Rum in the Volunteer State
Tennessee is famed for its whiskey, but has a new generation of military veterans answering the call of the craft rum scene. The landlocked state’s strategic position borders 8 states and hosts the mighty Mississippi River on its western border, a vital link for trade over the centuries. Molasses and sugar, the foundations of rum, flowed through its ports and towns. Though not as prominent as other states, rum played a role in the early commerce of the region. Tennessee’s geography stretches from the rugged Appalachian Mountains in the east to the fertile plains of the Mississippi River in the west, with a rich tapestry of landscapes. From the mist-shrouded peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the vibrant music scene of Memphis & Nashville, the state is a blend of natural beauty and cultural dynamism.
Known as the Volunteer State for its calls for military volunteers and the birthplace of country music, Tennessee’s history is deeply intertwined with the development of the American frontier. While whiskey, particularly Tennessee whiskey, has dominated its distilling legacy, rum’s presence, though less pronounced, is still part of the story. The state’s early settlers, many of whom migrated from other coastal states, brought with them a taste for rum.
In the 1800s, the Lincoln County Process, a defining characteristic of Tennessee whiskey, involved filtering freshly distilled spirit through sugar maple charcoal before ageing in oak barrels, a process that smooths the whiskey and removes impurities. Some attribute its development to Nathan “Nearest” Green, an enslaved distiller who taught Jack Daniel the art of whiskey making. There’s the moonshine distilling tradition that flourished in the Appalachian foothills. This history of independent distilling, often born out of necessity, inspires modern craft distillers. The state’s whiskey heritage, with its strict regulations and unique filtering process, has also influenced the way distillers approach other spirits, including rum.
Tennessee’s gradual shift towards supporting small-batch production has opened doors for a new generation of craft distillers. While whiskey remains king, a number of distilleries are embracing rum’s potential. This guide takes you on a journey through Tennessee, revealing the hidden rum gems scattered across its varied terrain. Our insider’s tour of Tennessee rum explores the spirit made from sugarcane from the bustling cities to off-the-beaten path mountain towns.
Middle Tennessee
The lush Nashville Basin and historic Clarksville, has a captivating blend of vibrant city life and scenic natural beauty. From the iconic music venues of Nashville to the serene waterfalls and hiking trails found in the surrounding state parks, and historical sites such as Loretta Lynn’s Ranch and 19th century mills, this region is the perfect launch to your Tennessee rum adventure.
Corsair Distillery & Taproom
Childhood friends Darek Bell and Andrew Webber founded Corsair Distillery, initially in Kentucky in 2008, after a garage brewing project sparked a whiskey-making idea. Moving to Nashville in 2010, they became the city’s first craft distillery post-Prohibition, gaining critical acclaim and numerous awards for their spirits. As Nashville grew, so did Corsair, expanding to a second location in 2016, where they added craft beer, using local ingredients and “Nashville in a bottle.” The spirits are made on a pre-prohibition pot still. Corsair Spiced Rum is aged in small new American Oak casks (15 and 30 gallons) with a medley of spices that produce a dry, vanilla and fall spice note-forward rum. This rum is designed for classic cocktails, which you can try at their bar. The Nashville location is both an active distillery and taproom with local beer, a cocktail bar, freshly baked pizza, plus a tasting bar and bottle shop. Corsair Marathon is located within the bustling Marathon Village and has a tasting room.
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Mirat Rum
Two best friends and Nashville natives launched the local rum brand Mirat in 2022. Brewer Chris Brannon of various Nashville breweries before this, and Jeremiah Hamrick from supply chain/logistics. Combining a handful of tropical flavours and some cane sugar with Caribbean white rum, Mirat rum is designed as the easiest drinking liquor. Locally owned and bottled in Nashville, they are available at good liquor stores surrounding Nashville.
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Tennessee Legend Distillery
Established in 2015 by Jay Holeman and Richard Fraser, draws inspiration from the legendary moonshiners of the Smoky Mountains. They aim to be a “legend in their own right” by producing a full line of spirits, including moonshines, whiskeys, rum and cream liqueurs. The range includes various rums, notably Tennessee Legend White Rum, Coconut Flavored Rum, and Pineapple Flavored Rum. You can visit one of the tasting rooms and retail shops to try the rum or pick up a bottle in Nashville Cookeville, and two locations in Sevierville. Each of the four family-friendly stores has a gift shop, a great experience, and a small-town atmosphere. The Nashville location in Marathon Village has a small but lively experience with a production window where you can see the production crew at work.
