Tennessee Distilleries

Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour: Honest Review & Tasting

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🥃 Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tasting & Distillery Tour Review!

Join Wayne & Rebecca from Your Bourbon Journey for Episode 50 of Bourbon Trail Tales and Tastes! We ventured into Lynchburg, Tennessee—a dry county with the iconic Jack Daniel’s Distillery—for our 53rd distillery visit!

In this video, we give you the full breakdown of our trip, from the beautiful grounds and the unique visitor center that honors Nearest Green, to the famed Lincoln County Process charcoal mellowing area. We share our honest, in-depth thoughts on the production tour (spoiler: some parts were very disappointing and felt highly limited due to unexplained fire hazards!).

But the real star? We finally open and taste a special Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof bottle we purchased as a commemorative item at the distillery’s White Rabbit Bottle Shop! At a whopping 128.8 Proof and pulled from Barrel No. 23-05984, will this high-proof Tennessee Whiskey be a daily drinker or a letdown?

If you’re planning a trip to the JD Distillery or are a fan of high-proof whiskey, you must watch this review! Lynchburg is a beautiful must-visit, even if the tour has a few quirks.

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✴️ Jack Daniels Single Barrel

  • Classification: Tennessee Whiskey
  • Company: Brown-Forman
  • Distillery: Jack Daniels Distillery
  • Mash Bill: 80% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 8% Rye
  • Age: NAS (typically 4-7 years)
  • Proof: 128.8
  • MSRP: $65-75
  • Bottled: 06/27/23
  • Barrel No: 23-05984
  • Purchased: 08/20/23 for $66.67 at Jack Daniels Distillery

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#JackDaniels #TennesseeWhiskey #DistilleryTour #BarrelProof #WhiskeyReview #JackDanielsSingleBarrel #JDSBBP #whiskeytasting #LynchburgTN #bourbonjourney #HighProofWhiskey #TennesseeBourbon #LincolnCountyProcess #BrownForman #whiskeytube 

Distillery Secrets! Dickel 17-Year Reserve Whiskey

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🥃 George Dickel 17-Year Cask Strength Reserve Review | Cascade Hollow Distillery Tour (Tennessee Whiskey)

Join us as we take you to Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. (George Dickel) in Tullahoma, Tennessee! This is part two of our Tennessee journey, where we explore the beautiful, off-the-beaten-path distillery and get an exclusive tasting of a highly sought-after, limited-edition bottle: the George Dickel 17-Year Cask Strength Reserve Tennessee Whiskey.

The tour provided a fascinating look at the Lincoln County Process, specifically showcasing the unique use of wool blankets in their famous charcoal mellowing. From spotting rattlesnakes and minks to finding a “secret” tasting room, the visit to George Dickel was unlike any other!

We dive deep into a pour of the George Dickel 17-Year Reserve. This Tennessee Whiskey (Mash Bill: 84% Corn, 8% Rye, 8% Malted Barley) is aged a remarkable 17 years and bottled at a gentle 92 proof. Is this $350 bottle worth the price, or should you save your money for their popular 15-Year Single Barrel or the high-value Bottled-in-Bond expressions?

🔎 Tasting Notes & Discussion:

  • Nose: We find it lovely, fragrant, and smooth with notes of cherry blossom, floral aspects, fruitiness, and a touch of caramel.
  • Palate: It’s fruity and floral, but introduces a drying, almost chalky/mineral texture that is classic Dickel, along with brown sugar, barrel spice, and a hint of toffee and dark baking cinnamon.
  • Finish: Surprisingly gentle, warm, and lingering, with no heat.

We discuss why, despite the special nature of this 17-Year bottle, we might still prefer the incredible value and flavor profile of the George Dickel 15-Year-Old ($80 price point).

Whether you’re a die-hard Dickel fan or looking for an honest review before a big purchase, this is a must-watch episode! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more bourbon and whiskey reviews!

Sláinte to George Dickel and Master Distiller Nicole Austin!

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NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

#GeorgeDickel #TennesseeWhiskey #cascadehollow #WhiskeyReview #bourbonjourney #CaskStrength #whiskeytasting #NicoleAustin #GeorgeDickel17Year #LimitedEdition #Whiskey #LincolnCountyProcess #Tullahoma #AgedWhiskey #Spirits 

Old Glory Distilling: Stateline Whiskey Tour!

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Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes E24 Old Glory Distilling 

The Stateline Whiskey Tour has officially begun, and we’re taking you to the vibrant Old Glory Distilling in Clarksville, Tennessee!

This episode is packed with milestones: our 29th distillery visit, our first in Tennessee, and the very first stamp (and shot glass!) on our exciting Stateline Whiskey Tour passport!

Relive our memories from Old Glory and then join us for a live tasting of a special bottle we picked up: a Tennessee Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel. What unique flavors will we discover in this one-of-a-kind pour?

