Nelson Family Buys Back Green Brier Distillery From Constellation Brands

Nashville brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson have regained full control of Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery. The family announced on Nov. 11 that they completed the purchase of the distillery, inventory, and brands from Constellation Brands Inc., the international spirits company that acquired the operation in 2024.

The transaction, which closed on Nov. 10, includes all product stock and the lease for the 50,000-square-foot facility located at 1414 Clinton St. The property serves as a production plant, event space, and visitor center. With the deal finished, the Nelsons once again hold full ownership and management authority over the business.

Andy Nelson described the repurchase in a statement released with the announcement. “This has been our family business dating back to the 1800s, so to have the opportunity to once again have full ownership of the brand and its storied history is extraordinarily meaningful to us,” he said. He added that the family intends to return to producing premium spirits in Davidson County to honor the heritage established by their great-great-great grandfather.

Operations at the Clinton Street location will continue without interruption. All existing staff have been retained, and the on-site restaurant, bar, tours, and scheduled events will proceed as usual. The brothers will use a transition period to determine next steps for the brand portfolio and the distillery itself.

In related news in the local spirits sector, country singer Dierks Bentley expanded his ROW 94 whiskey brand with a new downtown tasting room. The space is located at Bode Nashville, 401 President Ronald Reagan Way, in the Second Avenue North area. The room took over the previous location of the Sidebar establishment.

The ROW 94 tasting room operates Thursday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors can sample the brand’s flagship bourbon, a full proof edition, and a limited 100-proof bottling called Broken Branches. That specific expression is finished with fire-toasted oak staves inside the barrels. Guests can also purchase flights of all three expressions and cocktails.

Bentley and Green River Distilling Co. also announced a new limited edition called Trespasser’s Proof. The release consists of only four barrels currently aging in undisclosed locations inside the Grand Ole Opry House. The whiskey in these barrels is finished with staves made from hard white oak and sugar maple. These materials come from the same tree species used to build the original stage at the Ryman Auditorium, including wood that moved to the Grand Ole Opry House in 1974 and was rescued during the 2010 flood.

Lofted Spirits VP of operations Justin Willett will determine the final bottling proof when the barrels are ready. The company plans to release Trespasser’s Proof in select retailers and bars next year at a price point around $100.