News Summary
Leiper’s Fork Distillery is set to expand its operations by opening a second location in Nashville Yards, aiming to enhance the tourism experience with whiskey production, dining, and live music. The new venue will feature a large production area, a restaurant, a retail store, and a rooftop space for events. With plans to increase production capacity and maintain community engagement, this expansion reflects the distillery’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and unique visitor experiences.
Tennessee Distillery Expands to Nashville Yards in 2026
Leiper’s Fork Distillery, a family-owned whiskey distillery based in Williamson County, Tennessee, has announced plans to open its second location in the bustling mixed-use development known as Nashville Yards in mid-2026. This new venue promises to be a key player in Nashville’s growing tourism scene, offering more than just whiskey.
New Distillery Features
The Nashville Yards location will house on-site whiskey production alongside various amenities including a restaurant and bar, a retail store, a private tasting room, and even a stage for live music performances. This multifaceted approach reflects the distillery’s commitment to enhancing the visitor experience while sharing the unique story of its grain-to-glass whiskey production.
Production Capacity and Technology
To accommodate the larger volume of production, the distillery plans to transport its existing 500-gallon still, affectionately dubbed “Ginger,” from its current Williamson County site and install a new 1,000-gallon still at the Nashville location. The production area will be integrated with the other facilities to allow visitors to see the whiskey-making process in action.
Location and Accessibility
Positioned on the ground floor of an 18,500-square-foot building on the west side of Pinnacle Tower, the new distillery will offer views overlooking Nashville’s historic rail lines and the adjoining green space park, Ascension Saint Thomas Landing. This park is set to include a dog park, amphitheater, and spaces designed for concerts, films, farmers markets, and other community events, ensuring an inviting atmosphere for visitors.
Brand Growth in a Tourism Hub
Leiper’s Fork Distillery aims to establish a prominent presence in one of Nashville’s most trafficked areas, seeking to appeal to both locals and tourists alike. The location is strategically situated to be easily accessible from Church Street and Broadway, enhancing its visibility and foot traffic. A notable feature of the building will be a 10,000-square-foot rooftop space that offers additional room for social gatherings and events.
Visitor Engagement and Community Involvement
Visitors will have the opportunity to take tours five days a week, while retail store and restaurant operations are expected to be available six days a week. The distillery will include a patio that opens onto the landing, featuring a bar that serves in-house spirits and curated tasting flights, further enriching the visitor experience. Additionally, the distillery plans to maintain its community involvement through a regular artist showcase series that is reminiscent of the popular “Still House Sessions” events held at the Williamson County location.
History and Craftsmanship
Founded by distiller Lee Kennedy in 2016, Leiper’s Fork Distillery has built a reputation for crafting small-batch premium whiskeys using pre-Prohibition-style techniques. This hallmark of quality and craftsmanship is set to expand as the distillery ventures into the heart of Nashville, allowing a larger audience to appreciate its unique production methods and distinct flavors.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Spirits Business
- Nashville Post
- The Tennessean
- MSN
- Dickson County Source
- Wikipedia: Distillation
- Google Search: Nashville Yards
- Google Scholar: Leiper’s Fork Distillery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Whiskey
- Google News: Leiper’s Fork Distillery
