Big Machine Distillery sits right on Broadway in downtown Nashville, bringing whiskey production to the heart of Music City’s tourist district. Founded by Scott Borchetta, the music industry mogul behind Big Machine Label Group who launched Taylor Swift’s career, this operation opened in 2018 as part of a larger entertainment complex. The distillery occupies a multi-story building at 122 3rd Avenue South, combining production facilities with retail space and tasting areas just steps from the honky-tonks. They produce bourbon, rye whiskey, and vodka using both traditional methods and some modern shortcuts to keep up with demand from the constant stream of Broadway visitors. Borchetta’s transition from music to spirits wasn’t accidental—he’d been fascinated by whiskey for years and saw an opportunity to create something authentic in Nashville’s booming tourism scene. The team brought in experienced distillers to handle production while Borchetta focused on the business and branding aspects he knows well. They source some aged whiskey while also distilling on-site, a common approach for newer operations trying to offer mature products while their own barrels age. The philosophy centers on accessibility—making good whiskey available to tourists who might not venture out to rural distilleries. Visitors get a full Nashville experience here, with tours that show the production process alongside tastings of their various expressions. The space feels more polished than rustic, designed to handle high volume while still providing education about whiskey making. You’re seeing real stills and fermentation tanks, not just a showroom, though the setup caters more to entertainment than pure craft production. The location makes it incredibly convenient for anyone staying downtown or bar-hopping on Broadway.