Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee: History, Whiskey, and Tours from Nashville
Located in Lynchburg, Tennessee, the Jack Daniel’s Distillery is one of the most recognizable names in American whiskey — and a cornerstone of Tennessee’s distilling history. Likely founded in 1875 (or 1866, according to the label on the bottle), it holds the distinction of being the oldest registered distillery in the United States and remains an essential stop on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. We’re proud to partner with Jack Daniel’s to offer guided distillery tours from Nashville that showcase both the whiskey and the place where it’s made.
The History of Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee
Jack Daniel’s was founded by Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel shortly after the Civil War. From the beginning, Jack focused on consistency and quality, setting standards that still guide production today. More than 150 years later, the distillery continues to operate in Lynchburg, using water from the same Cave Spring Hollow and time-tested production methods that helped establish the Jack Daniel’s name worldwide.
What Makes Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey Different
Jack Daniel’s is classified as Tennessee whiskey, a designation that builds on the legal definition of bourbon. Like bourbon, Tennessee whiskey must be made primarily from corn, distilled to specific proof limits, and aged in new charred oak barrels.
What sets it apart is the Lincoln County Process.
Before aging, Jack Daniel’s new make spirit is slowly filtered through approximately 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal. This charcoal mellowing process removes impurities and contributes to the whiskey’s smoother, softer profile. By law, this step is required for a whiskey to be labeled as Tennessee whiskey, and it remains a defining characteristic of Jack Daniel’s.
List of Jack Daniel’s Whiskeys
While Old No. 7 is the most recognized expression, Jack Daniel’s produces a wide range of whiskeys, each highlighting a different aspect of the distillery’s style.
Core and Premium Jack Daniel’s Whiskeys
Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 – The original Tennessee whiskey, charcoal mellowed and aged in new charred oak barrels.
Gentleman Jack – Charcoal mellowed both before and after aging for an extra-smooth finish.
Single Barrel Select – Bottled from individual barrels, offering unique flavor variation from barrel to barrel.
Flavored Whiskeys and Liqueurs
Tennessee Honey – Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey blended with honey liqueur.
Tennessee Fire – Cinnamon-forward with a warm finish.
Tennessee Apple – Crisp apple flavor balanced with classic whiskey notes.
Tennessee Blackberry – A seasonal release featuring ripe blackberry character.
Special and High-Proof Releases
Sinatra Select – Aged in specially grooved barrels for deeper oak influence, created in honor of Frank Sinatra.
Jack Daniel’s Bonded – Bottled-in-Bond at 100 proof, meeting strict federal standards.
Single Barrel Barrel Proof – Uncut, non–chill filtered, and bottled at full barrel strength.
Coy Hill High Proof – Bottled uncut at varying proofs, representing the highest-proof releases from the distillery.
Visiting the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, TN
A visit to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of America’s most historic whiskey producers. Tours typically include access to Cave Spring Hollow, the charcoal mellowing vats, barrelhouses, and the stillhouse, along with insight into the distillery’s production process.
Lynchburg itself adds to the experience, offering a small-town setting that reflects the distillery’s long-standing connection to its community.
What’s Included on Our Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour from Nashville
Round-trip transportation from downtown Nashville
Guided tour of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery
A curated tasting of Jack Daniel’s whiskeys (selection may vary)
Time to explore historic downtown Lynchburg (morning departures)
All distillery reservations handled in advance
Total tour time: approximately 6.5–7.5 hours
Two departure options, 9am daily and 12pm Thursday-Saturday
Why Jack Daniel’s Is One of Our Distillery Partners
Jack Daniel’s represents the traditions that define Tennessee whiskey: consistency, craftsmanship, and respect for process. As a long-standing stop on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, the distillery offers both historical significance and a production method that continues to influence modern whiskey-making.
Partnering with Jack Daniel’s allows us to give guests direct access to one of the most important distilleries in American whiskey history — not just to taste the whiskey, but to understand how and why it’s made.
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Jack Daniel’s is Tennessee whiskey. It meets all the legal requirements of bourbon and also undergoes the Lincoln County Process, which involves charcoal mellowing before aging.
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The Lincoln County Process filters newly distilled whiskey through sugar maple charcoal before it enters the barrel, contributing to a smoother flavor profile.
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The distillery is located in Lynchburg, Tennessee, about 90 minutes south of Nashville.
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Yes. Guided day trips from Nashville include transportation, distillery tours, and tastings.
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Tours include a guided tasting experience, though selections may vary depending on availability and regulations.