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Visiting Jack Daniel’s Distillery: A Tiny Town’s Big Legacy

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: September 28, 2022

A one-stoplight town in southern Tennessee is home to the top-selling American whiskey in the world. In fact, every shot of Jack Daniel’s whiskey sold around the globe is made in the tiny dry town of Lynchburg. This wide spot in the road attracts over 300,000 visitors a year to see how Tennessee whiskey is made at the Jack Daniel’s distillery on the edge of town.

Less than two hours from Nashville , the distillery is a place to see how craftsmanship and attention to detail have built a brand and drinks that people swear by. A Jack Daniels distillery tour is also a walk through the 150-year history of Jack Daniel—the man himself and his namesake products. It’s a look at the impact of Prohibition, the rise of a family business, and making it “the best we can” every day, as a sign in Jack’s old office proclaims. And you don’t even have to be a whiskey fan to have a good time.

Jack Daniel’s History

What is tennessee whiskey, jack daniel’s distillery tour, whiskey tasting, visiting the distillery, tour options, accommodations.

Jack Daniel was a force of nature. At only 5 feet 2 inches tall, he had to be a bit fiery and a lot gregarious to get things done. He was known for his love of music and parties, which always attracted a lot of attention in sleepy little Lynchburg. Although Jack never married, he was rarely without a lady or two on his arm.

Nothing shows Jack’s spitfire personality more than the story of his death. One morning, he was frustrated when he forgot the combination to his safe. Losing his temper, he kicked the safe so hard that he broke his toe. Over time, his foot didn’t heal correctly and the resulting infection killed him.

The end to Jack Daniel’s life was just as dramatic as his early years. One of 13 children, Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel ran away from home at the age of 7. He became acquainted with a local storekeeper and minister, Reverend Dan Call. Jack apprenticed to Rev. Call and took up a trade not terribly common for seven-year-old boys—whiskey making.

Jack learned the ropes from one of the enslaved men working for Rev. Call, Nearest Green, and the whiskey increased in popularity. At the same time, pressure mounted from Rev. Call’s congregation, suggesting that whiskey making might not be the best for a man of the cloth. Call chose religion over distilling and sold the business to Jack for only $25 when he was 20 year old.

The Green family continued to help Jack in his new venture, and descendants still work for the distillery now over 130 years later. (Rev. Call’s descendants now run the Call Family Distillery —which we’ve visited in North Carolina—drawing on their 150-year whiskey heritage.)

So what did Jack make at his $25 company in Lynchburg, Tennessee? Tennessee whiskey, of course. Though there are common standards, different types of whiskey are made and aged differently around the U.S. and the world.

We’ve seen it done in five-gallon barrels at a renowned distillery under a bridge in Texas, and at a 230-year-old distillery on the coast of Northern Ireland. Everyone has their own spin.

Jack Daniel’s whiskey is made from corn, malted barley, and rye and is distilled in copper stills. The resulting white whiskey is then drip filtered through 10-foot stacks of sugar maple charcoal, which is produced on-site. It is this step that sets Tennessee whiskey apart from any other type.

Although it sounds like the charcoal would impart a flavor into the product, curiously, it doesn’t. After the filtering, the whiskey is stored in newly handcrafted toasted oak barrels, which give it color and most of its flavor.

The whiskey ages for 4 to 7 years. In a place like Tennessee, the weather plays a large part in the aging. If it’s warm, the whiskey will take on more flavor from the barrel faster because of how barrels breathe. If it’s unusually cool, things may take a bit longer. That’s why master tasters are also an important part of the process, making sure that the taste and color are right through every step.

The Jack Daniels tour was one of the most information-packed tours we’ve been on in a long time. And every bit of it was entertaining. From the tales of Jack himself to seeing the distillation process firsthand, we were engrossed in all of it. The traditional distillery tour took a little more than an hour, and there was a lot to see.

The distillery tour began with a ride to one of the 87 warehouses where we got a glimpse into how much whiskey is really on this property. From there, it was all on foot. We wound our way downhill to the rickyard, an area that plays a key role in the whiskey-making process.

Here, they burn enormous towers of whiskey-sprayed sugar maple wood until it becomes charcoal. This is the charcoal that is ultimately ground down for use in the filtration process—the thing that separates Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey from other whiskeys and bourbons.

The next stop was the cave spring. The natural spring that flows through a limestone cave was one of the main reasons Jack built his distillery here. Thanks to the limestone, the water is filtered of all iron, making it a perfect component of the whiskey fermentation process. Without the spring, Jack Daniel’s wouldn’t be what it is.

After a look at Jack’s office and the aforementioned offending safe, we were off to see the heart of the operation in the still house. The first step that is handled in the still house is fermentation, which has the strong odor of baking bread. We’ve seen fermentation in distilleries in Nashville and beyond, but it’s nothing like what happens here.

Over 100,000 gallons of mash are fermenting at any given point, producing what I can only describe as a wall of carbon dioxide. As we approached one of the tanks to see the cool bubbling reaction happening inside, the strength of the gas almost knocked us over.

From there, we got a glimpse at the filtration process. The white whiskey is pumped into the charcoal at the rate of a gallon per minute. As the whiskey drops through the 10-foot tank, any remaining impurities are removed. When the master tasters decide that it’s ready, the whiskey is bound for the barrels.

The distillery makes five core products—Old No. 7 (black label), Gentleman Jack, Single Barrel, Tennessee Honey, and Tennessee Fire. And since we were on the tasting tour, we got to try them all. Interestingly, all the products are made from the same base recipe in the same way. It’s only after aging that they are filtered further (as with Gentleman Jack) or have flavoring added (as with the Honey and Fire liqueurs).

The tasting room is where we got to learn the right way to taste whiskey. Taking a small first sip gets you over that initial shock to the palate. Then gently sipping and swirling the whiskey around your mouth really brings out the different flavors. And what different flavors they were.

We had both tried the Old No. 7 and Gentleman Jack in the past, but the other three products were totally new to us. And even though we’re not exactly whiskey aficionados, we loved the praline notes of the Tennessee Honey and the smoothness of the high-end Single Barrel (an actual single barrel, which makes 240 bottles, can be bought here for a mere $10,000). I was also a big fan of the Tennessee Fire, which is kind of like the tastes of fall in a glass.

Jack Daniel’s distillery is in Lynchburg, which is located about 1.5 hours southeast of Nashville.

