Brushy Mountain Distillery (*)
About Brushy Mountain Distillery (*)
Located on the grounds of the historic Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, which operated as Tennessee's "End of the Line" for prisoners for 113 years, this site housed some of the state’s most notorious criminals, including Martin Luther King Jr.'s convicted assassin James Earl Ray. Brushy Mountain Distillery offers a unique experience that is well worth seeing, but know, this doesn't include a distillery tour.
Begin your visit in the gift shop, where you can purchase tickets for the prison tour and sample Brushy Mountain’s Double Barrel Whiskey and a variety of moonshines distilled on-site. The tour includes a walk through the prison grounds, providing a glimpse into the harsh conditions endured by inmates since 1896. The video presentation is captivating but not for the faint of heart. With self-guided, guided, and even paranormal tours available, as well as concerts and outdoor events, Brushy Mountain is one of the most fascinating stops on your trip across Tennessee.
👀 Listen/Watch For
As you walk from the Gift Shop to the big yellow buildings that make up the penitentiary look to your left and you’ll see the distillery - although access may be restricted.
My Experience
Although sampling whiskey was my intention, it was very easy for me to get caught up in wandering freely around the prison grounds. The surrounding area is peaceful and picturesque. I sampled the whiskey and several nice quality moonshines. Afterwards I had lunch at the Warden’s Table Restaurant.
🚗 Getting There
This is another distillery that is way out in the country, so downloading maps on Google is highly recommended. There is ample parking on-site with two large parking areas.
🎟️ Basic Tour: The Penitentiary is closed from Dec-Mar, with limited opening in the Spring and Fall. In the Summer the facility is open 7 days a week.
10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. (4 p.m. in November) Check website for days of the week and to firm up your plans.
✔️ Drew’s Top Three Reasons to Visit
- If you’ve not had a chance to visit a decommissioned state penitentiary like the one in Philadelphia, this is an eerie look into the daily lives of the incarcerated.
- Step into the old cafeteria and marvel at the amazing paintings on the walls. These serene photos, many of animals, were painted by the inmates who hoped to bring a little of the outside world into their prison home. The warden allowed the paintings because he felt they had a calming influence. The detail and skill is quite impressive.
- Guided tours can be requested, but there is plenty to learn just by reading the various signs. And plan a good 30 minutes or more to walk through the prison museum.
🚗 Side Trips
- American Museum of Science and Energy Learn about Nuclear Power and energy and view three Manhattan Project sites at Oak Ridge. Map | Website
- Potters Falls Take a picnic basket and enjoy the peaceful fall or swim in the waters below. Map
🧭 Closest Distilleries
- Knox Whiskey Works Distillery (SE-40.5 miles)
- PostModern Distillery (SE-40.7 miles)
Map to Distillery
Note: This distillery information is provided “as is” and is intended for initial research only. Be aware, offerings change without notice and distilleries periodically shut down or suspend services. Always use the distillery’s websites to get the most detailed and up-to-date information. Your due diligence will ensure the smoothest experience possible.