A spirited look at tourism in Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee
Taking in live music in Nashville or Austin. Hiking in a National Park like Arches, Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree or Yellowstone. Admiring iconic architecture in NYC or San Francisco.
When the time comes to travel to the States, there are no shortage of bucket list worthy destinations to choose from. But for clients with a palette for whiskey, consider combining the sights with some fine spirited attractions.
Chris Fletcher
Master Distiller at Jack Daniel’s Distillery
Newly appointed in October 2020, Chris Fletcher is one of only a handful of individuals to have held the title of “Master Distiller” in the iconic distillery’s history, which began production in 1866. A native of Lynchburg, Tennessee, Fletcher is proud to accept the enormous responsibility that comes with having one of the most envied jobs in the world.
Lynchburg, Tennessee
How did a town with only one stoplight end up being home to America’s No. 1 distillery, exported to over 170 countries all over the world?
Chris Fletcher, Master Distiller at Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, says learning about the history of Jack Daniel and his world renowned beverage — with samples of course — makes for a great reason to visit the destination.
“The people are really good at doing one thing and that’s making whiskey — a lot of pride goes into making this product,” says Fletcher, whose grandpa was also a Master Distiller at Jack Daniel’s Distillery. “Lynchburg has really become a bit of a tourist destination.”
After learning tidbits like how Jack Daniel’s sales exploded by 300% after Frank Sinatra described it as “the nectar of the gods”, Fletcher says travellers would be wise to also indulge in the Southern family-style dishes at the onsite Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant.
Fletcher also recommends experiencing the live music scene in Nashville and exploring the Tennessee Whiskey Trail.
Chef Edwin Wright
Master Distiller at Whiskey Wright
In 2014, Virginia passed a law allowing bartenders to infuse spirits in-house. “I took it to mean you could infuse with anything you wanted,” Wright explains. “I started using smoked cherrywood, maple, applewood, and hickory woods.” His unique flavour profiles captured attention and accolades and now Chef Wright aspires to become one of the few African-American distillers to bring his product to an international audience.
Waynesboro, Virginia
For Chef Edwin Wright from Whiskey Wright, a visit to Virginia is all about hitting the open road… be it by car or dirt bike.
Among his top picks for things to do in the destination, the Waynesboro, Virginia-based Wright suggests taking a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway spanning 755 kilometers through Virginia and North Carolina, as well as riding dirt bikes in Charles City, Virginia.
Wright, who officially started Whiskey Wright in 2017 after experimenting with infusing spirits with smoked cherrywood, maple and applewood, also recommends following up a visit to Whiskey Wright Distillery with a pitstop at the Apple House in Linden for fresh apple pies, ice cream, and authentic BBQ.
“I love apple pies, I love apple anything!” he exclaims.
Harlen Wheatley
Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery
Established more than 200 years ago, Buffalo Trace is said to be the oldest continually operating distillery in the U.S. It’s also regarded as the world’s most award-winning. Harlen Wheatley was named Master Distiller in 2005, becoming the legendary distillery’s sixth Master Distiller since the Civil War. Wheatley is a lifelong resident of Kentucky and four-time James Beard Award nominee.
Frankfort, Kentucky
According to lore, there are more spirits residing at the Buffalo Trace Distillery than those aging in the warehouses. When visiting the Frankfort, Kentucky distillery, which typically attracts 300,000 visitors a year, Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley recommends embarking on a tour to hear legendary ghost stories and get a look into its haunted sites. Side note: samples are recommended in advance to help calm your clients’ nerves.
Wheatley also recommends visitors discover Lexington Horse Park and Kentucky’s thriving horse heritage, and embark on a whiskey-themed road trip — although figuring out who will be DD may be cause some friction!
“You can make a full trip out of just looking at distilleries,” he says. “It would take at least two-three days to do it right.”