There are four options for Jack Daniels distillery tour. The Dry County Tour takes just over an hour, and the Flight of Jack Daniels Tour (the one we did) and The Angel’s Share tour both take about 1.5 hours. The 3-hour Taste of Lynchburg tour includes a meal at the famous Miss Mary Bobo’s restaurant and a tour and whiskey tasting. Most of the distillery tours require walking, and much of the time is spent outdoors, so dress appropriately.

Tours are conducted daily from 9:00am to 4:30pm and are done on a first-come-first-served basis, or you can book in advance on their website (recommended).

Tour prices range from $20 to $100. Jack Daniels distillery tour costs are: Dry County Tour – $20, Flight of Jack Daniels Tour – $30, The Angel’s Share – $35, and Taste of Lynchburg – $100.

The White Rabbit Bottle Shop sells all the different Jack Daniel’s alcohol products. You can even get a bottle personalized on-site. The larger gift store in downtown Lynchburg sells pretty much every kind of memorabilia you could imagine.

One of the appeals of Jack Daniel’s is its remote location. If you are visiting, it is possible to do as a day trip, and it’s a great addition to a weekend trip to Nashville . However, there are several hotel options in Lynchburg and nearby if you want to stay close.

We were the guests of the distillery. All opinions of the interesting and barrel-aged are our own.

Have you ever been on a distillery tour?

Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

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Sandy Flott

Tuesday 18th of April 2023

We took the Flight of Jack tour, and enjoyed it very much! Very informative and fun. We had a great tour guide, Bob, who made it a lot of fun. I highly recommend taking the tour, and definitely visit the town square in Lynchburg.

Monday 6th of February 2023

Since when did they start charging for a tour? It was always a free tour in 2001 and in 2002.

Laura Longwell

They have charged since at least 2016.

Don galloway

Monday 9th of January 2023

Went to the jack daniels distillery back in the 80's got orange juice or lemon aid they gave out drawings on rice paper of different buildings and some of the old labels only sample we got was a whiff of the vat our guides name was red was early back then sounds better now

Dave Rhodes

Monday 9th of August 2021

I’ve been there three times and it’s great

Saturday 13th of June 2020

How Is the weather in the first week of October ?is it a good time to visit? don't want to be rained out.

Friday 19th of June 2020

October isn't really any rainier than other months, and it would still be warm in Tennessee.

Jack Daniel's Distillery

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Jack Daniel's Distillery - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tours

The birthplace of an american icon: lynchburg, tn.

In the heart of Middle Tennessee , surrounded by the lush, rolling hills, is Lynchburg , a jewel of tradition and history. More than a pinpoint on a map, Lynchburg is a living canvas, painting a picture of American heritage and timeless values. This picturesque town, located comfortably away from the lively buzz of Nashville , offers a serene retreat into an era where every moment is savored, and every handshake is a bond. Embark on our Nashville Whiskey Tour , a sensory journey through the heart of Tennessee , where the rich history of whiskey and the vibrant spirit of Nashville blend into an unforgettable experience.

The essence of Lynchburg is captured not just in its sights but in the air you breathe. With its rustic charm, the town exudes tranquility, a welcome respite from the relentless pace of modern life. As you stroll through its peaceful streets, the soft melodies of nature and the gentle cadence of daily life blend harmoniously, creating a symphony that celebrates simplicity and authenticity.

This tranquil town, a short journey from the vibrant heart of Nashville, offers a unique contrast to the modern world’s rush. In Lynchburg, time moves at a different pace, inviting visitors to pause and relish the joy of the present. It’s a place that reminds us of the importance of heritage, of the enduring legacy of a well-lived life. Lynchburg doesn’t just represent a location; it embodies a way of life where every moment is an opportunity to create lasting memories.

Whiskey Trail Tours: Your Conduit to a Timeless Journey

At Whiskey Trail Tours, we understand the allure of this golden elixir. Our Whiskey Trail Tours Nashville are not just trips; they’re curated experiences steeped in sophistication and tailored to the connoisseur in you. Imagine a journey where every detail is refined, every moment cherished. From Transportation from Nashville to Jack Daniel’s Distillery to an enlightened guide weaving stories of past and present, we offer more than a ride; we offer an indulgence. As you recline in the plush comfort of our premium vehicles, the scenic beauty of Tennessee’s countryside unfolds before you, a prelude to the rich experience awaiting the distillery. Each whiskey tour is a unique blend of education and pleasure, designed to immerse you in the world of whiskey, where every sip tells a story of heritage and artistry.

Jack Daniel’s Distillery: A Symphony of Tradition and Taste

Embark on a journey that transcends mere distance, from the vibrant heart of Nashville to Jack Daniel’s Distillery. This pilgrimage is not just about traversing miles; it’s about traveling through a rich tapestry of time and tradition. The Jack Daniel’s Distillery , situated in the picturesque landscape of Lynchburg, Tennessee, is more than a destination; it’s a living legend, a cradle of the American whiskey heritage.

A Legacy Woven Through Time

The tale of Jack Daniel’s Distillery unfurls like the pages of a richly detailed novel, beginning in the late 1800s with the invincible and visionary Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel. Born in 1846, Jack Daniel was a man and a force of nature, driven by an unwavering passion for whiskey-making. He learned the craft from a local Lutheran minister and distiller, Dan Call, and a skilled enslaved man named Nathan “Nearest” Green, who would later become Jack Daniel’s first master distiller and a vital contributor to the whiskey’s unique character.

Jack Daniel officially registered his distillery in 1866, making it the first in the United States. Located amidst the picturesque hills of Lynchburg, Tennessee, the distillery is strategically positioned near a prime source of pure, iron-free cave spring water, which remains the vital essence of Jack Daniel’s whiskey.

Both triumphs and challenges marked the early years. Jack’s dedication to quality quickly set his whiskey apart, earning accolades and a growing following. However, the journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Prohibition hit in the early 20th century, forcing distilleries to cease operations. Yet, the resilience ingrained in its foundation ensured that Jack Daniel’s legacy would endure these trying times.

After Jack Daniel’s passing in 1911, the distillery was inherited by his family and later sold to a local businessman, Lem Motlow. Motlow, Jack’s nephew, was a man who shared Jack’s passion for whiskey making. Under his stewardship, and later that of his descendants, the distillery survived Prohibition and thrived in the following decades, expanding its reach and reputation.

Today, the Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour from Nashville takes you through storied places where you can almost hear the echoes of the past in the rhythmic dripping of the stills and the quiet aging of the barrels. It’s a place where the spirit of Jack Daniel and his successors continue to oversee every batch of whiskey.

