Buffalo Trace Owner Sazerac Unveils New Tennessee Whiskey Distillery

(Photos: Sazerac)

On Wednesday, Sazerac Company formally announced the name of its Tennessee whiskey operation — AJ Bond Distillery — as it prepares to launch its first Tennessee whiskey in summer 2026.

The move marks a key step for the Buffalo Trace and Fireball Cinnamon Whisky owner as it enters the Tennessee whiskey category after nearly a decade of development.

The distillery name honors Master Distiller Allisa Henley and the late John Lunn, who led early production efforts and helped establish the foundation of Sazerac’s Tennessee whiskey program. The company first entered the space in 2016 with the acquisition of the Popcorn Sutton distillery facility, retaining its production team and later relocating operations to La Vergne in 2019.

“Formally naming AJ Bond Distillery reinforces our commitment to Tennessee Whiskey and reflects Sazerac’s broader vision to invest in exceptional people, places and traditions that shape the future of American spirits,” Sazerac President and CEO Jake Wenz said in a news release. “Under Allisa and John’s leadership, this team has built a strong foundation rooted in expertise, passion and a deep respect for the craft. As we look ahead, we are proud to build on their legacy as we continue to balance heritage with innovation in pursuit of producing world-class spirits.”

Henley and Lunn worked together for more than a decade before joining Sazerac, building a partnership centered on distillation science and production. Their work, along with technical support from Buffalo Trace Distillery, helped shape the mash bill and production approach for the new whiskey.

“John and I worked together for 20 years, and he played a major role in shaping my understanding of the chemistry behind distillation,” Henley said. “We worked diligently to create every aspect of AJ Bond Distillery together. His absence is felt every day, but I know he would be proud of what we’ve created. It’s meaningful to know that the whiskey made here will carry his legacy forward.”

Luhn and Henley worked together at one of Tennessee’s largest distilleries, Diageo’s George Dickel.

Master Distiller Allisa Henley

Since relocating to La Vergne, the distillery has expanded production capacity and invested in additional equipment as it builds inventory for its first release. The inaugural Tennessee whiskey will be made using a mash bill developed by Henley and Lunn and is currently aging on-site.

“From the very beginning, John and I knew we wanted to make a true Tennessee Whiskey, and we’re incredibly proud of the mashbill we’ve developed,” Henley said. “Seeing it now aging in our warehouses has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Our team has worked tirelessly to bring our shared vision to life, and I’m excited for what is to come.”

Further details on the inaugural release are expected in the coming months as Sazerac prepares for its official entry into the Tennessee whiskey market.