Is Jack Daniel’s in a Dry County?: The Curious Case of Moore County, Tennessee
Jack Daniel’s in a Dry County: What Visitors Need to Know Before Your Tour
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is one of the most iconic whiskey brands in the world. In fact, in 2023, Jack Daniel’s shipped approximately 14 million cases of whiskey, making them the second largest whiskey brand in the world. Every single drop of that whiskey was distilled, barreled, aged, and bottled at the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, TN.
Moore County, where Lynchburg and Jack Daniel’s are located, has a rather complicated history with alcohol. In fact, visitors find it surprising to learn that you likely will not be able to purchase a “Jack and Coke” while there! So, is Jack Daniel’s located in a dry county? Read more to find out!
Jack Daniel’s in a Dry County: What Visitors Need to Know Before Your Tour
1920 map of Lynchburg, TN, courtesy TSLA. Note that in the bottom middle, the property is noted as “Lem Motlow's distillery premises, formerly Jack Daniels,” as this map was created during prohibition.
Back when Jasper “Jack” Daniel was learning to make whiskey, Lynchburg, Tennessee was located in Lincoln County. In fact, the charcoal filtration process that turns Jack Daniel’s into “Tennessee whiskey” is known as the “Lincoln County Process.” The county lines were eventually re-drawn, and today Lynchburg, and the distillery, are situated in Moore County.
The region has a long history of whiskey production. According to the Tennessee Encyclopedia, “By 1876 at least fifteen distilleries were registered in Moore County, and the product formerly known as Lincoln County whiskey became a Lynchburg specialty.”
Dry vs. Wet: Understanding Tennessee’s Alcohol Laws
The Prohibition Movement ran strong in Tennessee. In fact, the Tennessee General Assembly voted to ban the production of alcohol in the state in 1909, a decade BEFORE the rest of the county. All legal distilleries had to either cease production or, as in the case of the Jack Daniel Distillery, move their operations out of the state.
When the ban ended in 1937 (four years AFTER the rest of the country), production of alcohol was only allowed to resume in three counties, Lincoln County, Moore County (home of Jack Daniel’s), and Coffee County (home of the George Dickel distillery.) It wasn’t until 2009 that the General Assembly voted to allow distilling in the rest of the state.
Although alcohol sales and production are no longer banned by the state government, each county is allowed to impose their own rules. This leads to what are known as Dry Counties (no alcohol sales), Wet Counties (which allow most alcohol sales), and Moist Counties (which allow alcohol sales under limited circumstances.)
The Legislative Loophole: Why Jack Daniel’s Can Sell Whiskey in a Dry County
So, is Jack Daniel’s located in a Dry County? Well… not really. Moore County is oftentimes considered a Dry County, but, while its laws regarding alcohol sales are more strict than most other areas, there are circumstances where alcohol can be sold. According to the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, Moore County falls under the “Wet/Moist” category.
In fact, the Jack Daniel Distillery has an exemption when it comes to guests consuming liquor, and even purchasing bottles of whiskey!
Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Tastings.
What the Exemption Covers
Because the rumor persists that Jack Daniel’s is located in a Dry County, many guests are surprised to learn that they will be able to participate in a guided whiskey tasting while on tour. As part of the guided tour experience, guests are led through a Jack Daniel’s whiskey tasting of some of the best-selling products. Additionally, oftentimes guests are able to purchase adult slushies while on the tour.
Guests are able to purchase bottles of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey at the distillery as well. The White Rabbit Bottle Shop, which is located in the Jack Daniel’s Visitor Center, sells a variety of Jack Daniel’s whiskey, and even offers engraving options so guests can bring back a custom Jack Daniel’s bottle.
What Alcohol Sales are Not Allowed in Moore County
Other than the distillery, it is true that it is hard to find a place in Moore County to purchase adult beverages. A few of the restaurants do sell beer, but you most likely will not be able to purchase a Jack & Coke while you visit Lynchburg, TN. And there are definitely no liquor stores in the county.
Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour Tips
The drive from Nashville to Jack Daniel’s takes about 90 minutes. If you do not have a vehicle, or prefer the convenience of having a designated driver, we recommend booking our Jack Daniel’s Distillery Bus Tour from Nashville. We have tours that depart daily at 9am, and a second tour at 12pm on Thursday-Saturday.
FAQs About Visiting Jack Daniel’s
Can you drink alcohol at the Jack Daniel’s Distillery?
Yes! For adults, the Jack Daniel Distillery Tour concludes with a guided whiskey tasting.
What is Tennessee Whiskey?
Tennessee Whiskey is nearly identical to bourbon, with the one difference being it has been filtered through sugar maple charcoal. Learn more about Tennessee Whiskey here!
How long does it take to get to Lynchburg from Nashville?
It takes about 90 minutes to go from Nashville to Jack Daniel’s. Ride sharing apps are really an option. We recommend booking a bus tour.
Final Pour: Why the Setting Makes Jack Daniel’s Even More Iconic
It’s a bit ironic — and pretty fascinating — that Jack Daniel’s, a brand known worldwide for its whiskey, calls a county home where their sales are limited. But that’s part of what makes visiting the distillery in Lynchburg so special. You’re not just touring a whiskey operation; you’re stepping into a place where history, tradition, and a few unusual laws have come together to create something truly unique.
Whether you're there for a tasting, to pick up a bottle you can only get on-site, or to hear the stories behind Mr. Jack himself, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for how this iconic whiskey is made — and why Moore County’s status is just another part of the legend. Plan your visit today and experience it firsthand.