Every drop embodies the dedication of a lineage of artisans who have committed to mastering the art of whiskey-making, ensuring that Jack Daniel’s name continues to be associated with unparalleled quality and distinctive character.

As you stand amidst the distillery’s rustic charm and serene landscapes, every barrel, building, and brick seems to whisper these tales of yesteryears, echoing the enduring legacy of its founder and the generations that followed.

Journey Through the Heart of Whiskey Making

The Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tours offer a deep dive into the fascinating world of whiskey creation, a journey that engages the palate and the soul. From the moment you set foot on the hallowed grounds of the distillery, you’re entering a realm where every detail is steeped in tradition, and every process is an ode to perfection.

Your journey begins with the foundational elements of whiskey making – the grains. Jack Daniel’s is known for its meticulous corn, rye, and barley selection. These grains are not just ingredients but the building blocks of flavor. The tour guides expertly narrate how each grain contributes to the final product, offering insights into the careful balance required to create the signature taste of Jack Daniel’s whiskey.

As you delve further into the process, you’ll encounter the unique Lincoln County Process, a defining step in crafting Jack Daniel’s whiskey. This involves filtering the spirit through handcrafted charcoal, which imparts a distinctive smoothness to the whiskey. Witness the mellowing vats, where the clear, raw spirit is transformed, drop by drop, emerging with a gentle, smoky sweetness.

Perhaps the most magical phase of the journey is the barrel aging process. In the vast barrelhouses, where time stands still, you’ll see rows of oak barrels, each silently nurturing the whiskey within. The Jack Daniels Distillery Tours illuminate the importance of the barrels, crafted from American white oak and charred to perfection, which impart rich colors and complex flavors to the whiskey over years of patient aging.

As the whiskey reaches its peak, the blending and bottling process begins. This stage is where the artistry of the master distillers comes to the forefront, ensuring that each bottle of Jack Daniel’s maintains the consistent quality and flavor profile the brand is known for. The Tours of Jack Daniels Distillery offer a rare glimpse into this meticulous process, highlighting the precision and care that goes into every bottle.

A Symphony of Flavors: Whiskey Tasting Experience

The culmination of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tours is, undoubtedly, the whiskey tasting. In Nashville and at the distillery, each tasting session explores the senses. You’re guided through various flavors, from the classic Old No. 7 to limited edition expressions. Each sip reveals layers of complexity, from warm caramel notes to subtle hints of fruit and spice, narrating the distillery’s rich history and unwavering commitment to excellence.

This voyage, complete with meticulous Transportation to Jack Daniel’s Distillery , transcends a mere tour; it’s an immersive odyssey that forges a deep connection with the soul of Jack Daniel’s. This iconic brand stands as a pillar in the world of spirits, and through this journey, you become part of its narrative. Each step taken, each process observed, and each flavor savored adds to the rich, ongoing story of American whiskey making.

Elegance and Comfort in Every Journey

With Whiskey Trail Tours, your Transportation from Nashville to Jack Daniel’s Distillery is integral to the luxurious experience. Our services, including Jack Daniel’s Distillery Transportation from Nashville , are crafted to provide comfort and elegance, enhancing your journey into the heart of whiskey country.

Linking Nashville and Lynchburg in Harmony

The bond between Nashville and Jack Daniel’s Distillery is woven from shared history, culture, and an appreciation for the finer aspects of life. Our tours blend Nashville’s vibrant energy with Lynchburg’s timeless tranquility. Whether returning on the Jack Daniel’s Distillery to Nashville route or embarking on the comprehensive Tours of Jack Daniel’s Distillery , each experience is a journey into the essence of American whiskey heritage.

Join us on this extraordinary exploration, a passage through time, tradition, and taste, where every mile is a story and every sip a celebration of Jack Daniel’s legacy.

From Sedans to Motorcoaches: Luxury in Every Mile

At Whiskey Trail Tours, we elevate each journey, ensuring that your transportation to Jack Daniel’s Distillery or along the whiskey trail tours in Nashville is luxury and style. Our fleet , a perfect blend of elegance and functionality, is specifically designed to make your trip to the distillery as memorable as the destination itself.

Embark on your journey with our sleek sedans, the ideal choice for intimate explorations or smaller groups seeking a personal touch in their Transportation to Jack Daniel’s Distillery . These vehicles offer a serene, private ambiance, perfect for those who wish to contemplate the rolling landscapes of Tennessee in quiet comfort.

Our spacious SUVs provide the perfect balance of luxury and practicality for medium-sized groups. These vehicles are ideal for family excursions or small group tours, offering ample space to relax and enjoy the journey, whether heading for a Jack Daniel’s Distillery tour from Nashville or exploring the broader whiskey trails.

Regarding accommodating more prominent groups, our motorcoaches offer a spacious and comfortable environment. These vehicles are ideal for those who are part of a significant gathering or event, ensuring that every guest travels in comfort and style, a crucial aspect of our Jack Daniel’s Distillery Transportation from Nashville .

Our Stretch and Sprinter Limousines provide an unmatched level of elegance and exclusivity for those special occasions or when a touch of luxury is desired. These vehicles transform your Nashville Whiskey Tour into an extraordinary experience, perfect for celebrating special moments in style.

Our Executive Sprinters, Mini Buses, Limousine Coaches, and large Motorcoaches cater to the needs of larger groups, ensuring that your journey, whether it’s part of the Whiskey Trail Tours Nashville or a customized tour, is comfortable, enjoyable, and in line with the highest standards of luxury.

A Gateway in the Sky: Nashville Airport to Jack Daniel’s Distillery

From the moment you land at Nashville International Airport , you’re not just arriving at a city; you’re stepping into the prologue of a captivating story that leads to the legendary Jack Daniel’s Distillery. This airport, a bustling hub in Music City’s heart, is the perfect starting point for whiskey exploration. It’s here where anticipation begins to build, where the excitement of discovery starts to bubble up, much like the rich, amber whiskey waiting at your journey’s end.

Our transportation service, bridging Nashville Airport to Jack Daniel’s Distillery , is designed to transform your transportation into an experience of effortless elegance. As you depart from the airport, you are whisked away from the hum of the city into the tranquil embrace of Tennessee’s countryside. Each mile traveled is a gradual unveiling of the region’s beauty, a scenic transition from the urban vibrancy of Nashville to the serene, lush landscapes that cradle the distillery.

As you journey from Nashville Airport to Jack Daniel’s Distillery , our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Our vehicles, a fleet that embodies luxury and class, provide a haven of relaxation. It’s a journey where every detail is catered to, ensuring that the transition from the tarmac to the tasting room is as smooth as the whiskey you’re about to savor.

