As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of exploring and tasting various brands of Tennessee whiskey. Currently, there are four notable brands that stand out in the market: Jack Daniel's, George Dickel, Collier and McKeel, and Prichard's. Each brand offers its own unique characteristics and flavor profiles, making the world of Tennessee whiskey an exciting and diverse one to explore.
1. Jack Daniel's: Jack Daniel's is perhaps the most well-known and widely consumed Tennessee whiskey brand. With its iconic black label and distinct charcoal mellowing process, Jack Daniel's has become synonymous with Tennessee whiskey. The brand offers a range of expressions, including their classic Old No. 7, Gentleman Jack, and Single Barrel varieties. Jack Daniel's is known for its smoothness, slightly sweet caramel notes, and a hint of oak.
2. George Dickel: George Dickel is another prominent Tennessee whiskey brand that has been producing its signature spirit for over 150 years. The brand takes pride in its meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. A notable aspect of George Dickel is their use of the Lincoln County Process, which involves filtering the whiskey through charcoal before aging. This process imparts a subtly smoky and smooth character to the whiskey. George Dickel offers a range of expressions, including their No. 8, No. 12, and Barrel Select varieties.
3. Collier and McKeel: Collier and McKeel is a relatively newer player in the Tennessee whiskey scene. Founded in 2010, this brand has quickly gained recognition for its small-batch, handcrafted approach to whiskey production. Collier and McKeel uses a unique mash bill that includes a higher proportion of malted barley, resulting in a whiskey with a slightly spicier and fruitier flavor profile. Their whiskey is aged in charred oak barrels, which adds depth and complexity to the final product.
4. Prichard's: Prichard's is a family-owned distillery that has been producing Tennessee whiskey since the late 1990s. They pride themselves on their traditional methods and commitment to quality. Prichard's uses a combination of corn, barley, and rye in their mash bill, creating a whiskey with a robust and full-bodied character. Their whiskey is aged in new charred oak barrels, allowing the flavors to develop and mature over time. Prichard's offers a range of expressions, including their Double Barrel Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey.
Having had the opportunity to taste and compare these different Tennessee whiskey brands, I can attest to the unique qualities and flavors that each one brings to the table. From the smoothness of Jack Daniel's to the smokiness of George Dickel, there is something for every whiskey enthusiast to enjoy. Exploring the world of Tennessee whiskey is not only a journey through taste but also a glimpse into the rich history and craftsmanship that goes into each bottle. Whether sipping it neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail, Tennessee whiskey offers a distinct and memorable experience.