Tennessee is renowned for its production of whiskey, with two major players dominating the market – Jack Daniel's and George Dickel. Both brands have their own distinct characteristics and loyal followings.
Jack Daniel's, based in Lynchburg and owned by Brown-Forman, is perhaps the most famous Tennessee whiskey worldwide. Its rich history dates back to 1866 when Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel established the distillery. The unique aspect of Jack Daniel's is its charcoal mellowing process, also known as the Lincoln County Process, where the newly distilled whiskey is filtered through charcoal made from sugar maple trees before aging in charred oak barrels. This imparts a smooth and mellow flavor profile to the whiskey, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a slight hint of smoke.
On the other hand, George Dickel, owned by Diageo, is another prominent Tennessee whiskey producer. Located in Cascade Hollow near Tullahoma, the distillery has been operating since 1870. Unlike Jack Daniel's, George Dickel uses a different charcoal mellowing process called the “Charcoal Filtering” process. This involves slowly dripping the whisky through charcoal before aging it in new charred oak barrels. The result is a whiskey with a slightly different flavor profile, characterized by a smoother and more rounded taste, with notes of caramel, toffee, and a touch of spice.
While Jack Daniel's and George Dickel are the most famous Tennessee whiskey brands, it's worth noting that there are numerous locally based producers throughout the state. These smaller distilleries often offer unique and limited-edition expressions, showcasing the diversity and creativity of Tennessee whiskey production. Some notable examples include Nelson's Green Brier Distillery, Leiper's Fork Distillery, and Corsair Distillery.
Personally, as a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting various Tennessee whiskeys and exploring their different flavor profiles. Each brand has its own character and distinct qualities, making it a fascinating experience for whiskey enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the boldness of Jack Daniel's or the smoothness of George Dickel, Tennessee whiskey offers a range of options to suit different palates and preferences.
Tennessee whiskey is famous for its production by brands like Jack Daniel's and George Dickel. These distilleries have their own unique processes and flavor profiles, making them stand out in the world of whiskey. However, it is worth exploring the offerings of smaller, locally based producers to truly appreciate the diversity and creativity within Tennessee's whiskey industry.