As the final stretches of road bring you closer to the distillery, anticipation crescendos. The iconic Jack Daniel’s Distillery emerges as a destination that’s not just a place but a journey’s fulfillment. Join us for this exceptional journey, where the journey is not just a route but an integral part of an unforgettable whiskey adventure.

A Toast to Unforgettable Memories

With Whiskey Trail Tours , your expedition to Jack Daniel’s Distillery transcends the ordinary. It’s an odyssey that blends history, culture, and the fine art of whiskey making. As you return to Nashville, carrying with you both memories and bottles of the finest whiskey, know that you’ve not just witnessed a process; you’ve become part of a legacy.

Embark on this extraordinary journey with our Jack Daniels Distillery Tours . Contact us at (615) 244-5466 , email [email protected] , or reach out through our reservation form. Your passage through time, tradition, and taste is a reservation away.

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Jack Daniel's Distillery Tour

Jack Daniel's Distillery Tour

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Let's talk Jack, as in Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey and the Jack Daniel's Distillery. Let's talk about the town of Lynchburg, Tennessee, too, because you really can't have one without the other.

Sure, other companies make whiskey, but making Tennessee whiskey is pretty unique in itself, and the production is one the folks at Lynchburg have mastered. Some say the taste of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey comes from the local, iron-free waters and hard sugar maple charcoal filtering. But once you've visited Lynchburg, you will know that there's another special ingredient in every bottle of this Southern whiskey. It's the love of the Lynchburg residents.

Visit Lynchburg

The town of Lynchburg and its residents are so intertwined with the Jack Daniel's Distillery that it's commonplace for families to have a history of several generations of ancestors who have worked at the distillery. It's become a family tradition in this part of Tennessee.

The population of Lynchburg is less than 500, usually around 350. And Moore County, the smallest county in Tennessee, has a population just under 6,000.

Overall, Lynchburg is a small, quaint, slow-paced town that offers a ton of Southern hospitality. Lynchburg is a one-stoplight town, and that's part of its charm. You will find an example of a Tennessee historic town square and a 100-year-old courthouse in the middle of town, which provides visitors with an afternoon of antique shopping, country dining, and relaxation.

Tour the Distillery

The Jack Daniel's Distillery is the oldest registered distillery in the United States but ironically, Moore County is a still a dry county, which means that no alcoholic beverages are allowed to be sold here. So you won't find any bars in town selling alcoholic drinks, and this includes the hometown favorite. Still, visitors to Lynchburg can find and buy plenty of other great goodies, from candy to cakes, made with hints of Jack Daniel's Whiskey. If you want to get your hands on a bottle Jack Daniel's Whiskey when visiting Lynchburg, the distillery tours currently do allow visitors (only) to purchase bottles of whiskey on-site to take home with them.

Tours of the Jack Daniel's Distillery cost from $15 to $125, depending on what tour you take. The distillery walking tour takes about one hour to complete and is offered every day except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.

Distillery Details 

The Jack Daniel's Distillery and Lynchburg are just over an hour's drive south of Nashville. If you don't feel like driving, there are tour bus companies in Nashville that offer seasonal tours several times a week to the distillery.

If you plan on staying a few days to explore Lynchburg, there are numerous overnight accommodations nearby, including hotels and bed-and-breakfasts. Most require reservations.

About Jack Daniel

Jack Daniel was a real person.   Jasper Newton Daniel stood just over five feet tall and began making whiskey at the ripe age of 13 for a Lutheran minister. Daniel died of gangrene, after kicking his safe, on October 10, 1911. No one knows his actual birth date, but locals celebrate it every year in September.

Jack Daniel didn't have any children so the distillery was passed down to his nephew, Lem Motlow, whose name still appears on the Jack Daniel's Whiskey labels.

While Jack Daniel's offers a variety of various country cocktails, there are currently only four brands of whiskey produced at the distillery and they include:

• Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Black Label
• Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Green Label
• Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey
• Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey

Jack Daniel's Whiskey is 40 percent alcohol by volume and 80 proof. While Old No. 7 is situated prominently on the Jack Daniel's Whiskey label, no one has a clue as to what it really means. There are several different legends that surround the history of Old No. 7, from it being a batch number that Jack Daniel used, a train number that the whiskey was shipped on, to just a lucky number that he chose.

The recipe for Jack Daniel's is a really big secret , but we do know that the main ingredients include corn, rye, barley, malt and, of course, the special cave waters. The distillery also uses a hard maple charcoal filtering system and stores the whiskey in charred white oak barrels.

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10 Fun Facts From The Jack Daniels Distillery Tour (+ A Guide To Lynchburg Tennessee Attractions)

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Jack Daniels and coke is as American a highball cocktail as you can get – mixing two great American drink traditions. Despite my British husband trying to convert me to gin and tonics, I am still a big fan of Jack and Coke.  So I was super excited to visit the world-famous Jack Daniels in Lynchburg TN to take a Jack Daniels Distillery tour which explains how Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey is made. Then I got to check out the Lynchburg Tennessee attractions in downtown Lynchburg for its restaurants and stores. There are some great Southern barbecue places and the Lynchburg General Store is the place to stock up on Jack Daniels merchandise.

Jack Daniels Distillery Tours

The Jack Daniels Distillery Tours are super popular. Three hundred thousand people visit Jack Daniels Lynchburg TN every year! The busiest times to tour Jack Daniels distillery tend to be summer weekends. 

Types of Jack Daniels Distillery Tours

There are four types of Jack Daniels distillery tours. Every Jack Daniels distillery tour starts out essentially the same but they end differently. 

• The Dry County Distillery Tour does not have a whiskey tasting at the end and it is open to all ages.
• The Flight of Jack Daniels Tour has a whiskey tasting of 5 Jack Daniels products.
• I took the Jack Daniels Flight of Angels tour at the end of which is a selection of mid-range whiskeys to taste. At the end of the Jack Daniels Distillery tours, I got souvenir Jack Daniels glasses which were pretty cool!
• The Taste of Lynchburg Tour includes the tour, the whiskey tastings and lunch at Miss Bobo’s.

The whiskey options the Flight of Angels Jack Daniels Distillery Tour

Each of the Jack Daniels Distillery tour and the Flight of Jack Daniels Tour lasts an hour and a half. The whiskey-free tour is marginally shorter and the Taste of Lynchburg takes 3 hours. 

Tennessee Whiskey vs. Bourbon

The Jack Daniels Distillery Tour shows you how charcoal mellowing to filter whiskey is a special step for Tennessee Whiskey (versus bourbon – that OTHER Southern whiskey).

