Whenever we go stay with out-of-state family, I always bring them a locally made product as a hostess gift. I have tried so many of the items on this list, and I stand by all of them! Whether you are looking for a sweet treat, something a little healthier, or an adult beverage to imbibe, chances are you can find a locally made product to hit the spot. This list isn’t comprehensive of every product made in Nashville or Middle Tennessee (and I assume most locals are already aware of the origins of Jack Daniels whiskey), but it is a good cross section of what my favorite city has to offer. Enjoy!
Don’t let the name mislead you! These are a combination of liquor and fruit to make delicious jars of fruit spreads. (I sent some to my chef cousin in California, and she texted me that it was the best jam she’d ever had!)
Belle Meade Bourbon
Originally founded shortly before the civil war, it went on a several-decades-long hiatus with the beginning of prohibition. The company was re-kindled in 2006 by family members who had been listening to the stories about the family’s former whiskey business for years.
Bongo Java
Coffee drinkers will be familiar with this Nashville staple. As a Belmont Alum, I owe many thanks to this company for giving me a place to study for finals and a way to stay awake while doing so. (While we’re talking about Bongo Java, have you heard of the Nun Bun?)
Brittle Brothers Gourmet Brittle Company
Born out of a craving for decent peanut brittle with a little help from Great Grandma’s old fashioned brittle recipe!
Collier and McKeel Whiskey
This whiskey tradition was started 200 years ago when the family first came to Tennessee.
Corsair Distillery
Corsair boasts 41 medals at international spirit competitions. They make everything from gin to absinthe to whiskey, and you should definitely consider touring the distillery (where they offer a nice round of tastings).
Crema
Coffee by people who profess that coffee is their “one thing.” I, for one, believe them. They do an amazing job crafting coffee drinks you have to taste to believe.
Fat Bottom Brewery
Founded by former Tennessee Governor’s son, Ben Bredesen. He left a software company to focus on Fat Bottom full time in 2011. We think he made the right choice.
Goo Goo Clusters
Made in Nashville since 1912! Chocolate, peanuts, and caramel—what more do you need, really?
Jackalope Brewery
A brewery founded and run by women. I shouldn’t need to tell you anything other than that.
Leon’s Candy
Originated in New Orleans in 1888, revived in Nashville in 1988. We like to think that’s a pretty potent combination.
Nashville Jam Company
These products were created as the result of a garden surplus. May I recommend the strawberry jalapeño jam?
Nashville Toffee Company
Founded in 2003 by Nashville natives using a family recipe, they’ve been delighting toffee-loving tastebuds ever since.
Olive and Sinclair Chocolate Company
“Tennessee’s first and only bean-to-bar chocolate company.” From truffles to chocolate bars, these high quality chocolates come in delightfully creative flavor combinations. And don’t miss out on their Bourbon Cocoa Nib Brittle . . . it is nothing short of special.
Sunday Morning Pancake Mix
A pancake breakfast family tradition turned into a quest for a healthier pancake batter. The result is a specific blend of flours and grains that make up Sunday Morning’s trademark batter mix. The product has been hand-milled by a Nashville mama and nestled it’s way into the hearts of many more.
Tennessee Brew Works
This brewery began after the “discovery that great beer can be made at home.” You can try to make your own at home, or you can just go enjoy Tennessee Brew Works awesome patio and drink the beer that they already perfected.
Tennessee Cheesecake
Started in a kitchen in 1981, and now sold in many Nashville restaurants.
The Bang Candy Company
Specializing in artisan marshmallows. Perfect for the lover of hot chocolate and any s’more aficionado. (I happen to be both.)
Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream
The first all-American version of Irish cream will be distributed in most states this fall and is now available for purchase on-line. This stuff is sublime. Really.
Yazoo Brewing Company
Linus Hall started Yazoo after buying a home brewing kit out of the back of Rolling Stone Magazine in 1993. Turned out to be a pretty sound investment. Dos Perros and a Beer Named Sue are favorites around here, but they’re hardly limited to those!
[…] fantastic breweries and candy makers popping up all over town (find some of our recommendations here and here), these are easy to organize. You could try a different one each […]