What Is Tennessee Whiskey? Everything You Need to Know

This July 9, 2018 photo shows bottles of Jack Daniel’s whiskey displayed at Rossi’s Deli in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

What is Tennessee whiskey? And is it different from bourbon?

Tennessee whiskey is a subcategory of whiskey that shares many qualities with bourbon but has one key distinction: the Lincoln County Process, a charcoal filtering method that affects its final flavor. Prior to this filtration, Tennessee whiskey is essentially just bourbon.

Definition and Legal Requirements

Like bourbon, Tennessee whiskey must be made from at least 51% corn, distilled to no more than 160 proof and aged in new, charred oak barrels. Tennessee whiskey and bourbon alike cannot be distilled above 80% ABV or entered into barrels above 125 proof.

The defining requirement is the Lincoln County Process, in which the whiskey passes through charcoal before aging. This step removes impurities and influences the final flavor. Tennessee law also mandates that whiskey labeled as Tennessee whiskey must be made within the state.

Production Process

The production of Tennessee whiskey follows these steps:

1. Mashing: A grain mixture of at least 51% corn, combined with any mix of rye, wheat and/or malted barley, is cooked with water.
2. Fermentation: Yeast is added to convert sugars into alcohol, creating a mash with low alcohol content — often called “distillers beer.”
3. Distillation: The mash is distilled to concentrate the alcohol while maintaining essential flavors.
4. Charcoal Filtering (Lincoln County Process): The raw whiskey passes through maple charcoal before aging.
5. Aging: The filtered whiskey is stored in new, charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years, though most are aged longer.
6. Bottling: The aged whiskey is bottled at no less than 80 proof.

Notable Tennessee Whiskey Brands

The most recognized Tennessee whiskey brands include:

• Jack Daniel’s: The best-known producer, with a global presence and a signature flavor. Jack Daniel’s has in recent years begun expanding into exceptional, well-aged whiskey and experimenting with different cask finishes, making whiskeys for the connoisseur while still producing plenty of its mainstay products for the everyman drinker.
• George Dickel – A historic brand that employs a distinctive approach to the Lincoln County Process. Unlike other distilleries, George Dickel chills its whiskey to 40°F before charcoal filtering. This chilling process affects the interaction between the whisky and the charcoal, potentially influencing the flavor profile. Additionally, George Dickel uses deeper vats, measuring 13 feet, allowing for prolonged contact with the charcoal, which may enhance the mellowing effect. Instead of trickling the whisky through the charcoal, the distillery fills the vats, allowing the liquid to steep, ensuring thorough interaction between the whisky and the charcoal.
• Uncle Nearest – A newer brand honoring Nathan “Nearest” Green, a formerly enslaved man credited with teaching Jack Daniel distilling techniques and being the first master distiller of the Jack Daniel Distilling Company.

The Role of Charcoal Filtering

The Lincoln County Process is the only factor that distinguishes Tennessee whiskey from bourbon. Tennessee distilleries maintain that filtering through charcoal removes unwanted compounds, softens the whiskey and enhances smoothness. Jack Daniel’s drips its whiskey through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal, while George Dickel chills its whiskey before filtration for a different effect.

Conclusion

Tennessee whiskey is, in many ways, similar to bourbon (many argue it should be considered a type of bourbon, in fact.), with the Lincoln County Process serving as the key differentiator. Tennessee distilleries claim this extra step gives their whiskeys a smoother character, but otherwise, it follows the same legal standards as bourbon. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in cocktails, Tennessee whiskey remains a staple of American whiskey culture.