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Leatherwood Distillery
Founded in 2015 by former Green Beret Andy Lang, Joe Maynard, and Brian LaFond, is located in the hills of Clarksville, Tennessee. Veteran-owned, the distillery pays tribute to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and its founder, Andrew Lang a. It aims to uphold the high standards expected of Special Forces soldiers. Their rum includes Midnight Extraction Rum, White Rum, and Jalapeno Lemon Rum. The rum is made from molasses and pot distilled on a custom still. They also produce ryes, bourbons, and moonshines. In 2022, Leatherwood moved to Clarksville from Pleasant View. In 2024, Joe Maynard became half-owner, and they now plan to extend a second site for a new downtown Clarksville location with 200 seat tasting room, two open patio areas, an open deck and a party room.
You can visit one of their daily tours, which runs for 30-45 mins, to learn more about the distilling processes with fermentation, stills, etc. At the end, enjoy a tasting sample of 5 spirits made right there. In the tasting room bar, which serves cocktails with their rum. They host events, parties, and the rum can be found at the distillery, local establishments and JCM Drag Racing events and their online store.
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Three Rifles Distilling Co.
In northwest Nashville in Clarksville, Three Rifles Distilling Co. emerged in 2022, a testament to the passion of founders Sean Ruth, Daniel Sharpe, and Michael Lanham. Sean Ruth, with his culinary artistry and bartending flair, crafts their spirits. Daniel Sharpe, a connoisseur of fine drinks, and Michael Lanham, a Louisville native with a Marine Corps background, complete the trio. Within the Riverside district, they’ve forged a partnership with The Star Spangled Brewing Co., now owning both, creating a vibrant hub. Their rum, distilled on a hybrid still from molasses and cane sugar, includes the crisp Constitution Rum (triple distilled white), the tropical Amendment Coconut Rum, and the warm 2nd Amendment Spiced Rum. Constitution Rum also features in their canned cocktails. Step into their tasting room, where their rum takes centre stage on an extensive cocktail menu. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, outdoor patio, and live events, immersing yourself in the spirit of this local craft distillery.
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Gutter Bound Distillery
Southwest of Nashville, in Hurricane Mills this small batch micro-distillery was established in 2019 by Sanford Markham and his wife Jess, located right off Interstate 40, halfway between Nashville and Memphis. It is the first legal distillery in Humphreys County. Sanford Markham, the Master Distiller, draws on generations of distilling traditions, combined with his own experimentation, to make unique spirits. The distillery is family-run and the product range includes oak-aged spiced rum, unaged rye spirit, and a selection of 100-proof fruit-infused moonshines. Gutter Bound Spiced Rum is a core offering. They emphasize using high-quality grains and products in their small-batch production. Visit for tastings, tours, cocktails and hand-dipped wax-sealed bottles to take home.
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East Tennessee
Stretching eastward from Knoxville into the heart of the Appalachian Mountains presents a landscape of rugged peaks, deep valleys, and lush forests. Defined by its mountainous terrain, with the iconic Great Smoky Mountains National Park serving as its crown jewel. Within this scenic expanse, Pigeon Forge is a vibrant hub of entertainment and attractions, complementing the natural wonders like cascading waterfalls or stunning sunsets.
Lost State Distilling
The family-owned craft distillery in downtown Bristol, a major music history destination in Northeast Tennessee, was founded in 2019 by Joe and Nick Bianchi. The Lost State name refers to the “Lost State of Franklin,” a short-lived, independent state in what is now eastern Tennessee that declared independence from North Carolina in 1784, and later re-joined the state. Their mission is to craft unique spirits that reflect the heritage of Appalachia, using Tennessee-sourced ingredients whenever possible. They produce small-batch gin, rum, Tennessee whiskey, and canned cocktails. Their rum line includes Nolichucky Jack Silver Rum, distilled from fermented Panela, a lighter rum designed for mixing. Nolichucky Jack Bourbon Barrel Finished Gold Rum is aged in their own used bourbon barrels. The name “Nolichucky Jack” is inspired by a folding knife. You can enjoy the visitor experience at the distillery’s tasting room and gift shop, which is open year-round, where they offer daily tastings and tours where you’ll learn the process of distilling and the history of the area. The tasting room bar features their rum, and you can pick up a bottle.