Jack Daniels charcoal is made with maple sugar

Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey uses the so-called Lincoln County method of charcoal mellowing where the whiskey is slowly dripped through 10 feet of charcoal (and another 3 feet of charcoal if its double mellowed like Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack). It can take a few days for the whiskey to be charcoal mellowed.

After the filtration process, the whiskey comes out clear. The distinctive color of Jack Daniels comes from the white oak barrels where the whiskey is kept. 

You can see how Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey changes color in the Jack Daniels Barrels.

Jack Daniels in Lynchburg TN

Believe it or not, Moore County (where the Jack Daniel’s Distillery Lynchburg Tennessee is located) has been a dry country since 1909. In 1995, an exception was made for the Jack Daniels Tour and for its employees. 

The distillery only uses the Jack Daniels barrels once. Then, they are resold to other manufacturers like hot sauce makers (as we found out on our Tabasco factory tour on Avery Island, Louisiana). 

The Lynchburg Tennessee Fire department is a necessary part of the Jack Daniels operation with all that flammable alcohol and wood around.

There are about 2 million Jack Daniels barrels maturing at the Jack Daniels facilities at any time. Considering you get about 240 bottles of Jack Daniels per barrel, that’s a very good time!

Many generations of Lynchburg residents have worked at the distillery. For example, there has been a Green working at the distillery since the time of Earnest Green, the first Jack Daniels master distiller (although that wasn’t his title at the time).

Jack Daniels Alcohol Content

The Jack Daniels alcohol content is 125-140 proof when it comes out of the Jack Daniels barrels. You add water to get the alcohol levels down.

You can buy Jack Daniels Single barrel proof which is not watered down.  The Jack Daniels alcohol content for its single barrel whiskey usually comes in at 133 proof!

Jack Daniels Single Barrel is only sold in 10 states including Tennessee!

You can only buy these types of bottles of Jack Daniels in Tennessee.

Fun Facts From the Jack Daniels Distillery Tour

When you tour Jack Daniels Distillery you are immediately surrounded by a fair share of Jack Daniels Tennessee whiskey enthusiasts. Having been on other whiskey tours, such as the Bushmills Irish Whiskey factory, I did not expect it to be so much of a pilgrimage for some of the people. 

I’ve had my fair share of Jack Daniels and coke in my life, but some of the facts I learned from the Jack Daniels Distillery tour were fun to learn!

Jack Daniels No 7 was the first Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey

Jack Daniels Lynchburg TN

• Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey Old No 7 earned its first gold medal at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904. 
• On the first Friday of every month, every employee at Jack Daniels gets a free Jack Daniels bottle of whiskey!
• All Jack Daniels Tennessee whiskey sold anywhere in the world is made at Jack Daniels in Tennessee!
• The Frank Sinatra Jack Daniels love affair was well known.  In fact, Frank Sinatra loved his Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey so much he was buried with a bottle of No. 7!

A statue of Mr. Jack stands in front of the limestone spring water which is an essential part of Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey.

Mr. Jack the Legend

• Jack Daniels the man was a bit of a prodigy.  He left home at the age of 6 to make his own way in the world and bought his whiskey distillery around the age of 13! At the age of 16, he registers  Jack Daniels as the first registered distillery in the USA.
• Mr. Jack was taught the mysteries of whiskey distilling by an enslaved man, Nearest Green. He would have been the first master distiller of the company. 
• Mr. Jack was quite the dapper dresser – possibly to mask the fact that he was only 5’2’’ tall!
• Mr. Jack never married but he had many female friends. 
• Mr. Jack died from a series of complications that arose from when he kicked his safe in frustration which lead to a grangrenous toe and an amputated leg.  

The killer safe that done Mr. Jack in is still at Jack Daniels Lynchburg TN

Lynchburg Tennessee Things To Do

If you want to stretch your legs and walk off some of that whiskey, there are a handful of Lynchburg Tennessee things to do that you may find entertaining. There’s a little gem of a jail museum, great places to eat lunch and plenty of opportunities for souvenir shopping.

The path to downtown Lynchburg is clearly marked from the Jack Daniels distelleryLynhburg Tennessee

Downtown Lynchburg

Downtown Lynchburg is a charming small town just a short walk from the Jack Daniels Distillery and totally worth a visit.

A sign found in downtown Lynchburg Tennessee

Moore County Jail Museum

The Moore County Jail Museum is a small jail converted into a museum in downtown Lynchburg.  This jail was operationally as recently as 1990!

For the admission donation of a mere $1, you can see how small town justice worked in the old days. The museum operator was actually a former deputy sheriff who was a wealth of information.

The Moore County Jail Museum is run by a former deputy sheriff.

When asked what sort of trouble you could have in this small town, the deputy sheriff had lots of stories. For a small town, there was a lot of trouble (including murders) because people would get drunk on hootch and go crazy. 

The building is small and the families of the sheriff lived in the front of the building. The sheriff’s wife was the chef and made meals for everyone. 

The beds in the Moore County Jail may have been uncomfortable but at least the meals were home-cooked!

Lynchburg Tennessee Attractions

The main Lynchburg Tennessee Attractions seem to revolve around shopping.  

Among the Lynchburg Tennessee attractions is an old-fashioned candy store

• Velma’s candy store is a charming old-fashioned candy store
• The Moonpie General Store is a good introduction to moon pies and other Southern food specialties.
• There are several general, gift and antique stores which could easily serve as a black hole for browsers.

Downtown Lynchburg is as good an introduction to Southern culture as any. In the back streets of Lynchburg I saw the Confederate flag flying proudly. 

Downtown Lynchburg signs and store fronts.

Lynchburg Tennessee Restaurants

The Barrelhouse BBQ is a charming local downtown Lynchburg restaurant recommended to me. You ate on barrels and the food was great. I had a grilled cheese sandwich with a difference – pulled pork and Monterey jack – and it was delicious! 

Barrelhouse BBQ is one of a handful of downtown Lynchburg restaurants

If you want something fancier, then try Miss Mary Bobo’s which has been around so long that even Mr. Jack used to frequent the establishment. You need to make reservations to eat here. 

Jack Daniels Merchandise

For Jack Daniels merchandise visit the Lynchburg Hardware General store. With everything Jack Daniels branded from clothes to Christmas ornaments, it’s hard to leave this store without treating yourself to at least one piece of  Jack Daniels merchandise.

