Tour 4 of Jackson, Mississippi's Best Breweries and Distilleries

Mississippi’s capital, Jackson, is the birthplace of the blues—but it may be the last place you’d think to visit for a good brewski since the Magnolia State was the last U.S. state to repeal prohibition in 1966. But lo and behold, the City with Soul is flourishing in many ways, from gallery exhibits, museums and live music festivals to James Beard–honored chefs, thriving local restaurants and these must-try local breweries and distilleries.

Try award-winning beer at Lucky Town Brewery

Midtown Jackson’s only (self-described) microbrewery, Lucky Town opened its physical location in 2014 but has been brewing beer at festivals, events and bars for much longer. Since that time, this Jackson brewery has won a number of awards in beer brewing competitions and values the science, art and engineering of beer brewing. Lucky Town’s taproom is open Thursdays 4–8 p.m., Fridays 4–10 p.m. and Saturdays 1–8 p.m.

Learn how vodka is made at Jackson’s oldest distillery

Cathead Distillery, whose name is a nod to Mississippi’s blues history, is the oldest distillery in the state. Photo Credit: @catheadvodka

Cathead Distillery, the first and oldest distillery in Mississippi, was opened by friends and blues fans in 2010, 44 years after Prohibition was repealed in the state. The business supports live music, Southern culture and the arts as much and as often as possible. Known especially for its vodka, which is made with sweet-grain corn in 500-gallon batches for a smooth, clean finish, Cathead also has a great selection of on-tap craft beers. The kid- and dog-friendly distillery is open for tours and tastings Thursdays and Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 6 p.m. (summer hours may vary). Tours take place every hour on the hour, cost $10 per person and last 30 minutes. The last tour begins at 5 p.m. every day.

Taste rum and whiskey at Rich Grain Distilling Co.

Located in nearby Canton, Mississippi, Rich Grain Distilling Co. is just a half-hour car ride from Jackson. The craft distillery produces handmade, small-batch distilled spirits such as corn whiskey, white rum, spiced rum and bourbon. We’re partial to the white rum, handmade from raw turbinado sugar and molasses from a South Louisiana sugar mill. Only the third legal distillery in the state, Rich Grain is the first Mississippi distillery specializing in full-flavored bourbon. Tours and tastings are every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and cost $7 per person.

Sample from Jackson’s largest beer selection

Not technically a brewery but a beer pub with the largest selection in town (over 60 mainly local and craft beers on tap, plus more than 75 bottles), the Bulldog offers a fully stocked bar and beer menu, a New Orleans–style garden patio and multiple TVs (indoors and out) for sports lovers. Stop in for happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.; the pub also features Brewery of the Month pint and pitcher specials, as well as growler fills and the opportunity to take home a signature glass on certain days of the week. If you want to discover what craft beer Jackson has to offer, you can find out here.

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