Ready to explore the world of whiskey with us? Join the BT&T family!

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About the Stateline Whiskey Tour:

Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled adventure across state lines and into the heart of America’s finest whiskey! The Stateline Whiskey Tour isn’t just a trip; it’s a thrilling quest where you’ll conquer three legendary distilleries in a single, action-packed day!

Your journey kicks off at Old Glory Distilling in Clarksville, Tennessee, where passion meets perfection. Then, brace yourself for the rustic charm and exceptional spirits of MB Roland in Pembroke, Kentucky, before culminating in the rich heritage and bold flavors of Casey Jones Distillery in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

But here’s the best part: as you savor the unique spirits at each iconic stop, you’ll be collecting a set of commemorative shot glasses, each a tangible memory of your epic expedition! Most adventurers complete this incredible feat in a single day, leaving with a deeper appreciation for the craft, a palate alive with new favorites, and a collection of cool souvenirs. Are you ready to taste history, gather your trophies, and conquer the Stateline Whiskey Tour?


The Stateline Whiskey Tour: 3 distilleries, 30 miles!

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In this series, Bourbon Trail Tales & Tastes, we navigate the rich tapestry of our memorable experiences on the Bourbon Trail, a journey that has undeniably enriched our appreciation for this iconic American spirit. We tackle intriguing questions such as: What stands out as the most profound memory of that bourbon trail experience, one that has etched itself firmly in our minds? What exceptional and bourbon or whiskey did we discover during this journey, perhaps one that surprised us with its intricate and delightful flavor profiles? What lasting impressions do we have of that bourbon or whiskey today, as we reflect on its complexities and how they resonate with our evolving palates and preferences? Through this exploration, we passionately recount our adventures and celebrate the stories and connections we’ve forged along the way, highlighting the essence of the Bourbon Trail.

#StatelineTour #TennesseeWhiskey #OldGloryDistilling 

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

ABOUT THE BOTTLE REVIEWED

✴️ Old Glory Single Barrel Tennessee Bourbon

  • Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Distillery: Old Glory Distilling Co
  • Mash Bill: 73% Corn, 19% Rye, 8% Malted Barley
  • Age: At least 4 years
  • Proof: 118.3
  • Other: Char 4; Barrel Proof, Barrel 195, Bottle 15/215
  • Purchased: 12/18/22 for $76.49 at Old Glory Distilling

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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❓Questions❓ YourBourbonJourney@gmail.com

NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

First Visit to Cascade Hollow Distilling

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April 4, 2024
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer




August 19, 2023, Wayne and I were in Tennessee for a family wedding. Of course, we decided that this was a great opportunity to visit a few Tennessee distilleries. This led us to Cascade Hollow Distilling – home of George Dickel Whisky – in Tullahoma, TN.





Tour of the Cascade Hollow Distillery

Our guide was very knowledgeable and energetic and that made the tour great. She started out by letting us know that we should keep our eyes open for wildlife, including copperhead snakes and minks. OK!

The tour was woven with stories of the history of George Dickel. It started initially in Nashville, TN but really took off when the Cascade Hollow Distillery opened in 1878 and George purchased a large share.

At Cascade Hollow, they have a specialized charcoal mellowing process. They cold chill the distillate to 40 degrees before starting the slow steep through the charcoal. Also interesting, their mellowing vats are layered with virgin wool blankets to achieve a slow, uniform flow. To learn more about the Tennessee Whiskey classification, please review this post.

At the conclusion of the distillery tour, we returned to the “Post Office” and entered a somewhat hidden back room for our tasting.

Fun Facts

Dickel is one of the few American Whisky’s that doesn’t use the “e” in whiskey. George Dickel was a big fan of Scotch, and it does not use the “e” so George wanted to emulate that tradition. In addition to using the Lincoln County Method of maple charcoal filtration, Dickel also uses wool blankets as a secondary filtration.

Gift Shop

They have an extensive gift shop and a wonderful area to have a cocktail. However, we were on a tight schedule as we had a wedding later in the evening. So it was a quick shop to gather up our favorites such as pins, ornaments, a glencairn, and of course – some whisky!! Happy to get a couple of bottles that were signed by the Master Distiller, Nicole Austin.

We did a formal tasting of the 15- and 17-year-old whiskys. You can read about that HERE.

Distillery Trail Statistics

While it is not easy to get to, we recommend it as it is worth the effort to visit.

Cascade Hollow Distilling, in Tullahoma, TN, was our 3rd Tennessee Distillery, 52nd distillery, and 84th distillery visit or event.

In addition to this visit and a family wedding, we visited 2 other distilleries over the weekend – Uncle Nearest and Jack Daniels.

Pro Tip: Plan to visit other nearby distilleries. With advance planning, it is possible to create a terrific weekend trip with multiple distilleries on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail.

Happy Trails!
Rebecca