The general store in downtown Lynchburg is where you can buy Jack Daniels merchandise

• Jack Daniels Distillery Tours – 133 Lynchburg Highway
• Moore County Jail Museum – 10 Mechanic Street
• Miss Mary Bobo’s – 295 Main Street
• Barrelhouse BBQ – 105 S. Mechanic Street
• Velma’s Candy – 14 Short St
• Lynchburg Hardware General Store – 51 Mechanic Street

SPREAD THE WORD! PIN THIS TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE! 

We received a complimentary ticket to the Jack Daniels Distillery Tour courtesy of Jack Daniels in Lynchburg TN  and  Tennessee tourism board , but the opinions contained in this review are entirely my own.

I was excited to take Jack Daniels Distillery tour in Lynchburg, TN. Check out 10 fun facts about Jack Daniels Whiskey + other things to do in Lynchburg Tennessee. #jackdaniels #distillery #lynchburg #tennessee #whiskey Tennessee | Travel Destinations | Honeymoon | Vacation | Off the Beaten Path | Wanderlust #travel #vacation #offthebeatenpath #bucketlist #wanderlust #USA #UnitedStates #America #exploreTennessee #visitTennessee #seeTennessee #discoverTennessee #travelTennessee

You can’t miss the Jack Daniels Distillery tour in Lynchburg, TN. Discover 10 cool facts about Jack Daniels Whiskey + what to do in Lynchburg Tennessee after you’re done at the distillery.Tennessee Travel Destinations | Vacation | Off the Beaten Path | Wanderlust #travel #vacation #offthebeatenpath #bucketlist #wanderlust #Tennessee #USA #UnitedStates #America #exploreTennessee #visitTennessee #seeTennessee #discoverTennessee #travelTennessee #jackdaniels #distillery #lynchburg #whiskey

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Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour in Tennessee: What To Know Before You Go

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Planning to go on the Jack Daniel’s Distillery tour in Lynchburg, Tennessee? Here’s how to make sure your trip goes off without a hitch. 

If you’re a fan of fine spirits and a nice, smooth whiskey then you’re not going to want to leave Tennessee without checking out the Jack Daniels Distillery first. 

I was in Huntsville, Alabama and came across state lines to explore this place firsthand and I gotta say, I was impressed with the dedication the team shows to the Jack Daniels brand and distilling process. 

Read on for everything you need to know before heading out to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour. 

How to Get to the Jack Daniels Distillery  

The Jack Daniels Distillery is located in Lynchburg, Tennessee, about an hour and a half from Nashville, 3 and a half from Atlanta and 4 hours from Memphis.

The easiest way to get to the distillery if you’re not a local is to fly into Nashville and drive from there. You can make this into an easy day trip from the city.  

There’s free parking on site, although you will have to walk a bit to reach the entrance. 

You can also opt to go with a guided tour if you’re not fond of driving or want to relax without worrying about transportation. 

Note that the speeding zones change street to street once you start to get close and there are many speed traps set up. Use the Waze app to stay in the know. 

Tour Costs & Hours 

There are several tours available on the property, held daily from 9am to 4:30pm except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Easter. 

The most basic tour option is the  Dry County Tour . It costs $15, lasts 1 hour 10 minutes and will take you through the process of making whiskey, as well as the history behind the Jack Daniels brand. 

The next level up at $25 and 1 hour 25 minutes is the Flight of Jack Daniels Tour , which includes the history tour plus a small tasting. 

After that it’s The Angel’s Share which costs $30 and lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. After the historic tour you hear to the tasting room and sample individual whiskeys straight from the barrels.

Finally, for $125 you can do the Taste of Lynchburg , which lasts 3 hours and includes the tour, Angel’s Share tasting of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Barrel Proof, Single Barrel Rye, Sinatra Select and Gold 27, a commemorative gift and a sit-down meal at Miss Mary Bobo’s.

There’s a small museum with a few exhibits set up right when you walk in that you can view for free if you’re just passing through. 

Miss Bobo’s Boarding House Restaurant

The on-site restaurant, Miss Mary Bobo’s , is an attraction in and of itself, serving more than 900 patrons a day with southern style, family dining across 9 different dining rooms.

They also have an outdoor patio area for larger parties. Reservations are required and are available at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

The menu includes souther classics like fried okra, cornbread and bakes whiskey apples.  

The restaurant also doubles as a boarding house in case you want to stay on the premises and have a full immersion experience.

You can dine here without going on a whiskey tour — it’s a flat rate of $25 for adults and $9 for children. 

Cave Spring Hollow

The life source of the processing center is Cave Spring Hollow , drawing 800 gallons of water from underneath the ground to earth’s surface every single minute. 

The aquifers surrounding walls are limestone, making the water mineral rich and pure. Limestone also naturally removes iron from the water, saving the distillery a step in the process. 

Every bottle of Jack Daniel’s whiskey sold throughout the world is made with water from this source. 

The Whiskey Making Process  

Whiskey is made using a few key ingredients — corn, barley and rye . To that you add yeast, allow for fermentation then place it in a barrel to get its flavor and taste.

Jack Daniels is the only major distillery that makes their own barrels using logs of oak. They take about 6 months to a year each to air dry and the company produces roughly 2,000 barrels/day. 

They also pride themselves on the quality of their ingredients and use only the best grain corn.

Since opening in1866 the distillery has only ever been c losed twice — once during prohibition and again during WWII when rationing on corn prevented the purchase of grade “A” ingredients.   

Tradition is everything here and at the realms are Master Distiller Jeff Arnett and Assistant Master Distiller Chris Fletcher.

The history tour takes you through the entire process, from the gathering of the ingredients to labeling of the bottles. 

Whiskey Tasting  

During the whiskey tasting you get to sample 5 different products, each the equivalent of two sips in a whiskey tumbler. 

During my visit I tasted Old No. 7, No. 27 Gold, Gentleman Jack, Tennessee Honey and Tennessee Fire, which had a cinnamon taste to it. 

We learned how to tell the difference between a fine whiskey and a more common bottle and appreciate the notes of different scents and flavors like molasses and citrus. 

We were fortunate enough to have the Assistant Master Distiller leading our tasting session so I found it to be very informative. His pride in the produce really came across and his enthusiasm was contagious. 

Know Before you Go

Big disclaimer here folks: Lynchburg, Tennessee is a dry county . This means you cannot drink here. You cannot buy it at restaurants and actually need to go to another county to find alcohol. 

This mans that if you’re thinking you’re going to visit a distillery and have a boozy day, think again! It’s important to temper expectations here — you will be sober and depending on the package you choose, well fed. 

