Samuel T. Bryant Distillery
Jackson, TN
*Disclaimer: This content is not paid or sponsored in any way. It is written as an informational guide for readers to explore and experience the winery mentioned in the post.
From wine to whiskey. Travel with me to Samuel T. Bryant Distillery. A quiet moonshine makery sitting right off the main highway with lots of interesting products to try, STB has caught my attention. From ‘shine at 120 proof to non-dairy flavored creams, they have a range that is sure to have something for everyone who wants to try.
Samuel T. Bryant has a warm and inviting atmosphere, and it ain’t just the whiskey. The building is coated in honey-toned wood all around and lit by seven rustic and elegant iron chandeliers. The staff is very friendly and even if they don’t know you by name, they will know about you before you leave.
There are many options when it comes to their moonshine. There are the staples and then there are flavored moonshines as well as about eight to ten creams, some of which are seasonal.
It is a nice place to relax while you sip your drink of choice, and they also offer mixed drinks and slushies. You have the front porch to hang out on, or one of the tables inside, as well as a cozy corner by a wood burning stove that is active during the colder months. Stop in and try the amazing moonshine as well as to chat with the staff.
The Wine: Rather the Whiskey & Shine
Let’s start off strong, and I mean real strong! Coming it at 115 proof is the White Dog. All I will say on this one is, I saw a sturdy gentleman try this one and it was a full two minutes before he spoke again. His words, “I can smell again. My sinuses are clear”. I’ve tried it, it’s good, but be careful!
If you’re a tequila lover, you will enjoy the TNKilla. Tequila has to be made in Mexico to receive the name officially. This spirit is the first agave-based one of its kind produced in the state of TN and it holds its own.
The Blueberry Moonshine is one of my favorites. When you add real, fresh blueberries to STB’s moonshine, you are in for a treat. Boil this down to make a glaze for a pound cake and you’ve got something special.
The creams are a delicious treat. At 20 proof, they are not strong on alcohol taste, but there’s enough to get you in trouble if you’re not careful. My favorite is the Wedding Cake without the Commitment. I am not a simple guy when it comes to flavors, but this cream is simply delicious. It is like an Italian wedding cake, fresh vanilla and cream with a hint of cinnamon. Chef’s kiss.
The Experience:
Once you step into the wood cladded interior of the tasting room, you are haloed from overhead by beautiful chandeliers and straight ahead by a massive wood topped bar. Even more inviting are the smiles that greet you from behind the bar. Anyone back there will welcome you in and ask if you have been there before. If they have served you before, they will surely remember you and welcome you in that old southern way that says, “come on in”.
I suggest calling ahead for a tour because seeing how the mash goes from grain to whiskey and moonshine adds to the experience. My first time visiting was with a tour and they were just switching to using bee sugar in some of their recipes. It was interesting to smell the scent of that along with the grain in the production room and then to taste it in their products.
I have met people from different places when visiting Samuel T. Bryant Distillery. A couple who picked up a trailer in Texas headed back to the New England area, a family from California and Indiana meeting for a wedding, so many people stopping in from all over. There’s also a friendly dog named Sandy who looks out for the place.
Tastings:
Tastings are five for five dollars and you can mix and match anyway you’d like. You can also share a tasting or do an extra tasting. Well worth it for the taste and engagement.
My Takeaway:
Samuel T. Bryant Distillery is a place where you can go to hang out and shoot the breeze. Having the options of different moonshines and whiskeys as well as the creams and mixed drinks is a high point for sure. The cozy corner is a nice place to relax in comfy chairs, but you also have the option of tables and chairs. Overall, STB has great options, great staff and a great venue. Check them out off of Highway 40 in Jackson, TN.
For more info, go to: https://www.samueltbryant.com
