03/31/24
By Rebecca Herman McBrayer

Many patrons walk into a bar and order a whiskey or a bourbon and might not understand the nuances that could make them different or the requirements for specific labeling. Instead, people are often brand loyal, try drinks that are on special, or perhaps order what friends and family members have always had around.

The popular song by Chris Stapleton – “Tennessee Whiskey” can get people singing together and raising a glass or two. How many people that know and love that song understand the requirements for a spirit to be labeled a Tennessee Whiskey? Let’s review the basics and perhaps it could help you win a local trivia contest one night!

Tennessee Whiskey Requirements

Tennessee Whiskey starts with the same requirements as Bourbon.  It must be made with a mashbill that contains at least 51% corn. It must be distilled at a maximum of 160 proof (80% ABV).  It then must be placed into a new, charred oak container at a maximum of 125 proof (62.5% ABV). In addition, it must be free from added substances (except water) and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% ABV).

There are two additional requirements that make it unique. First, it must be made in the state of Tennessee.  Second, it must be filtered through maple charcoal prior to aging. The charcoal filtering is often accomplished using the Lincoln County Process.

The Lincoln County Process

The traditional method of producing Tennessee Whiskey involves what is known as the Lincoln County Process or Charcoal Mellowing. The process is named after Lincoln County, Tennessee, where the Jack Daniel’s distillery was located when it was established.

The process involves filtering or steeping the freshly distilled spirit in charcoal chips before aging it in the new charred oak container. The charcoal acts as a natural filter, absorbing certain compounds from the spirit, which modifies the spirit’s character and has a significant influence on the flavor profile of the mature whiskey. The process is required by state law, but there is leeway for customization. 

The process can take 3–5 days, with newly-distilled whiskey trickling drop by drop through ten feet of densely packed sugar maple charcoal. The resulting charcoal is then run through a grinder to reduce it to consistent bean-size pellets, which are then packed into 10-foot vats. 

The Legal Aspects

On the U.S. Federal level, the only recognized legislation regarding the Tennessee label is the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which states that Tennessee whiskey is “a straight Bourbon Whiskey authorized to be produced only in the State of Tennessee.” This definition is also recognized in Canadian law, which states that Tennessee whiskey must be “a straight Bourbon Whiskey produced in the State of Tennessee.” None of these regulations requires the use of the Lincoln County filtering process (or any other filtering process).

The origin of the charcoal filtering requirements is directly connected to the state of Tennessee. On May 13, 2013, the Tennessee Governor, Bill Haslam, signed House Bill 1084, requiring maple charcoal filtering to be used for products produced in the state labeling themselves as “Tennessee whiskey” and including the existing requirements for bourbon.  Thus, this Tennessee law effectively gives a firm definition to Tennessee whiskey.

Tennessee Whiskey Taste Profile

Tennessee whiskey is often described as a lighter version of bourbon. It has notes of toasted oak, caramel, and vanilla, as well as a hint of charcoal or burnt wood. The charcoal-filtering process mellows out the flavor, making it less bold and harsh. Its finish is often limited. The Lincoln County Process gives the whiskey more of a smoky flavor and it has less of a creamy mouthfeel.

Tennessee Whiskey Brands

While the number of Tennessee Whiskeys is growing, there are some brands that are more well-known and typically readily available.

Jack Daniels is the most popular Tennessee whiskey in the US, and the most recognizable. Ordering a Jack & Coke is something frequently heard in bars. Jack Daniels is owned by Kentucky-based Brown-Forman, who also owns such brands as Old Forester and Woodford Reserve.

George Dickel is also well-known and was established in 1878. Dickel is owned by London-based Diageo, who owns such brands as Bulleit and Crown Royal.

Chattanooga Whiskey has gained popularity and one of the fastest growing Tennessee brands is Uncle Nearest. The current list of distilleries on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail is 26!