There is a gift shop on site and you can buy bottles to take with you as a souvenir but they’re large, like $50-$100 each. There are no small bottles in case you were hoping to sneak a tiny one into your coke. Trust me, I looked.

Official Gift Shop 

Want to buy an empty barrel or other unique memorabilia? Then head to the Lynchburg Hardware and General Store , the official Jack Daniels’ gift and barrel shop, the address is as follows: 52 Mechanic St, Lynchburg, TN 37352.

It is located on the town square of Lynchburg, within walking distance of the visitor center, and open 9am-6pm Monday to Saturday and 1pm-6pm on Sundays.

RELATED POST: HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Till next time, safe travels! 

Liked this post? Pin me below:

Candy Johnson

Saturday 29th of May 2021

Can I buy a barrel once I’m there? An empty barrel? How much do they run?

Jen on a Jet Plane

Saturday 12th of June 2021

You can buy one at the Lynchburg Hardware and General Store, the official Jack Daniel's gift and barrel shop.

Jack's birthdate has always been a mystery. Hopefully yours isn't.

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JACK DANIEL DISTILLERY LYNCHBURG, TENNESSEE

JACK, JACK DANIEL'S, OLD NO. 7, GENTLEMAN JACK, and JD are trademarks of Jack Daniel's Properties, Inc. © 2024 Jack Daniel's Properties, Inc.  

All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION, VISIT RESPONSIBILITY.ORG AND OURTHINKINGABOUTDRINKING.COM

Please do not share or forward with anyone under the legal drinking age.

SELECT YOUR REGION AND LANGUAGE

Visit the distillery, choose your experience, tours daily: 9am-4:30pm cst, closed new year's eve and new year's day, martin luther king jr day, easter sunday, thanksgiving day, christmas eve and christmas day. military and senior (65+) discounts available.

Your safety and the safety of our staff and employees is our primary concern. Please be aware the operational status, modified experiences, and accessibility to the Jack Daniel Distillery, Visitor Center, Lynchburg Hardware & General Store, Barrel Shop, and Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant may change with little to no notice.

Distillery Tours

The flight of jack daniel's tour.

Along with a behind-the-scenes look at how we make Jack Daniel’s, this tour includes a memorable stop at historic Barrelhouse 1 – 14, where you’ll sip a flight of five Jack products.

Length: 1 hr 30 min $30

The Dry County Tour

This tour offers an informative, behind-the-scenes glimpse into Jack’s whiskey making process, and is overflowing with distillery stories.

Length: 1 hr 10 min $25

The Angel's Share

After touring our distillery, you’ll head to the tasting room in historic Barrelhouse 1-14 and taste whiskey drawn from individual barrels, an honor that was once reserved exclusively for our distillers and tasters.

Length: 1 hr 30 min $35

The Taste of Lynchburg

This two-course experience includes the standard tour of our distillery and whiskey tasting, as well as a down-home meal at Miss Mary Bobo’s.

Length: 3 hrs $125

Tour Photos

Before your tour group sees the distillery, we snap a quick group photo to commemorate your experience. If you’ve been to Lynchburg lately, you may find your pic below.

Not quite ready to book a tour? Get acquainted with our whiskey making process in the meantime. Or, experience the distillery through our Jack Daniel's 360 Virtual Experience . You'll be glad you stopped by. 

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Contact Mint Julep

Call us today at 615-436-0187 or email [email protected] .

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Use our easy online booking tool to find tours visiting your favorite Tennessee whiskey distilleries.

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Jack Daniel’s Tour

Visit Jack Daniel’s Distillery For Tours and Tastings

TOUR DETAILS

Jack daniel’s express tour.

Travel from Nashville to Lynchburg to learn the story of Jack Daniel, his hometown, and his world-famous Tennessee whiskey.

The Jack Daniel’s Express Tour includes transportation, guaranteed reservation for an “Angel’s Share” tour with an elevated tasting of premium whiskeys at Jack Daniel Distillery, and time to explore the charming town Lynchburg. Every Jack Daniel’s tour is filled with local lore, Jack Daniel distilling history , and, of course, great whiskey!

Jack Daniel's Express Tour

Thursday - Sunday

10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Travel from Nashville to Lynchburg to learn the story of Jack Daniel and his world famous whiskey. The Express Jack Daniel's Tour includes transportation, guaranteed reservation for "Angel's Share" tour with elevated tasting at Jack Daniel Distillery and time in Lynchburg for lunch & shopping.

Jack Daniel's Hometown Experience

Custom Tour

By Request Only

Includes guided transportation with a whiskey expert, guaranteed reservation for an "Angel's Share" tour with elevated tasting of premium whiskeys at Jack Daniel Distillery, exclusive salute to Jack Daniel at his grave site, lunch and time to enjoy shopping in small town Lynchburg. The hassle-free day will be filled with local lore, distilling history, and, of course, great whiskey!

REQUEST TOUR

Reviews from Guests

• The Jack Daniel's tour in Lynchburg was great. We are so happy we did it. The Jack Daniel's tour in Lynchburg was great. We are so happy we did it. Learned a lot about Tennessee whiskey and bourbon and was really impressed with the facility. Silas was our Mint Julep guide and he is a wealth of knowledge about Jack. The bus driver was a hoot. Really enjoyed the BBQ lunch. Will definitely recommend to others. Mary D. 4/09/2020
• All around we had a top of the line experience We took the Angel's Share tour with Zah today and it was incredible. He was personable and had a wealth of knowledge. He was charming without being overly verbose and it was clear he wanted us all to have a good time. The vehicles were well maintained and comfortable and all around we had a top of the line experience. Anthony H. 4/09/2020
• Tour was as advertised. We had a wonderful time and it was more than I expected. Our guide Dennis was very thorough, professional and informative. I would highly recommend. Nirmal K. 4/09/2020
• The trip to Jack Daniels was great with Tim's narration of the area Well worth it! Our guide from Mint Julep, Tim, was very informative, polite and helpful. The trip to Jack Daniels was great with Tim's narration of the area. Nancy G. 4/09/2020
• You just can't beat the combination of beer, barbecue, and bourbon Our tour guide Zach was awesome! We loved the tour especially the Greenbrier distillery. Zach gave us lots of additional information and history about Nashville as we traveled together. Our group was small and very friendly. You just can't beat the combination of beer, barbeque, and bourbon. Just simply a great way to spend 4 hours! Would highly recommend to a fun-loving group! Marguerite S. 4/09/2020

Grand Ole Opry, CMA Fest, Bonnaroo, Monster Jam, Def Leppard > BEST Tickets!

