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Tennessee Whiskey

(79 products)

Tennessee whiskey is an American whiskey made in Tennessee and filtered through sugar maple charcoal before aging, a step that gives it a mellow, smooth character. Our selection features Jack Daniel's, Gentleman Jack, Uncle Nearest and flavored whiskeys from Ole Smoky.
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About Tennessee Whiskey

Made much like bourbon, from a mash that is mostly corn and aged in new charred oak barrels, this style has one defining difference: the Lincoln County Process. Before it goes into the barrel, the new spirit drips slowly through a thick bed of sugar maple charcoal, which softens rough edges and adds a light, sweet smokiness. State law has required this process for most producers since 2013.

Jack Daniel's of Lynchburg is the best known name, with Old No. 7 as its flagship, plus Gentleman Jack, which is charcoal mellowed both before and after aging, and Single Barrel Select for a bolder pour. Uncle Nearest honors Nathan "Nearest" Green, the distiller who taught Jack Daniel to make whiskey, and its 1856 bottling is rich and smooth.

The section also includes flavored whiskey and moonshine. Ole Smoky from Gatlinburg makes playful flavors like Salty Caramel and Peanut Butter, and Jack Daniel's offers Tennessee Honey and Tennessee Apple.

For serving, a Jack and Coke over ice is the classic, and the Lynchburg Lemonade mixes Tennessee whiskey with triple sec, lemon juice and lemon-lime soda. The richer bottlings are also excellent neat or in a whiskey sour.

Compare it with bourbon, rye and more in our American whiskey collection.

Tennessee Whiskey FAQ

What is Tennessee whiskey?

Tennessee whiskey is made in Tennessee from a mash of at least 51 percent corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, and filtered through sugar maple charcoal before aging. That charcoal step, called the Lincoln County Process, makes it taste mellow and smooth. Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 and Uncle Nearest 1856 are well known examples.

What is the difference between Tennessee whiskey and bourbon?

The recipes are similar, but Tennessee whiskey must be made in Tennessee and go through charcoal filtering before it enters the barrel. Bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States and has no charcoal-mellowing requirement. The result is usually a softer, slightly sweeter whiskey, as you can taste in Gentleman Jack.

What is the best Tennessee whiskey for sipping?

For sipping neat or on a large ice cube, look for bottlings with more depth. Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Select offers richer oak and spice, while the Barrel Proof Single Barrel is bolder still. Gentleman Jack is extra smooth thanks to a second charcoal mellowing, and Uncle Nearest 1856 is round and balanced.

Is Ole Smoky whiskey Tennessee whiskey?

Ole Smoky is made in Tennessee, but most of its bottles are flavored whiskeys and moonshines rather than traditional Tennessee whiskey. Ole Smoky Salty Caramel Whiskey and Peanut Butter Whiskey are sweet and fun for shots or mixing, while Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 is the classic Tennessee whiskey style.

About Liquor Barn

Family-owned since 1982, The Liquor Barn has three stores across Chicago's North Shore in Wheeling, Niles, and Vernon Hills. We carry over 17,000 wines, spirits, and beers — and we ship nationwide. Most orders go out same day with tracking.

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