Leiper’s Fork Distillery sits in Franklin, Tennessee, about 25 miles south of Nashville in the heart of Williamson County’s rolling countryside. Founded by Lee Kennedy, a former music industry executive who traded Nashville’s recording studios for copper stills and mash bills, the distillery opened its doors in 2016 after years of planning and construction. Kennedy’s vision was to create authentic Tennessee whiskey using traditional methods while building a destination that would showcase the craft distilling process from grain to glass. The operation produces bourbon, rye whiskey, and moonshine in small batches using locally sourced grains whenever possible. The distillery occupies a purpose-built facility designed to handle both production and visitors, with exposed beams, industrial-style fixtures, and large windows that let you see the fermentation tanks and copper pot stills. What started as Kennedy’s passion project has grown into a respected Tennessee distillery that’s earned recognition for both its spirits and its commitment to traditional whiskey-making methods. The location in Franklin puts it in prime position for visitors exploring Tennessee’s whiskey trail, offering a more intimate alternative to some of the larger operations closer to Nashville.
