>> Sugar Maple ricks turn and burn for the charcoal mellowing process of Jack Daniel’s.
>> The water cave spring provides iron-free water for Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey.
Please share a little bit about the history and prestige of the distillery, and how it informs the brand today. You don’t become one of the oldest and most recognized brands in the world by accident. Our whiskey is more than liquid. From the families and community that make Jack, to the friends around the world who enjoy it, there are countless stories of our history that embody the spirit of Jack. Many people don’t know that Jack Daniel was a real man [ Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel] who began our journey many years ago. At a young age, he was introduced to his life’s passion by Dan Call, a farmer and local Lutheran minister. Jack was taught how to make whiskey on Call’s farm by an enslaved man named Nathan “Nearest” Green. After emancipation, Jack purchased the still and hired Nearest as his first Master Distiller. To this day, there has always been a Green family member employed at the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. This type of tradition is not uncommon here. There are many generations of family members working here. In the 1890s, Jack started May Day Dinners. On the second Sunday in May, he would invite the entire county to
42
/ CIGAR & SPIRITS
come together at his house. Jack had a large ballroom with a grand piano, and the place would be overflowing with good food, good friends, family and a fair share of dang good whiskey. Just as Jack invited everyone to his house for fellowship within the community, we continue to invite people from all walks of life to enjoy our spirit. From bikers to bankers, everyone is welcome to enjoy our whiskey.
What should we be on the lookout for in 2021 and beyond? We’re in a very exciting time, with master distiller and director of quality Chris Fletcher leading the charge on innovation. One of the most exciting new products we are getting ready to release is a Jack Daniel’s 10-year-old Tennessee Whiskey—which hasn’t been seen in 100 years. In addition, our Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Special Release will come out this November. This much anticipated annual release won’t disappoint as it will be an uncut product aged in the “Buzzard Roost” of our barrel houses on Coy Hill. Both will be extremely limited, but they are damn good, if I may say so myself.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
>> Charcoal mellowing vats