Short Mtn Distillery lands on list

The Tennessee Distillers Guild, a membership organization consisting of 25 Tennessee distilleries, is proud to announce the official launch of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, a 25-stop distillery tour across the state of Tennessee.

"The Tennessee Whiskey Trail is a joint effort by all of our Guild members to feature Tennessee whiskey and moonshine, as well as the craftsmen and women that make them," said Kris Tatum, president of the Tennessee Distillers Guild. "On the Trail, visitors can learn about the art of distilling and about the history and the culture of whiskey-making that is legendary in our state."

The Tennessee Whiskey Trail consists of 25 distilleries ranging from boutique-sized distilleries to large internationally-recognized operations that span from East to West Tennessee. Along the Trail, visitors can get a taste of the history, tradition, and novelty of Tennessee whiskey, as well as experience the rich landscapes, must-see landmarks, and genuine Southern hospitality that embody the great state of Tennessee.

"This Trail puts an international spotlight on Tennessee and its whiskey culture," said Tatum. "We hope to see people come from all over the world to just to get a taste of this once-in-a-lifetime Tennessee whiskey experience."

On the list is Cannon County's Short Mountain Distillery.

"The whiskey styles produced at Short Mountain Distillery are an integral part of our commitment to crafting world-class spirits. We feel whiskey connoisseurs should have access to more variety in their selection of fine Bourbon, Rye and Tennessee Whiskeys. We have customized our process and use of fermentable ingredients to achieve a notable diversification from the limitations of standard distillation practices while adhering to the strict federal and state requirements of whiskey class and type designation," said Master Distiller Josh Smotherman.

Short Mountain Distillery, cafe and tasting room are open for visitors from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Guided tours are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Friday-Sunday. The tours are approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Tours are $10. Visiting the distillery and tastings are always free.

The distillery is also offering a Moonshine Mixology Cocktail Class paired with the Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. tour. For another $15 enjoy learning how to craft the perfect moonshine cocktail using backwoods recipes with a modern twist.

The Trail's official launch will be feted by three statewide celebrations in East, Middle and West Tennessee throughout the course of its inaugural year. The first celebration was at the Little Brick Theatre at the Factory in Franklin on June 19. The second celebration will coincide with the Tennessee Distillers Guild's annual Grains and Grits Festival in Townsend, on November 3-4, and the third and final celebration will take place in Memphis in May 2018.

To embark on the Trail, visitors can get their free passport booklet on tnwhiskeytrail.com or pick them up at select distillery locations and collect stamps at each distillery en route. Those who collect all 25 stamps will receive a commemorative gift to mark their achievement.

The Trail can be completed distillery-by-distillery or in regions at a time. Serious whiskey enthusiasts who hope to complete the entire Trail in a single trip can find a 10-day itinerary on tnwhiskeytrail.com. To get your free passport booklet or to plan your trip, visit www.tnwhiskeytrail.com.