. Within the park is The Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the original in Athens, open from 9:00 to 16:30. It’s an excellent spot for both relaxation and cultural exploration​​​​.
  • Grand Ole Opry: A bit further at 9.94km, this world-famous music venue is a cornerstone of American music history. It’s open for tours and performances, providing an authentic Nashville music experience​​.
  • Marathon Village: Just 445 feet from Corsair Distillery, this historic automobile factory has been repurposed into a creative community, housing a variety of art studios, galleries, and other unique businesses, including another distillery, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery​​​​.
  • O Gallery: Also in Marathon Village, this gallery, just 445 feet away, showcases a diverse array of art, making it a perfect quick stop for art enthusiasts​​.
  • Marathon Music Works: Located only 0.1 miles away, this is one of Nashville’s premier concert and event spaces. It offers a dynamic lineup of musical performances and events in a unique industrial setting​​.
  • Ryman Auditorium: About 1 mile from Corsair Distillery, this historic venue is a landmark in the music world and offers tours that delve into its storied past​​.
  • Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Approximately 1.2 miles away, this museum is a treasure trove of country music history and memorabilia​​.
  • Tennessee State Museum: Just 0.6 miles away, this museum offers insights into the rich history of Tennessee through a variety of exhibits​​.
  • Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park: Also 0.6 miles from the distillery, this state park offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a peaceful retreat within the city

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Corsair Distillery?

The Stillery: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +16159428080. Their address is 113 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201. 

The Diner Nashville: It has a rating of 4.1 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +16157827150. Their address is Isle of 200 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201. 

The Goat Sobro: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +16152650455. Their address is Isle of 211 Elm St, Nashville, TN 37210. 

What hotels are near Corsair Distillery?

Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville-Vanderbilt-Elliston Place: It has a rating of 4.0 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +16153206060. Their address is 2330 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203. 

Holiday Inn Nashville-Vanderbilt (Dwtn), an IHG Hotel: It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +16153274707. Their address is 2613 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203. 

Hilton Nashville Downtown: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +16156201000. Their address is 121 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201.