Pennington Distilling Co.
History of Pennington Distilling Co.
Pennington Distilling Co. has become a Nashville institution, renowned for its commitment to small-batch, handcrafted spirits. Its journey began with a vision to create high-quality products that embody the spirit of Music City.
A New Chapter in Nashville’s Story (2011)
Pennington Distilling Co. wasn’t always its current name. It started in 2011 under the name SPEAKeasy Spirits, a nod to the Prohibition era. Founded by a group with a passion for Tennessee distilling traditions, the distillery aimed to create unique spirits that reflected Nashville’s vibrant culture.
Rebranding for the Future (2014)
In 2014, SPEAKeasy Spirits underwent a rebranding, emerging as Pennington Distilling Co. This name change signified a shift towards a more contemporary identity while still honoring the craftsmanship that went into their products.
Family Owned, Quality Driven
Pennington Distilling Co. is a family-run business, and this spirit of family extends to their approach to distilling. They take immense pride in their hands-on process, overseeing every step from selecting grains to bottling the finished product. Their dedication to quality ensures a consistent and exceptional experience for their customers.
A Portfolio of Award-Winning Spirits
Pennington Distilling Co. offers a diverse range of spirits, each meticulously crafted using high-quality ingredients. Their core products include:
- Davidson Reserve Whiskey: This award-winning whiskey comes in several expressions, including Rye, Four-Grain, Genesis, Tennessee Whiskey, and Bourbon. Each boasts a distinct flavor profile, catering to a variety of tastes.
- Pickers Vodka: This clean and crisp vodka is perfect for cocktails or enjoying neat.
- Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream: This unique liqueur combines Tennessee whiskey, cream, and natural flavors, offering a smooth and decadent taste.
Beyond the Bottle: The Pennington Distilling Co. Experience
Pennington Distilling Co. isn’t just about production; it’s also about creating a memorable experience for visitors. Their distillery, located in the heart of Nashville’s Nations neighborhood, offers tours that provide a glimpse into the world of craft distilling. Visitors can witness the production process firsthand, learn about the history of the brand, and, of course, sample their award-winning spirits.
A Toast to the Future
Pennington Distilling Co. has carved a niche for itself in Nashville’s booming craft spirits scene. Their dedication to quality, innovation, and creating a unique visitor experience has positioned them for continued success. With a loyal following and a growing portfolio of spirits, Pennington Distilling Co. is poised to remain a Nashville mainstay for years to come.
Awards Won by Pennington Distilling Co.
American Distilling Institute and American Craft Spirits Association (2021)
- Davidson Reserve® Four Grain Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Best of Class, Best of Category, and Gold.
- Additional medals: 17 total across various products, including Silver for Davidson Reserve® Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Bronze for Davidson Reserve® Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2020)
- Double Gold Medal: Davidson Reserve Tennessee Straight Sour Mash Whiskey and Walton’s Finest Vodka.
- Gold Medal: Pickers Original Vodka and Davidson Reserve.
- Best Tennessee Whiskey: Davidson Reserve Tennessee Straight Sour Mash Whiskey.
Pennington Distilling Co. Tour Information and Experience
Pennington Distilling Co., located in Nashville, Tennessee, offers an immersive and informative tour experience that showcases the art and science of distilling premium spirits.
Founded in 2011 by Jeff and Jenny Pennington, the distillery has grown to become a prominent name in the craft spirits industry, producing award-winning whiskeys, vodkas, and cream liqueurs.
Tour Highlights
- Welcome and Introduction
- Visitors are greeted with a warm welcome and an introduction to the history and mission of Pennington Distilling Co. The tour begins with an overview of the distillery’s founding, the inspiration behind its creation, and the dedication to producing high-quality, locally sourced spirits.
- Distillation Process
- Guests are taken through the entire distillation process, from grain to glass. The tour highlights the sourcing of non-GMO grains from local Tennessee farms, the milling process, and the fermentation stage. Visitors learn about the unique mash bills used for different spirits, including the Davidson Reserve® Tennessee Whiskeys and Pickers Vodka®.
- Barrel Aging
- The tour includes a visit to the aging rooms where the whiskeys are stored in 53-gallon barrels. Guests can observe the aging process and learn about the significance of barrel selection, the impact of Tennessee’s climate on aging, and the importance of the Lincoln County Process in creating smooth Tennessee whiskey.
- Tasting Session
- One of the highlights of the tour is the tasting session, where visitors can sample a variety of Pennington Distilling Co.’s products. The tasting includes their award-winning Davidson Reserve® whiskeys, Pickers Vodka®, and Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream®. Expert guides provide insights into the flavor profiles, tasting notes, and the proper way to savor each spirit.
- Distillery Shop
- The tour concludes at the distillery shop, where guests can purchase their favorite spirits, branded merchandise, and exclusive products not available elsewhere. The shop also offers a range of cocktail recipes and gift sets, perfect for whiskey enthusiasts and collectors.
Booking and Additional Information
- Tour Schedule: Tours are available by appointment, typically running several times a week. It is recommended to book in advance due to limited spots and high demand.