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Tennessee Hills Distillery
Established in 2015 by Washington County natives Stephen and Jessica Callahan, is rooted in Stephen’s passion for making craft spirits. Based in Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town, they’ve expanded with a second location in Bristol in 2024, which doesn’t have tours set up yet. At the Jonesborough distillery, The Smokestillery is where you can enjoy BBQ food with flavours infused with their unique spirits. The name Tennessee Hills evokes the region’s natural beauty. Their rum range includes: Angry Pecker Rum is their take on a silver rum made from premium molasses. Tennessee Hills Dark Roast Rum is infused with real coffee beans. Tennessee Hills Pineapple Upside Down Cake Rum is made with real pineapples, maraschino cherries, and vanilla beans. Tennessee Hills Coconut Rum is made with real coconuts, and Dead Pecker Rum is their aged expression rested in used S.E. Callahan’s bourbon barrels. At their Jonesborough location, you can enjoy a tour and gain insight into the distilling process. Both locations feature tasting rooms where you can taste the range of spirits and there’s a retail experience to pick up a bottle of rum.
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Antheum Spirits
The spirit house was established in 2018 in Jefferson City, near the foothills of the Smokies, and partners with Tennessee Legend Distillery to release rum products. Notably, they offer Tropical Vibes Aged Dark Rum, a 5-year-old dark rum crafted from peak-ripened sugar cane. The cane juice is fermented to retain its bright essence, distilled using traditional methods, and aged in oak barrels, resulting in light, floral notes. Antheum Spirits also produces limited-edition rums, including Far Cry Gallito Supremo Spiced Rum, celebrating the Far Cry brand’s 20th anniversary with a 2004-bottle release, and Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Edward Kenway Spiced Rum. Currently, Antheum Spirits does not have a public visitor experience.
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Drop Zone Distilling
Knoxville, Tennessee’s first moonshine distillery was established in 2019 by Rod “Sarge” Parton, a Gulf War Veteran and former Paratrooper. The distillery’s current location opened its doors on Veterans Day, 2022. Rod Parton, a 4th-generation moonshiner, brings a wealth of family tradition to his craft. Their production includes Drop Zone Classic Rum, which is handmade in small batches using quality cane and a slow fermentation process to enhance flavour. It’s distilled on a custom still and bottled unaged. In addition to Rum, Drop Zone Distilling produces moonshine, whiskey, bourbon, and vodka, which tributes to the Military, Law Enforcement and Firefighters, where a percentage of the sales will go back to the charities that support each label. You can enjoy tasting and tours of the distillery during business hours, gaining insight into their production methods. The distillery also has a retail shop to pick up a bottle. Drop Zone Distilling is also working to become an event centre, to hold parties and other events.
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Old Forge Distillery
Founded in Pigeon Forge, a major tourist destination near the Smokies, in 2014. The distillery pays homage to the town’s historical roots, taking its name from the iron forge that once served as a community hub. The distillery’s connection to The Old Mill, a continuously operating gristmill since 1830 and a National Register of Historic Places landmark, is central to its identity. They blend traditional 18th-century methods with contemporary distilling expertise, using stone-ground grains powered by the Little Pigeon River’s water wheel. They make a line of moonshine, distilled using the freshly ground grain from The Old Mill. Their signature rum is Old Forge Ironclad Rum, which comes in at full navy strength and is distilled from blackstrap molasses, aged for 9 years in Tennessee Bourbon barrels, and blended with premium rums from Trinidad, Jamaica, and the Virgin Islands. Old Forge White Rum, Coconut Rum, Coffee Rum, Banana Rum, Spiced Rum, Chocolate Rum and the Rum Liqueur Collection make up the range. You can visit the cocktail bar tasting room to sample their rum in cocktails; there are no tours or bottle shipping, but you can pick up a bottle from the retail shop. It’s also part of the Tennessee whiskey trail.
