Tennessee Whiskey

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$27.99

What Is Tennessee Whiskey?

Tennessee whiskey is a distinctly American spirit defined by both tradition and law. While it shares many characteristics with bourbon, Tennessee whiskey stands apart thanks to a few key requirements, the most notable being the Lincoln County Process, a charcoal mellowing step that smooths the whiskey before it even touches a barrel.

By law, Tennessee whiskey must be:

Made in the state of Tennessee
Composed of a grain mash that’s at least 51% corn
Distilled at no more than 160 proof (80% ABV)
Filtered through sugar maple charcoal before aging
Aged in new, charred oak barrels
Barreled at no more than 125 proof (62.5% ABV)
Bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% ABV)

This strict process results in a smoother, more refined whiskey, making it a favorite among American whiskey lovers. Though technically considered a type of bourbon under some international trade laws, most Tennessee whiskey producers, like the iconic Jack Daniel’s and George Dickel, deliberately label their spirits as “Tennessee Whiskey” to honor the state’s proud distilling legacy. Today, this whiskey remains one of the state’s top exports and continues to grow in global popularity.

At Juicefly Spirits, we’ve curated a premium collection of Tennessee whiskeys, available for fast delivery across Los Angeles. From timeless classics to craft small-batch releases, our selection highlights the very best of this historic whiskey category, delivered straight to your door.

How Is Tennessee Whiskey Made? A Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting Tennessee whiskey is both a science and an art: a process steeped in history, precision, and patience. While all Tennessee whiskeys must meet strict legal standards, legendary brands like Jack Daniel’s elevate the craft with time-honored techniques that define their signature flavor. Learn the process that defines authentic Tennessee whiskey:

The Purest Start: Every drop begins with mineral-rich, iron-free water sourced from natural limestone springs, like the famous Cave Spring Hollow in Lynchburg. This crisp, 56-degree spring water is naturally filtered through limestone, removing harsh minerals like iron and setting the perfect foundation for whiskey production.
The Mash Bill: Jack Daniel’s follows a century-old recipe of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye. This specific blend balances sweetness, spice, and smoothness, shaping the base flavor profile. Only Grade No. 1 corn is used, which adds natural sweetness and complexity to the spirit.
Sour Mash Fermentation: After milling and cooking the grains, the mash is fermented using a portion of starter mash from a previous batch, known as the sour mash process. This ensures consistency and quality in every drop. The mash ferments for six full days before moving to distillation.
Single Distillation: Unlike other whiskeys that undergo multiple distillations, Tennessee whiskey like Jack Daniel’s is distilled only once, preserving more of its character. The spirit is vaporized in a custom copper still and condensed at no more than 160 proof (80% ABV).
Charcoal Mellowing: The Lincoln County Process: Before aging, the whiskey undergoes charcoal mellowing, a slow, gravity-fed process where the raw distillate drips through 10 feet of handcrafted sugar maple charcoal. This step, which takes up to five days, removes impurities and imparts the signature smoothness Tennessee whiskey is known for. It’s this “extra blessing” that legally distinguishes Tennessee whiskey from bourbon.
Barrel Aging: Once mellowed, the whiskey is placed in newly charred American white oak barrels, each handcrafted without nails or glue, just precision joinery and fire-charred interiors. These barrels are more than containers; they’re an ingredient, imparting rich amber color and layers of flavor over years of maturation.
Maturation & Tasting: Rather than aging by the calendar, Tennessee whiskey is aged “until it’s ready.” Factors like barrel placement in the warehouse and seasonal temperature shifts influence the maturation process. Every barrel is hand-tasted by expert tasters to ensure the whiskey meets the brand’s flavor standards before bottling.

From limestone spring to charred oak barrel, Tennessee whiskey is shaped by nature, time, and tradition. At Juicefly Spirits, we’re proud to offer a curated selection of premium Tennessee whiskeys, available for fast delivery across Los Angeles.

