Local Spirits
Enjoy unique tastes, tours and more at Jug Creek Distillery
There’s nothing like sipping on a cold, handcrafted drink while listening to local musicians and enjoying a million-dollar view. And the best part is that it’s all right here at Wilson County’s Jug Creek Distillery, thanks to Heath Frazier and Kyle Luttrell.
Friends Frazier and Luttrell both had successful careers in the medical industry, each with a master’s degree in nursing. However, their love of science took them in an unexpected direction: They wanted to open a distillery together.
“I had a dream of creating something totally different from what’s out there today,” Frazier explains. He had made wine and beer at home but wanted to learn more about the distilling process to further that dream.
Luckily, his medical background came in handy. “I’m a science geek in a way, so a lot of it came from reading and research.”
He also went to Moonshine University in Louisville and talked with other distillers to learn tricks of the trade. “There’s kind of a brotherhood with other distillers,” he says. Frazier and Luttrell joined that brotherhood when they founded Jug Creek Distillery in 2015.
About a year after that, Frazier decided to leave his job in the healthcare industry and focus on his passion for distilling full time. What was once a hobby for Frazier and Luttrell became the stunning distillery that stands today.
As for where they wanted to break ground and open their distillery, the answer was pretty clear.
“We love Wilson County, the people, the atmosphere,” says Frazier, who has lived in Wilson County for about a decade. “We felt like it was a county that was growing and needed an attraction, instead of taking everything to Nashville.”
So after two years of work and planning, they opened Jug Creek Distillery in Wilson County in January of this year. The distillery features chandeliers from the Gaylord Opryland, an old doctor’s buggy, items from local artisans, a moonshine still and other repurposed items that add to its homey feel. And their spirits are the cherry on top.
“A lot of people have toured distilleries and vineyards. But if you want a mix of the two, come see us,” Frazier says. “Our products are unique from anything you’ve ever tasted.”
Instead of backing away from the smells and tastes of spirits, which can be a common sight at some distilleries, people don’t have that reaction to Jug Creek’s handcrafted drinks, Frazier says.
“You’ll find something you like with one of our products,” he adds.
They have specialty liqueurs like Gran’s Banana Pudding, Grand Dad’s Coffee Creamer, Wicket Chocolate Cranberry and Wicked Chocolate Cranberry Oaked. As for liquors, they create Wilson County Whiskey, Cedar’s Ultra-Premium Gin, Tennessee Pecan Pie and a smooth vodka.
One way people can sample their spirits and learn more about how a distillery works is with their tours. Frazier says they educate people on the science behind the distillation process and show them how they make their spirits.
“You’ll learn things you never thought you’d learn at a distillery,” he says. “It’s a different experience from anything you’ve ever done. We have people say that all of the time.”
They’ve had people from across the county and world come check out the distillery. Frazier leads the tours, which is rare to have the actual distiller readily available for questions. “You don’t have to pay extra for that,” Frazier says with a laugh.
Beyond sampling their spirits, people can also enjoy one of their unique cocktails, like their “Pork Rind Bloody Mary” or “Not the Irish Car Bomb.”
Their spirits aren’t only catching on with locals, but they are also gaining attention globally, winning numerous awards.
“Even though we’re young, we’ve been making waves in the competition world,” he says, with four of the six products released winning awards.
But there’s more to this distillery than their tours and awards. They’ve started having live music and food trucks at the distillery, so people can come out with their lawn chairs and enjoy a relaxing day.
Frazier says people can rent the venue for special events, and they’re working on an outdoor amphitheater. They also hope to have a pumpkin patch on the grounds in time for fall.
“We’re trying to be an all-encompassing event area,” he says. “The sky is the limit for what we’re doing with the property.”
All ages are welcome at the distillery, and Frazier says both his and Luttrell’s children are there all of the time. They’re even installing a playground. “We want it to be a family environment,” he says.
They offer tours, tastings and their unique cocktail menu Wednesdays (by appointment only), Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 12-8 p.m. and Sundays from 1-6 p.m. Tours are $10 per person and free for children 12 and younger, and the last tour of the day begins at 4 p.m.
Jug Creek Distillery is located at 1049 Oregon Rd. in Lascassas. For more information on Jug Creek Distillery, visit Jugcreekdistillery.com.
Photos By Jeff Seely, Jeff’s Eye Photography
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How to make this dream farmhouse yours
Being a city girl, I never had a strong reference for what a country farmhouse truly was. During my childhood, my mother was able to regal about the white house, chickens and fresh vegetables of her childhood home.
The thought of a 200-year-old farmhouse was exactly what I was targeting — from the large kitchen and farm sink to the large quantities of windows that would brighten the dream home and provide cross ventilation in the summer. I knew a white farm house, with character and personality, was exactly what we were going to find.
We looked at each other and excitement took over. We felt as if we were two young girls running around their grandmother’s farmhouse going from room to room yelling at each other. Did you notice the hickory flooring? Did you see the quilt closets? Then it hit me, this was home.
I remember the first time I stepped into the kitchen, my thoughts were in anticipation of the family meals, the entertaining and the time we would be spent in this warm space. This is when I knew whoever originally designed this home must have a love of family and food, too.
After being giddy from seeing the kitchen, eat-in kitchen and den with a gas fireplace, we decided to explore the rest of the home. If the open-concept living area was this wonderful, what else would we discover?
Meandering through the home, we found all three bedrooms, bathrooms, oversized laundry room and then rooms no one ever expected: the game room, craft room and a room that has since been named Peggy’s Piddlin’ Room. This room was made for crafting, art, sewing, games and family fun. This is the room where all of the creative fun and family time happens.
The home’s main living space has decorator shelving with plugs every few feet to display your collectibles. I can only imagine how Christmas Village would have looked up there meandering around the den, living room, into the hall and wrapping around. A child’s dream, or any adults dream!
There is plenty of exterior space to enjoy, as well. The front porch has double benches you will find yourself relaxing on and watching the world go by. The side porch is just perfect for iced tea and conversation.
While I’ve definitely fallen in love with this home, it’s time for a change. But I know whoever buys it will build just as many — if not more — great memories in this timeless home.
To view this farmhouse retreat, contact 
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There were a few hundred people at the first 5K/walk in 2004: Now, there are close to 4,000 participants and volunteers involved with the run.
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