History

Prichard’s Distillery was founded in 1997 and described as Tennessee's first 'legal' distillery in almost 50 years. The company focuses on handcrafted quality and production of authentic pot-stilled whiskies, distilled in the traditions that master distillers from earlier times used.

Five generations ago, when Granddaddy Benjamin Prichard of Davidson County, Tennessee passed his 'still, tubs and utensils thereto' to his son Enoch, his will of 1822 provided documentation of the last known 'legal' distiller in the Prichard Family. Ben made his whiskey with a high sugar content white corn, pure Tennessee spring water and it was distilled using ancient pot still techniques.

Production / Manufacturing

Prichard’s Distillery produces true, pot-stilled whiskies, distilled in the traditions and styles of master distillers of a bygone era. With a commitment to artisanal quality, Prichard’s Distillery has set out to produce pot-still whiskies in accordance with historic methods. The bottles have taken on different shapes over time, and the latest bottle is a handmade amber-colored glass replica, designed to protect the spirit from light degradation.

There is an emphasis on using copper pot stills to distill the spirit in accordance with colonial-era traditions.

Products / Whisky Series

The footnote emphasizes that Prichard’s produces whiskies in the pot-still style, and that they focus on craftsmanship and historical techniques. In addition to whisky, the company also produces other products such as liqueurs and rum, but the information here focuses primarily on their pot-still whisky tradition.

Tours and Experiences

Prichard’s Distillery offers free tours and tastings. According to tour and visitation information, there are no fixed tour times; you can simply show up and participate in a tour and tasting in the historic schoolhouse. The tour options are noted as: - Tour & Taste – free - Tour hours: Monday–Friday 9:00–16:00; Saturday 9:00–15:00; Sunday closed The distillery address is 11 Kelso Smithland Road, Kelso, Tennessee. During the visit you can experience Prichard’s Spirits Shoppe, where you can sample and purchase products directly in the old schoolhouse.

Philosophy

Prichard’s Distillery expresses commitment to artisanal quality: 'If you are proud of it, put your name on it!' — a motto from Phil Prichard, underscoring the protection of product quality and family commitment. Phil stands as founder and head of research and development of products, recipes and techniques, and has stated that his name represents the quality of the spirits. The company’s history and dedication to traditional copper pot-stills and historic production methods are also highlighted.