Corsair Artisan Distillery

Corsair Artisan Distillery has won more international awards for craft spirits than almost any other distillery in the United States. More than 500 medals across whiskey, rum, gin, and absinthe. But what makes it worth visiting is not the trophy case — it's the approach. Corsair treats spirit-making as creative practice, not formula.

The tasting room sits inside Marathon Village, a converted early-20th century car assembly plant that now houses some of Nashville's most interesting independent businesses. Corsair occupies a corner of it with a working still visible through glass, a long bar stocked exclusively with their own production, and a team that genuinely wants to talk through what they're making and why.

The tasting flights are the main event. Four pours across different expressions, each explained in a way that doesn't condescend. Their experimental range — quinoa whiskey, triple smoke, oatmeal stout whiskey — is not gimmicky. These are considered products that came from real curiosity about what fermentation and distillation can do. Come here in the early afternoon and continue your day at Pinewood Social after.

For craft spirits and beer lovers, see our full guide to Nashville's best craft beer and spirits bars.