Tennessee bourbons are some of the most sought-after spirits in the world. With a bold, sweet flavor and a rich history, these whiskeys have captivated whiskey aficionados for generations. The state is home to some of the best distilleries in the country, producing some of the finest bourbon available on the market today.
Tennessee bourbon is made from at least 51% corn, with other grains such as rye and wheat used to create different flavor profiles. It is then melted down into a mash before being fermented and distilled into whiskey. After distillation, it is aged in charred oak barrels for at least 2 years to develop its unique taste and aroma.
The most famous Tennessee bourbon comes from George Dickel Distillery in Cascade Hollow. Established in 1870, this distillery produces some of the smoothest bourbons on the market today. Their flagship product, George Dickel Barrel Select Tennessee Whiskey, is aged between 8-10 years and has notes of caramel, vanilla and oak that make it a truly unique experience. Others have followed suit by offering their own versions of this classic spirit. Ole Smoky Distillery has been crafting moonshine since 2010 and now offers their own Tennessee whiskey as well as other flavored moonshines like Apple Pie and White Lightnin'.
If you're looking for an authentic Tennessee experience, there are plenty of distilleries across the state that offer tours and tastings throughout the year. The Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg offers daily tours where visitors can learn about the process behind making their iconic whiskey as well as sample some products along the way. Prichard's Distillery in Kelso also offers tours where guests can get up close with their copper stills and learn about how they craft their award-winning spirits.
Tennessee bourbons offer an exceptional drinking experience that can only be found within this region of America. Whether you're looking for something smooth or full-bodied, these whiskeys offer something for everyone. So if you're looking to add some southern flavor to your collection, make sure to check out what Tennessee has to offer!
Is Tennessee Home to Any Bourbon Production?
Yes, bourbon can be made in Tennessee. Although the state has a long tradition of producing whiskey, it is not exclusive to producing bourbon. Tennessee whiskey is defined as a type of straight bourbon whiskey that must meet stringent requirements set forth by the state. This includes being made from at least 51% corn, aged in brand-new charred oak barrels and filtered throgh sugar maple charcoal before bottling. Furthermore, it must be produced in Tennessee and aged for at least two years.
Tennessee whiskey was created by Jack Daniel's distillery in 1866 and is now enjoyed around the world. Today, there are several other distilleries producing their own versions of this unique style of bourbon, including George Dickel Distillery, Nelson's Green Brier Distillery and Collier & McKeel Small Batch Whiskey. These brands produce a variety of bourbons that range from light and smooth to bolder profiles with notes of caramel, vanilla and spice.
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Bourbon Companies Located in Tennessee
Tennessee is home to a variety of world-renowned bourbon companies. These include Jack Daniel's, a company located in Lynchburg that produces some of the most popular bourbons in the world; George Dickel, located in Cascade Hollow, which produces a range of premium quality bourbons; and Prichard's Distillery, located near Kelso, which is known for its small batch and single barrel whiskies. Additionally, there are several smaller craft distilleries that have become renowned for their limited-batch bourbon offerings. These include Collier & McKeel Whiskey, Short Mountain Distillery, Nelson's Green Brier Distillery and Sugarlands Distilling Company. Each of these distilleries produces unique bourbon with different flavor profiles that are sure to plese any whiskey lover!
The Popularity of Tennessee Whiskey
The most popular Tennessee whiskey is Jack Daniel's. Produced in Lynchburg, Tennessee since 1866, this iconic whiskey has become an international phenomenon. It is made from a mash of 80% corn, 12% barley and 8% rye and is charcoal-mellowed for a smooth finish. Jack Daniel's is known for its signature smooth taste with hints of caramel and vanilla, and it is avilable in a variety of different expressions from 80-proof Old No. 7 to the higher-proof Single Barrel Reserve. It also serves as the basis for many popular cocktails like the Lynchburg Lemonade or the Tennessee Mule.
Unique Whiskey Varieties Only Available in Tennessee
Nelson's First 108 Tennessee Whiskey is an award-winning whiskey that can only be purchased at Nelson's Green Brier Distillery in Nashville, Tennessee. Crafted from a recipe that has been in the Nelson family for over 150 years, this whiskey is sure to please. It is made with a special blend of corn and grains, and aged for at last three years in charred oak barrels to give it a unique flavor. The result is a smooth, full-bodied whiskey with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice that will keep you coming back for more. So if you're ever in the Music City, make sure to stop by Nelson's Green Brier Distillery and pick up some of this exclusive Tennessee whiskey!
