Corsair Distillery: Delafield, Tennessee
Updated: 11 hours ago
Corsair Distillery is a small batch craft distillery based in Nashville, Tennessee, known for experimenting with unusual grains and smoked malts. It began in Kentucky and moved its centre of gravity to Tennessee.
In this guide
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Corsair at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Distillery / brand | Corsair |
Country and region | Tennessee, United States |
Owner / operator | Corsair Distillery |
Historical background | Childhood friends and Nashville natives Darek Bell and Andrew Webber founded Corsair. Wikipedia spells the first name Derek and the distillery's own site spells it Darek. According to… |
Whisky identity | Tennessee craft whiskey with unusual smoked grains |
Visitor planning | Check the producer's official site for current tours and operating hours. |
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Founders and early years
Childhood friends and Nashville natives Darek Bell and Andrew Webber founded Corsair. Wikipedia spells the first name Derek and the distillery's own site spells it Darek. According to Wikipedia they began by homebrewing beer and wine in Bell's garage and working on a biodiesel plant prototype, before turning to whiskey. The distillery started in Bowling Green, Kentucky, in January 2008.
In 2010 the pair opened a second site in Nashville, making Corsair the first legal craft distillery in the city since Prohibition. A third site in the Wedgewood/Houston neighbourhood of Nashville opened in 2016 and became the headquarters, with barrel storage and offices. The Bowling Green distillery closed on 31 August 2018 as the company focused on its two Nashville locations and national distribution.
What it makes
Wikipedia describes the company's motto as Innovate or Die. Its output has included buckwheat whiskey, quinoa whiskey, malted and smoked whiskies, multi-grain bourbons, barrel aged gin, red absinthe, flavoured vodka and spiced rum. By 2018 it had made 28 different spirits, of which 11 were typically on sale, six were seasonal or experimental and 11 had been discontinued. Current lines named by Wikipedia include Triple Smoke Malt Whiskey, Wildfire Malt Whiskey and Ryemageddon. Availability changes, so check the distillery.
Wikipedia says Corsair draws on a malthouse and smokehouse linked to Bell's local farm. In March 2020 it rebranded to streamline its range for wider distribution, which changed spirit names and proofs. During the Covid-19 pandemic it produced hand sanitiser and donated large quantities to healthcare facilities.
Recognition
Wikipedia records that the company reported more than 800 medals by 2018, and lists titles such as American Whiskey Distillery of the Year at the 2017 Berlin International Spirits Competition and the 2014 American Distilling Institute Craft Distillery of the Year.
Sources
Wikipedia, Corsair Artisan Distillery (the article carries a promotional-content notice)
Corsair Distillery, Our Story (corsairdistillery.com), search summary only
Nashville Sites and CaskX profile, search summaries only
Gaps
The Wikipedia article is flagged as promotional and partly uncited, so we have kept to dates and facts and left out its award detail. We have not confirmed current ownership beyond the founders, tour details or the present range. If you have more information about this distillery, or spot something we have got wrong, contact Whisky Clan and we will update this profile.
What makes Corsair distinctive?
Tennessee craft whiskey with unusual smoked grains
Corsair whisky bottle and expression comparison
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Corsair Triple Smoke | NAS / release dependent | Check bottle | Tennessee craft whiskey with unusual smoked grains |
Corsair Dark Rye | NAS / release dependent | Check bottle | Tennessee craft whiskey with unusual smoked grains |
The table records named or historical expressions. Exact availability, strength and provenance can change; consult the producer for current details.
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Frequently asked questions about Corsair
Where is Corsair located?
Tennessee, United States.
Who owns or operates Corsair?
Corsair Distillery.
What makes Corsair distinctive?
Tennessee craft whiskey with unusual smoked grains.
Which whiskies are documented for Corsair?
Corsair Triple Smoke, Corsair Dark Rye. Availability varies.
Can visitors tour Corsair?
Check the producer's current tour and booking information; not all sites are open to visitors.
Sources and editorial notes
The original research and reference links have been retained. Current ownership, prices, operating status and visitor arrangements should be reconfirmed.
Image note: the cover is an illustrative whisky photograph from the Whisky Clan media library, not a photograph of this distillery or its products.
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About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
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