More than 6.3 million visitors from around the world visit Tennessee distilleries each year, according to 2018 survey data

NASHVILLE, TN (August 15, 2019) – As Tennessee experienced record-breaking economic impact from 119 million domestic visitors to the state in 2018, the Tennessee Whiskey Trail broke a record of its own. More than 6.3 million visitors crisscrossed the state to experience the 26 distilleries on the Trail, making it a strong contributor to the booming tourism numbers highlighted by the Department of Tourist Development’s 2018 Economic Impact report.

Since the launch of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail in 2017, people from around the world have explored the state and its spirits, navigating the more than 800-mile journey that winds its way through major urban cities and off-the-beaten-path towns throughout the state. Stops include major metropolises such as Nashville, Knoxville, Clarksville, Chattanooga and Memphis, as well as smaller towns and rural destinations including the Smoky Mountains, Bristol, Franklin, Lynchburg and more.

In announcing the results of the report, Tennessee’s Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell said, “We would not have these numbers if it weren’t for renovations, capital investments and passion shown by tourism partners across the state.”

The distilleries on the Trail house millions of barrels of whiskey valued at billions of dollars and accounting for nearly 100 percent of all distilled spirits produced in Tennessee. More than $260 million has been invested in Trail distilleries over the past 10 years, adding more than 500 jobs throughout the state.

“We are proud to give visitors the opportunity to savor the finest whiskeys at their source,” said Tennessee Distillers Guild President Kris Tatum. “Throughout their journey, guests can experience the history, culture, food and people in our cities and small towns along the way that make our beautiful state stand apart. It’s truly a unique offering that drives tourism throughout the state and gives visitors many reasons to come back again and again.”

Distilleries on the Trail include Bootleggers Distillery, Brushy Mountain Distillery, Chattanooga Whiskey Co., Corsair Distillery, D&S Distilling, Doc Collier Moonshine Distillery, George Dickel Distillery, H. Clark Distillery, Jack Daniel Distillery, Knox Whiskey Works, Leiper’s Fork Distillery, Lost State Distilling, Nashville Craft Distillery, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, Old Dominick Distillery, Old Forge Distillery, Old Glory Distilling Co., Old Tennessee Distilling Co., Ole Smoky Distillery, PostModern Spirits Distilling, Prichard’s Distillery, Short Mountain Distillery, Southern Pride Distillery, Sugarlands Distilling Co., Tennessee Legend Distillery, and TennSouth Distillery.

Visitors can pick up an official Tennessee Whiskey Trail Passport at any participating distillery or download the free Tennessee Whiskey Trail app to start their adventure. Trailblazers are invited to trek the Trail on their own time, in the order they prefer, and collect a stamp at each visit. Passports can be redeemed for a commemorative t-shirt and baseball cap after completing the entire Trail. Visit www.tnwhiskeytrail.com for more information about the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, including tips, trail routes, and the complete list of distilleries.

About Tennessee Whiskey Trail:

The Tennessee Whiskey Trail consists of 26 distilleries across the state of Tennessee ranging from boutique-sized operations to well-known distilleries that have been making good ol’ fashioned Tennessee whiskey for ages. Along the Trail, visitors can get a taste of the history, tradition and novelty of Tennessee whiskey, as well as experience the rich landscapes, must-see landmarks, and genuine Southern hospitality that embody the great state of Tennessee. From the rolling hills of Appalachia to the lively blues-filled streets of Memphis, the Tennessee Whiskey Trail is a journey through time, a rich experiential adventure through Tennessee’s picturesque countryside and lively cities, and a memorable experience for whiskey connoisseurs, adventurous travelers, and history buffs alike. For more information about the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, visit www.tnwhiskeytrail.com.

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