Prohibition halted whiskey production at Nashville’s historic Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, but brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson have revived the family enterprise. Direct descendants of founder Charles Nelson, they reopened the distillery in Marathon Village — a former automobile factory transformed into creative and commercial space for local artists, performers, and craftspeople.
The original distillery, established by the brothers’ great-great-great-grandfather, enjoyed widespread popularity until 1909 and the onset of Prohibition. Today, the distillery produces small-batch bourbons and whiskeys based on Charles Nelson’s original recipes, bringing a piece of Tennessee spirits history back to the present.
The tasting room combines historic character with contemporary design: barrel staves woven into a wicker-like pattern, oak-paneled walls, and large viewing windows that reveal gleaming vats and a custom-crafted copper pot-bellied still. Signature offerings include Belle Meade Bourbon, Belle Meade Bourbon Sherry Cask Finish, and Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee White Whiskey — ideal choices to warm up on a chilly evening. The distillery is also developing a private event space that will overlook the barrel storage area, creating an intimate setting for gatherings.
Located in the heart of Nashville, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery blends restored tradition with modern craft distilling, making it a must-visit destination for bourbon and whiskey enthusiasts seeking authentic regional flavors and a connection to Tennessee’s distilling heritage.