From the rolling hills of Kentucky’s bourbon country to the vibrant streets of downtown Manhattan, distilleries have become more than just producers of fine spirits — they are gateways to a sensory journey that marries the complexity of whiskey, gin and vodka with the subtleties of local and innovative cuisines.
The emergence of restaurants within distilleries has created a new dimension for group travel, offering an immersive experience that caters to both the palate and the spirit. Celebrated for their commitment to quality and authenticity, these dining spaces reflect the evolving landscape of American dining and drinking culture. They also offer groups an opportunity to discover the heart of distilling regions, experience the fusion of traditional and contemporary culinary arts, and savor the essence of handcrafted spirits.
Breckenridge Distillery
Breckenridge, Colorado
Nestled in the heart of Colorado, Breckenridge Distillery has earned the title of the “World’s Highest Distillery.” Renowned for its acclaimed blended bourbon whiskey, Breckenridge Distillery has earned numerous accolades since opening its doors in 2008, including the Best American Blended title from the World Whiskies Awards.
Under the guidance of executive chef Robbie Reyes, the Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant is a celebration of American culinary traditions with a modern twist. The menu, which is both local and seasonal and integrates the distillery’s spirits, offers mouth-watering dishes like smoked pork belly buns and crispy pork with a touch of mustard and onion crumb.
For groups seeking an immersive experience, the distillery offers tours that take a closer look into the history and intricacies of bourbon production, complemented by tastings of unreleased products. The special Whiskey Blending Lab experience, for example, invites guests to nerd out with distillers and craft their personal bourbon blend.
Chuckanut Bay Distillery
Bellingham, Washington
Founded in 2011 by Matt Howell and Kelly Andrews, Chuckanut Bay Distillery started with a simple potato vodka produced using an innovative bicycle-powered grinder. Today, Chuckanut Bay Distillery is a double gold medal winner at the New York International Spirits Competition and a favorite within the craft distillery scene in Washington.
For those looking for a bite to eat, the distillery’s Penny Farthing Bar and Restaurant (named after the quirky design of the late 18th-century bicycle), focuses on mouth-watering shareable plates like the whiskey queso dip or the unsurprisingly popular red-wine glazed baby back ribs.
For groups up to 20 looking for an immersive experience, Chuckanut Bay offers private tours that give visitors a peek into the distillery’s production process, from the warmth of active fermentation to the aroma of charred American white oak barrels. Mini cocktails and a souvenir glass are included.
Founding Farmers
Washington, D.C.
Launched in 2009, Founding Farmers and Distillers not only prides itself on its award-winning spirits but has also carved a niche in the culinary world with its restaurant, deeply rooted in farm-to-table offerings. The in-house distillery, Founding Spirits, is a testament to the establishment’s commitment to quality, producing vodka and other spirits that are as uniquely American as the corn they are distilled from and harvested directly from the heartland.
The distillery’s popular vodka, crafted from 100% premium corn, is a homage to the produce of American farms, embodying the distillery’s grain-to-glass ethos.
With a firm belief in making everything from scratch, the culinary team handcrafts bread, ice cream and even chocolate. The menu draws inspiration from the nation’s rich culinary traditions, featuring all-American favorites such as chicken and waffles and hand-formed burgers accompanied by freshly cut fries.
Journeyman Distillery
Three Oaks, Michigan
One of the few certified organic distilleries in the United States, Journeyman Distillery prides itself on creating spirits that also meet kosher certification standards.
Housed within a historic building that dates back to the 1800s and famous for its flagship whiskey, Journeyman Distillery marries the legacy of its past with a forward-thinking philosophy in spirit making. The result is a space that even E.K. Warren, the original prohibitionist owner of the building, would approve of.
With 165 seats available, the distillery’s restaurant is a perfect destination for groups. The menu revitalizes traditional recipes by integrating spirits into the cuisine, such as adding a silver cross whiskey au poivre sauce to meatloaf. For groups seeking an exclusive dining experience, Journeyman Distillery can accommodate up to 20 guests at their Grain Depot location. Here, groups can enjoy private dining with stunning views of Welter’s Folly and the rye fields.
Journeyman also welcomes groups for tours, offering an insider’s look at the organic, kosher and handcrafted process behind their award-winning spirits.
Great Jones Distilling Co.
New York City
The first whiskey to open in Manhattan since the repeal of Prohibition, Great Jones Distilling Co. is not just reviving the spirit of whiskey-making but is also infusing it with the vibrant energy of New York City. With a dedication to using 100% New York-sourced ingredients, this distillery crafts whiskeys that embody the city’s dynamic spirit.
The restaurant at Great Jones Distilling Co. is also a celebration of New York’s culinary heritage, with each ingredient meticulously selected from local vendors. From the small local burrata to the barrel-smoked ribs with a spiced bourbon glaze and Faroe Island salmon, every plate is enriched by modern culinary techniques and the distinct flavors of local produce.
For groups embarking on a unique culinary and distilling adventure, immersive tour experiences include a closer look at the distillery’s whiskey-making process from grain to glass. Private tours for up to 20 guests are available, ensuring a personalized exploration of Manhattan’s only whiskey distillery.
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery
Nashville, Tennessee
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery was founded by brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson after they serendipitously discovered perfectly preserved bottles of whiskey produced by their great-great-great grandfather during pre-Prohibition America. This led to the birth of the distillery and the creation of their popular Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey, which honors the original family recipe.
Seating over a hundred diners, the Restaurant at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery offers an experience that marries the essence of comfort food with a Southern twist and local flair. The menu is an exciting mix of traditional dishes like fried green tomatoes and Bavarian soft pretzels, with refined entrées such as their Wagyu steak and eggs and a boozy milkshake that has become a favorite among dessert enthusiasts.
For groups traveling through Nashville, the distillery also offers a number of guided tours, including a premium experience focused on craft distilling and mixology.
O’Shaughnessy Distilling
Minneapolis
O’Shaughnessy Distilling is well-known for its choice to blend the rich traditions of Irish and American distillation. This is possible thanks to the distillery’s centerpiece, three triple copper pots, which allows for the production of American Whiskey with a unique twist that takes advantage of the traditional Irish triple distillation method. In addition to their flagship product, Keeper’s Heart Irish + American Whiskey, O’Shaughnessy also produces other popular spirits, including their Tower Hill Vodka and Guard and Gate Gin.
The culinary offerings at O’Shaughnessy integrate its spirits into beloved recipes for a distinctive dining experience. Whether it’s through its bourbon and honey-glazed steak or its whiskey root beer float, the restaurant is a celebration of the distillery’s craft.
Group experiences include whiskey-blending and cocktail-making classes, as well as distillery tours to learn about the triple distillation process.
Bardstown Bourbon Company
Bardstown, Kentucky
Set on 100 acres of active farmland, the Bardstown Bourbon Company is part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and a Napa Valley-style destination.
The culinary offerings at Bardstown Bourbon Company are a celebration of Kentucky classics that highlight local farmers directly on the menu. Dishes like country ham with bourbon grains and bourbon-braised short ribs — as well as their must-try bourbon chocolate custard dessert — showcase the seamless integration of spirits into cuisine, elevating the dining experience with a touch of bourbon-inspired innovation.
For groups seeking an immersive bourbon experience, Bardstown Bourbon Company offers a variety of tour options. From behind-the-scenes access to the distillation process to a fill-your-own bottle VIP experience and an exclusive tour with a master distiller, these tours offer an unparalleled insight into the art of bourbon making.