Famous Drinks of Tennessee
Tennessee is well-known for its whiskey, particularly its Tennessee Whiskey. Tennessee Whiskey is a unique type of whiskey that is made in Tennessee and must satisfy certain criteria in order to be classified as such. It must be made from at least 51 percent corn, aged in charred oak barrels, distilled to no more than 80% alcohol by volume (ABV) and bottled at no less than 40% ABV. The most famous brand of Tennessee Whiskey is Jack Daniel's, whch was founded in Lynchburg, TN in 1866. Other popular brands of Tennessee Whiskey include George Dickel and Collier & McKeel. Tennessee Whiskey has become increasingly popular over the last few years and has been gaining recognition around the world for its distinct flavor profile and smooth finish.
Number of Bourbon Distilleries in Tennessee
There are currenly 11 bourbon distilleries in Tennessee, as part of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. These include legendary and historic distillers such as Jack Daniel's and George Dickel, as well as newer micro-distilleries like Corsair Distillery and Old Forge Distillery. All of these distilleries produce a wide range of bourbons, ranging from wheated bourbons to single barrel expressions. The Tennessee Whiskey Trail offers visitors the chance to experience the unique character of each new and established distillery, giving them a taste of what makes Tennessee whiskey so special.
Notable Distilleries in Tennessee
Tennessee is home to some of the most well-known distilleries in the world. The first and most prominent is Jack Daniel's Distillery, located in Lynchburg. Founded in 1866, Jack Daniel's has become a symbol of Tennessee spirit and is one of the oldest registered distilleries in the United States. George Dickel Tennessee Whisky, founded in 1870, is anoter major distillery located just outside Nashville. Prichard's Distillery at Fontanel produces a diverse selection of small batch whiskeys and liqueurs including Tennessee Whiskey, Sweet Lucy Liqueur and Uncle Bob's Apple Pie Moonshine. Corsair Brewstillery is a specialty craft brewery and distillery located in Nashville that creates unique beers and spirits such as Triple Smoke Whiskey and Quinoa Whiskey. Nelson's Green Brier Distillery produces a range of classic whiskeys from its historic location in Nashville. Leiper's Fork Distillery produces small batch whiskey with an emphasis on quality ingredients. Popcorn Sutton is known for its high-quality white lightning moonshine made from an old family recipe, while Short Mountain Distillery produces organic moonshine from local Tennessee grains. Each of these noteworthy distilleries offers tours for visitors to learn about the history of Tennessee whiskey production and sample their award-winning products.
Is Tennessee Whiskey Smoother Than Bourbon?
Tennessee whiskey is sometimes said to be smoother than bourbon, due to the Lincoln County Process. This process, which is only used by Tennessee whiskey producers, involves filtering the distilled spirit through layers of charcoal made from sugar maple trees. This filtration process has the potential to remove some of the heavier compounds found in the new make which can create a mellower and smoother experience when drinking the aged product. Although there are subtle differences between Tennessee whiskey and straight bourbon, it's ultimately up to individual palates to decide which they prefer.
Differences Between Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey
Bourbon and Tennessee whiskey are both types of whiskey, but there is an important distinction between the two. While bourbon is made from a mash containing at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels, Tennessee whiskey must be made from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels, but it also goes through an additional process known as the Lincoln County Process. This process involves filtering the whiskey through sugar maple charcoal before it is put into barrels for aging. This additional step gives Tennessee whiskey a smoother taste than bourbon.
Conclusion
Tennessee Bourbons are a unique and flavorful type of whiskey, exclusive to the state of Tennessee. Distilleries like Sugarlands, Ole Smoky, Tennessee Shine Company and Tennessee Legend offer a variety of bourbons made from different grains and aged in various barrels. Popular brands include George Dickel Barrel Select, Jack Daniel's Straight Rye, Heaven's Door Double Barrel and Nelson's First 108. Whether you're looking for an old-fashioned classic or something innovative, Tennessee Bourbons have something to please everyone's palate. With their distinct flavor profile and unique production process, these local bourbons are an excellent addition to any liquor cabinet or bar.
