It is known that Andrew Jackson was a moderate whiskey drinker but also a distiller. Growing up in North Carolina, where he studied law, whiskey production would have certainly been commonplace. After moving to Tennessee, Jackson would eventually have stills at both his Hunter’s Hill farm and at the Hermitage, which was near Nashville, Tennessee. Two particular men, Thomas Watson and William Irby, could certainly tell us more about Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage Distillery in Davidson County than we know today. Without them, we are left to piece only bits of the story together from mere scraps of information which were left behind.
We also do know that in 1799 at the age of 32, Andrew Jackson received his license to operate a 70-gallon pot still and a 127-gallon pot still. This distillery was short-lived and was soon destroyed by a fire that consumed the entire building, the stills, and 300 gallons of his whiskey. Watson appears to have been Jackson’s business partner and Irby was paid to set up the replacement stills in 1802 after the fire destroyed the operation two years prior.[1] Little more is known of Andrew Jackson’s distillery operation, but both Old Hickory and Hermitage brand labels were a nod to him and his operation.
[1] Spoelman, Colin, and David Haskell. “Andrew Jackson.” Kings County Distillery Dead Distillers: A History of the Upstarts and Outlaws Who Made American Spirits, Abrams Image, New York, NY, 2016, pp. 51–53.
If you’re curious about this intriguing slice of history, you can investigate the details of Andrew Jackson’s distillery for yourself at his Hermitage located at 4580 Rachel’s Lane Nashville, Tennessee. Even though the distillery is long gone, there is good news. The Sip of History event returns to the Hermitage on Saturday, April 6, from 2 to 5 p.m.
“Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage and the Tennessee Whiskey Trail present an afternoon of whiskey, wine and beer samples at The Hermitage. Bring your favorite doggo to enjoy the grounds and dog-focused activities while you enjoy samples from more than 20 Tennessee distilleries, as well as local wine, beer and food!…Tickets include food, as well as access to The Hermitage grounds, 1,120 acres, including a historic garden, wildlife, walking paths, historical markers and more. Be sure to take advantage of lawn games and listen to live music.” (From the website)
The Sip of History also lists the participating distilleries:
- Lost State Distilling
- Leatherwood Distillery
- Big Machine Distillery
- Old Tennessee Distilling Co.
- Prichard’s Distillery
- Post Modern Spirits
- Old Dominick
- Uncle Nearest
- Junction 35 Spirits
- George Dickel
- Sugarlands Distilling Co.
- Company Distilling
- B.R. Distilling Company
- Corsair Distillery
- Standard Proof Whiskey Co.
- Ole Smoky Distillery
- Roaring River Distillery
- Jack Daniel’s
- Pennington Distilling Co.
- Leipers Fork Distillery
- Old Glory Distilling Co.
- Nelson’s GreenBrier Distillery
- Old Forge Distillery
- Nashville Craft Distillery
- Tennessee Legend
- Mossback Distilling Co.
- Dam Whiskey Corp.
- Short Mountain Distillery
This is a great opportunity to learn more about this bit of whiskey history and to try some of the delicious whiskey, wine, beer, and food from the surrounding area. Be sure to visit the web site and take a look at the details of the Sip of History event and the many other options to explore the rich history of Andrew Jackson.
