Cathead Distillery Tour — Jackson, Mississippi

Discover the Cathead Distillery Tour in Mississippi

Located in Jackson, Mississippi, the Cathead Distillery Tour offers visitors a guided look inside the state’s oldest legal distillery. As a pioneer of Mississippi’s modern craft spirits movement, Cathead produces small-batch vodka, gin, whiskey, and specialty spirits in a working production facility near downtown Jackson.

Guests explore the full grain-to-glass distillation process, from fermentation and copper stills to bottling and labeling — all while learning how Cathead helped revive legal distilling in Mississippi.

Why it’s special: The Cathead Distillery Tour showcases the first legal distillery in Mississippi since Prohibition, making it a cornerstone of the state’s craft spirits history.

History & Story of Cathead Distillery

Founded in 2010 by Austin Evans and Richard Patrick, Cathead Distillery became Mississippi’s first legal distillery in nearly a century. The name “Cathead” pays tribute to blues musicians — a nod to the founders’ deep connection to Mississippi music culture.

Starting with vodka production, Cathead quickly expanded into whiskey, gin, and other specialty spirits. Over time, the distillery gained regional recognition and played a major role in modernizing Mississippi’s alcohol laws. Today, it remains a leader in the state’s growing craft beverage industry.

What You’ll See & Do on the Cathead Distillery Tour

• Learn about the grain-to-glass distillation process
• View fermentation tanks and copper stills
• Understand how mash bills influence whiskey flavor
• Observe bottling and packaging operations
• Participate in a guided tasting experience

Hands-On Elements: Guided tastings are included for guests 21+; visitors may sample multiple spirits during the tour.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography is permitted in public tour areas and tasting spaces.

Souvenirs & Extras: Bottled spirits, limited releases, branded apparel, barware, and gift sets available for purchase.

Pricing of the Cathead Distillery Tour

Adult price: $10 per adult

Tour admission typically includes a guided walkthrough and tasting session for guests aged 21 and over.

Visiting information

Duration: 60 minutes

Age limits: 21+ for tastings; minors may be restricted from production areas

Accessibility: Partially accessible; tasting room accessible, some production areas may have industrial walkways

Working Hours: Thursday 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Friday 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Saturday 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Sunday Closed; Monday–Wednesday Closed

Advance reservations are recommended for guaranteed tour availability.

Nearby

• Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
• Mississippi Museum of Art
• Farish Street Historic District

FAQs About Visiting the Cathead Distillery Tour

Is Cathead really Mississippi’s first legal distillery since Prohibition?
Yes. When it opened in 2010, Cathead Distillery became the first legal distillery operating in Mississippi in nearly 100 years.

What types of spirits are produced at Cathead?
The distillery produces vodka, gin, whiskey, and specialty seasonal releases crafted in small batches.

Are tastings included with the tour?
Yes. Guests aged 21 and over typically receive tasting samples as part of the guided experience.

Does Cathead source ingredients locally?
Cathead works with regional suppliers and emphasizes quality ingredient sourcing while maintaining in-house production control.

Can visitors purchase bottles directly from the distillery?
Yes. Bottled spirits and merchandise are available for purchase during regular operating hours.