- Duration: The tour lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Price: There is a nominal fee for the tour, which includes the tasting session. Discounts may be available for groups and special events.
- Age Restriction: Visitors must be 21 years or older to participate in the tasting session. Minors are allowed on the tour but must be accompanied by an adult.
Pennington Distilling Co. offers a comprehensive and engaging tour experience that provides a deep dive into the world of craft spirits. From learning about the meticulous distillation process to enjoying a guided tasting session, visitors leave with a greater appreciation for the craftsmanship and passion that goes into each bottle produced by this esteemed Nashville distillery.
Flask & Barrel Review of Pennington Distilling Co.
As a seasoned whiskey collector who’s been on countless distillery tours, I must say that Pennington Distilling Co. in Nashville, Tennessee, is a gem worth visiting. Here’s my take on the experience, rating it a solid 4.7 out of 5.
Arrival and First Impressions
When you first arrive at Pennington Distilling Co., the friendly atmosphere and welcoming staff set the tone for a great visit. The distillery has a charming, rustic vibe that feels both authentic and inviting. You can tell right away that this place is all about quality and passion for their craft.
The Tour Experience
The tour kicks off with a bit of history about the distillery, founded by Jeff and Jenny Pennington in 2011. It’s fascinating to hear how they started and grew their operation right in the heart of Nashville. The guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, making the whole experience engaging and informative.
Behind the Scenes
One of the highlights for me was seeing the distillation process up close. They take you through every step, from sourcing local grains to milling, fermenting, and distilling. It’s clear that Pennington Distilling Co. is committed to using high-quality, non-GMO grains from local farms, which really adds a unique touch to their spirits.
Aging and Barrel Room
The aging process was another standout part of the tour. You get to visit the barrel room, where their whiskeys rest in 53-gallon barrels. The aroma in there is heavenly! They explain the significance of the Lincoln County Process, which involves charcoal filtering before aging – a technique that contributes to the smoothness of their Tennessee whiskey.
Tasting Session
Now, let’s talk about the best part – the tasting session. We sampled a variety of their spirits, including their award-winning Davidson Reserve® Tennessee Whiskeys and Pickers Vodka®. Each spirit had a distinct flavor profile, and the guide did an excellent job explaining the nuances. My personal favorite was the Davidson Reserve Tennessee Straight Sour Mash Whiskey – the flavors were rich and complex, with a smooth finish that left me wanting more.
Distillery Shop
The tour wraps up at their distillery shop, where you can buy your favorite spirits and some cool merchandise. I picked up a bottle of Davidson Reserve to add to my collection and a few gifts for friends. They also have cocktail recipes available, which is a nice touch.
Overall, Pennington Distilling Co. offers a top-notch tour experience. The combination of their dedication to quality, the engaging tour, and the delicious tasting session makes it a must-visit for any whiskey enthusiast. My only minor gripe was that the tour could be a bit longer to delve even deeper into their process, but that’s just me being nit-picky.
If you’re in Nashville and love whiskey, make sure to check out Pennington Distilling Co. You won’t be disappointed!
What To Do Nearby Pennington Distilling Co.
Pennington Distilling Co. is situated in Nashville’s vibrant Nations neighborhood, offering a mix of historical sites, artistic experiences, and delicious food options all within a short distance. Here are some recommendations for things to do nearby:
Explore The Nations Neighborhood (Walking distance): Spend some time exploring the charming Nations neighborhood. Stroll down tree-lined streets lined with restored bungalows, browse unique shops and art galleries, and discover hidden gems. This walkable area offers a chance to experience the local flavor of Nashville.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park (1.2 miles): Immerse yourself in Tennessee’s history at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. This 19-acre park features the Tennessee State Capitol building, a magnificent example of Greek Revival architecture. Explore the park’s walking paths, monuments, and gardens, or take a guided tour of the capitol building.
Frist Art Museum (1.8 miles): Art enthusiasts will love the Frist Art Museum. This museum showcases a diverse collection of American art from the 18th century to the present day. Temporary exhibitions add to the variety, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.
The Gulch (2.2 miles): Head to The Gulch, a trendy neighborhood known for its upscale shops, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. This revitalized area offers a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for people-watching, grabbing a bite to eat, or enjoying a night out.
Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum (2.3 miles): Pay homage to Nashville’s musical heritage at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. This museum celebrates the achievements of musicians across all genres, from country to rock and roll. Interactive exhibits and memorabilia bring the stories of musical legends to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near Pennington Distilling Co.?
Fat Bottom Brewing Co.: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 800 44th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at (615) 678-5715.
Hathorne: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 4708 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at (629) 888-4917.
51 North Taproom: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 704 51st Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at (615) 818-0365.
What hotels are near Pennington Distilling Co.?
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Nashville MetroCenter: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 100 French Landing Dr, Nashville, TN 37228. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at (615) 432-4677.
Kimpton Aertson Hotel: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 2021 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at (615) 340-6376.
Thompson Nashville: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 401 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at (615) 262-6000.