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Junction 35 Spirits
Junction 35 Spirits takes its name from the rich history of Sevier County, where loggers and moonshiners once hid their ‘shine on trains to outsmart patrols. These trains stopped near Latitude 35 North, where moonshine was unloaded and bootlegged across East Tennessee. Inspired by this legacy, Junction 35 celebrates community, great food, and exceptional spirits. Just as ‘The Junction’ was a gathering place during the railroad boom, they strive to be the go-to destination in the Smoky Mountains. Junction 35 makes a range of spirits: bourbon, whiskey, rum, and vodka. The signature rum is Junction 35 Spirits’ Original Rum, a white rum designed for classic cocktails. The tasting rooms serve spirits alongside Southern cuisine. As Tennessee’s first distillery restaurant, they offer a unique dining experience in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. You can savour in-house cocktails and small-batch spirits that capture the rich flavours of the Smoky Mountains with some good old Southern hospitality.
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South Tennessee
Anchored by the scenic city of Chattanooga along the Tennessee River, blends city charm with natural beauty. The region has areas like Lincoln County with rolling hills and Tims Ford State Park near Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Chattanooga itself, the sandstone capital of the Southeast, showcases iconic attractions such as Lookout Mountain and the underground wonder of Ruby Falls, highlighting the region’s unique geological features.
Prichard’s Distillery
The distillery in Kelso, Lincoln County, was founded in 1997 by Phil Prichard, making it the first new legal distillery in Tennessee since the repeal of Prohibition. Prichard opted for rum, recognising its global popularity and historical significance in early America. Phil and his wife are still active in the daily operations and produce Tennessee whiskey, vodka, brandy, liqueurs and rum. They make rum using premium table-grade molasses, the finest Tennessee water and double distill on pot stills. They age the rum in charred white oak casks and accurately recreate historical rum profiles of colonial America produced over 200 years ago, honouring its role in early American history as “The First American Spirit.” The wide range of flavours is reflected in the range, which includes: Prichard’s Private Stock Rum has been long aged in charred oak barrels, Prichard’s Fine Aged Rum (5 years), Crystal Rum (white), and flavoured rums like Cranberry, Peach Mango, Key Lime, and Spiced (cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla). You are welcome to visit for tours and tastings Monday through Saturday, and there’s Prichard’s Rum Shoppe to pick up a bottle. Also, part of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, their award-winning aged American rum is a must-visit experience for rum lovers in the region.
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Gate 11 Distillery
This family-owned small-batch distillery, founded in 2018, is the brainchild of distilling visionary Bill Lee. Located within the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Terminal Station, they make a range of agave, absinthe, gin, vodka, and rum. The vibrant traditions of the Caribbean are the inspiration behind Patois Rum. Patois or Patwa is the native spoken Creole language in Jamaica. Patois White Rum is a cane sugar-based spirit distilled through our Column Still, letting intensive contact with copper enhance the flavour. Then, they distill and fractionate two separate molasses-based spirits in a Glass Reflux Still, shaping a complex flavour profile in each. Finally, with decimal-point precision, they blend all three in harmony. Patois Overproof 151 is their version of the Caribbean classic. Patois Aged Rum is a more mature version of our classic white rum. Patois Aged is barrelled at the distillery in Chattanooga. You can visit the distillery for a behind-the-scenes tour on how the spirits are made and taste the rum in cocktails at the bar.
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Aside from the tasting rooms already mentioned, here are some more places to sip Tennessee-made rum locally at bars.
Where to Enjoy Rum in Tennessee
Chattanooga: Embargo 62, Pax Breu Ruim, Whiskey Thief
Pigeon Forge: Smokies Cuban Cafe
Knoxville: Downtown Flavortown, Tern Club, Vida, The Pirate Tavern, The Vault
LaFollette: Tiki Hut (seasonal)
Nashville: Pearl Diver, Chopper, Hubba Hubba Tiki Tonk, Inglewood Lounge, The Patterson House, The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club, The Rum Room at Riddim N Spice,
Memphis: Mary’s Bar of Tropical Escapism
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or watching the spectacular sunset over the Smoky Mountains from Morton Overlook, one of the most popular viewing spots, Tennessee awaits your senses. From Tennessee whiskey and the rise of country music in Nashville, to the Smoky Mountains and Memphis barbecue, there’s something for everyone. And for a unique detour from the Tennessee Whiskey Trail or music festival scene, try some locally made Tennessee rum.
For more general travel advice on Tennessee Tourism
For travel planning, use our Tennessee Rum Map
Thanks to the brands for contributing to this article and the use of images. Other image credits go to Canva Pro and user contributions.