By Debi Lander
mail@floridanewsline.com
While I am not overly fond of whiskey, I was curious about the history and production that make Tennessee whiskey special. So, I took a trip along the Tennessee Whiskey Trail starting at Jack Daniel’s in Lynchburg, the oldest registered distillery in the United States.
The founder, Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel, or “Gentleman Jack,” established the distillery in 1866 at Cave Spring Hollow, a natural limestone spring free from impurities. Over time, the brand became iconic, with its Old No. 7 recipe and the signature charcoal mellowing process (Lincoln County Process), the key to Tennessee Whiskey.
Guides at the 1,700-acre Jack Daniel’s site walk groups through the entire whiskey-making process, from charcoal mellowing to aging in oak barrels. Here, I discovered the unique production rules that define a “Tennessee Whiskey.” The rules stipulate that a whiskey must be made in the state, contain at least 51 percent corn in its grain mash, must be distilled at no more than 160 proof (80 percent alcohol by volume) and enter the barrel for aging at no more than 125 proof (62.5 percent alcohol by volume), and must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. The barrels must be freshly charred and used only once for aging.
One of the defining characteristics of Tennessee Whiskey is the Lincoln County Process. This unique process involves filtering the unaged whiskey through maple charcoal before aging it to give it a smooth and rich character.
A fascinating note about the small town of Lynchburg: While the distillery has been producing since 1866, the city is “dry.” The distillery is legally allowed to make and sell unopened bottles of their spirits and provide a tour tasting, but you will not find a restaurant or bar in the town that serves alcoholic drinks. Strange indeed.
Located just a short drive away in Tullahoma, the George Dickel Distillery offers a quieter, more intimate experience. Founded in 1870, George Dickel chills its mash before filtering it through charcoal, adding a unique smoothness and richness to the whiskey. The distillery’s location in Cascade Hollow feels like a hidden gem, with beautiful countryside views. I went into one barrel room that held 57,000 barrels of aging whiskey and had a chance to take a taste sample when I thieved the barrel. That is, lowering a tube into the barrel and removing a single pour’s worth of liquid. This sample showcases the color, aroma, and flavor unique to its time in the barrel; however, I chose not to taste it! The distillery tour tasting includes their beloved No. 12 and Bottled-in-Bond varieties, which left me with fond memories.
One of the Trail’s newer but most inspiring stops is the Uncle Nearest Distillery in Shelbyville. It’s named for Nearest Green, the former enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel the art of whiskey-making. Uncle Nearest products are dedicated to preserving Green’s legacy.
The site rests on a former horse farm and includes a BBQ restaurant and the Humble Baron Bar, the world’s longest bar- following a curvilinear path around an immense room and often with live music. The insightful tour includes a Hollywood production documentary, state-of-the-art facilities, interactive exhibits on Nearest Green’s life, and a tasting of their award-winning expressions. You can easily spend a half day there.
I didn’t visit all 30 Tennessee distilleries on the Trail, but I was doused in history and enjoyed the state’s rolling hills and small towns. If you want to raise a glass, look for more information at www.tnwhiskeytrail.com.
Visit www.bylandersea.com to read more of local travel writer Debi Lander’s stories and travel tips.
Photo courtesy Debi Lander
Jack Daniel’s in Lynchburg is on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail.