What Makes Tennessee Whiskey Different?

Tennessee whiskey may look and taste similar to bourbon, but one crucial step sets it apart: the Lincoln County Process. This charcoal mellowing method involves slowly filtering the freshly distilled spirit through sugar maple charcoal before aging. It’s a labor-intensive process that smooths out harsh notes and gives Tennessee whiskey its signature mellow character. Legally, this step is mandatory for almost all Tennessee whiskeys and is what truly distinguishes them from their bourbon cousins. Beyond this, Tennessee whiskey must be made in the state of Tennessee, use a mash bill of at least 51% corn, be distilled at no more than 160 proof, aged in new, charred American oak barrels, and bottled at 80 proof or higher, requirements nearly identical to those for bourbon.

While bourbon can be made anywhere in the U.S., Tennessee whiskey is geographically protected, with a distilling heritage that dates back to the 1800s. Producers like Jack Daniel’s and George Dickel have kept this tradition alive, emphasizing smoothness and craftsmanship in every bottle. Though both bourbon and Tennessee whiskey share a rich American legacy, Tennessee whiskey is often favored for its softer, slightly sweeter finish, perfect for sipping neat or mixing into classic cocktails.

Tennessee Whiskey Delivery in Los Angeles & Nationwide Shipping

Enjoy smooth, authentic Tennessee whiskey delivered right to your door with ease. Juicefly Spirits offers a curated selection of top Tennessee whiskey brands, from iconic names like Jack Daniel’s and George Dickel to premium small-batch craft expressions, available for same-day delivery across Los Angeles or nationwide shipping throughout the U.S.

If you're in the LA area, your Tennessee whiskey can arrive in as little as 60 minutes, depending on your location. We deliver throughout the city, including Santa Monica, Venice, West Hollywood, Downtown LA, Pasadena, Culver City, and beyond. Each order is hand-delivered by verified, professional drivers in secure packaging with real-time tracking for a smooth and reliable experience.

Not in Los Angeles? No problem. Juicefly Spirits offers fast, dependable nationwide shipping on Tennessee whiskey and other premium spirits. Every bottle is carefully packed with protective, discreet materials to ensure safe delivery to your doorstep anywhere in the United States.

Please Note: You must be 21 or older to order. An adult signature is required upon delivery.

FAQs

Is Tennessee whiskey a real whiskey?

Yes, Tennessee whiskey is legally recognized as a type of American whiskey. It meets all the federal standards for whiskey and bourbon, with the added requirement of charcoal filtering known as the Lincoln County Process.

Is Tennessee whiskey smoother than bourbon?

Generally, yes. Tennessee whiskey is known for its smoother and more mellow flavor profile. This comes from the charcoal filtering step, which softens harsher elements before the aging process.

If I’m new to American whiskey, which one should I try first?

Tennessee whiskey is a great starting point for beginners. Its smooth, approachable character makes it easy to sip neat or enjoy in cocktails without overwhelming your palate.

Can I use bourbon and Tennessee whiskey interchangeably in my cocktails?

Absolutely. While Tennessee whiskey has a softer, slightly sweeter finish, it works well in all the same classic cocktails where you'd typically use bourbon, like Old Fashioneds or Whiskey Sours.

What does the charcoal filtering in Tennessee whiskey actually do to the taste?

Charcoal filtering removes impurities and harsh notes from the fresh distillate. This results in a smoother, cleaner-tasting whiskey with subtle hints of caramel, vanilla, and a touch of smoke.

Is Tennessee whiskey just bourbon?

Not quite. Tennessee whiskey meets all the legal criteria for bourbon, but it's also filtered through sugar maple charcoal before aging, a required step that gives it a distinct identity and taste.

Where to buy Tennessee whiskey online?

You can order premium Tennessee whiskey online at Juicefly Spirits and get it delivered straight to your door in Los Angeles. We offer fast, same-day delivery from top brands like Jack Daniel’s and George Dickel.