Nashville.com official guide to nashville, tn, jack daniel distillery.

In 1863, Daniel started making whiskey in Lynchburg, Tennessee. The key to the whiskey’s success, Daniel believed, was that it was made with cool, pure, iron-free spring water from a cave on the property. To this day, Jack Daniel’s is only made using this water. Outside of the cave stands a statue of Mr. Daniel himself, watching over the spring of his secret ingredient. Our Jack Daniel Distillery tour offers an insight into how the legendary No. 7 is made, as you get to observe each step of the distillery process.

GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION

• All ages are welcome however restrictions do apply. Please read individual tour descriptions thoroughly to understand these restrictions.
• The Jack Daniel Distillery is a working distillery. There may be times the tour path is altered to accommodate routine maintenance and repairs; expect temperature fluctuations and strong odors.
• Tours are outdoors and involve walking and stairs.  Jack Daniel’s has developed an alternative Distillery tour for those who would have difficulty participating in the tour. There is a bus-tour option for those who are short on time or who don’t have a hankering for stairs. For those opting for the other tour options, walking shoes are recommended.
• Clutches, fanny packs and wallets are allowed. No purses or bags are allowed on tours.
• There are free, self-locking lockers provided at the Visitors Center.
• Baby carriers are recommended however strollers are not allowed on tours.
• Services animals are welcome at the Distillery, however, they must be restrained at all times.

SECURITY, POLICIES & RESTRICTIONS

• Bags are not permitted on tours. Bags include: backpacks, purses and camera bags.
• Cameras and cell phones are allowed on tours, however, pictures are restricted in certain areas of the tour.
• The Jack Daniel Distillery and Visitor Center is a smoke-free facility. This includes smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes and vapor devices. Smoking is not permitted on tours.
• Weapons of any kind are not permitted inside the Visitors Center or on the Distillery tour

Buy Tickets To Jack Daniels Distillery

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Jack Daniels Tour

Tour info for Jack Daniels distillery:

The Distillery is about 75 miles southeast of Nashville, Tennessee. The address is 182 Lynchburg Highway, Lynchburg, TN.

The hours of operation are : 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m Central Time, and they’re open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

View Jack Daniels Tour Photos Here !

More tour info.

Tours of the Jack Daniel Distillery are free.

Sampling tours, where visitors can taste Jack Daniels, are now available, and cost around $10 for anyone over the age of 21.

More Info on the Distillery can be found here: http://www.jackdaniels.com/visit

Jack Daniels also hosts an immensely popular World Championship Barbecue competition each October, which draws visitors from across the world.

Tennessee Whiskey: How to Do Jack Daniel’s Distillery Right

We’re fortunate to live in a part of Tennessee rife with waterfalls, state parks and spirited attractions. And what kind of tourism marketers would we be if we did not, in fact, take them to a few of our favorite spots in the area, including a tour at Jack Daniel’s Distillery in itty-bitty Lynchburg?

This post was last updated in June 2023.

Can you drink in Lynchburg?

A lot has changed at Jack Daniel’s Distillery over the years. For one, while it’s still a dry county—yes, that’s still a thing—you can, in fact, sample at the distillery, which wasn’t the case a decade ago. Now, there are three exceptions to purchasing alcohol in Moore County: 1) when you go on an official Jack Daniel’s tour through the distillery, 2) if you’re an employee and are the recipient of Good Friday each month (more on that later) and 3) if you purchase something from the on-site White Rabbit Saloon to consume back at home.

Dry county or not, Lynchburg locals are some of the most jovial humans I’ve ever met, and our tour guide Kim on this particular occasion followed suit by being friendly, informative, fun and outright hilarious. It must be something in the air, or maybe the (spring) water.

Getting to Lynchburg

Lynchburg may be what us locals would consider “out in the boonies,” but it’s pretty accessible from Nashville—less than 90 minutes if you take I-24 south and then get off the interstate right around Christiana and veer through Shelbyville—and Huntsville, where it’s just under an hour due north on Highway 431 from downtown. If you don’t have a car, you can easily book a tour to Jack Daniel’s from Nashville .

Jack Daniel’s Distillery is also positioned right along the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, so if you’re hitting up other distilleries like George Dickel and Nearest Green, you can knock them all out in a day.

There’s not a whole lot to do in Lynchburg itself, so I wouldn’t plan to linger beyond your tour and exploration of the square, which is an hour, tops. From there, you can cut over through my hometown, Tullahoma, to go to Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. (home to Dickel), then continue on to Bell Buckle and up the mountain to Sewanee where you’ll have easy access to Stone Door and other tours on the South Cumberland plateau. Don’t have a car? There are plenty of Tennessee tours you can sign up for that include transportation.

There are also plenty of state parks in the area, many of which I have outlined here in my summer ideas for Tennessee travel post.

Which Jack Daniel’s tour should I take?

There are several Jack Daniel’s tour options you can take. In the past few years, the distillery has evolved, thanks to a piece of legislation that changed some archaic laws in this dry county a few years ago. If you’re not a drinker, you can still take the Dry County Tour. If you want to sample a bit of the hard stuff, but aren’t really a whiskey connoisseur (yet), the Flight of Jack Daniel’s Tour, in which you get to taste a flight of five, is the perfect option for you.

If you know your way around a barrel, however, and appreciate the finer things in life, then I must point you toward the Angel’s Share Tour, which gives you an in-depth look at the whiskey-making process and allows you to taste five single-barrel pours. I’ve done this twice, and it is without a doubt, my favorite distillery tour anywhere . Forget Old No. 7; you’ll want to stock up on the Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Jack Daniel’s Barrel Proof, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Gold 27 before you leave. Bonus: All tastings are done inside this amazingly gorgeous barrel room.

For those who really want to know more about the area, there’s one final option dubbed the Taste of Lynchburg, where you get a three-hour experience, which includes a storyteller-led tour, the Angel’s Share tastings and lunch at Miss Mary Bobo’s (see below). While I’ve never done this, if you’re a first-timer to the area breezing through town and you really love you some Jack, that might be the way to go to really maximize your time on the ground.

No matter when you’re visiting or which tour you choose, however, you need to make tour reservations in advance. SVV tried to drop in midweek last fall when one of our muralists was in town, and even then, it was more than a two-hour wait to get on a tour as a walk-in.

Purses and backpacks are no longer allowed in the distillery, so bear this in mind and either take a fanny pack or wear something with pockets so you can take your phone and wallet with you. You’ll (obviously) need your ID to get in.

Cameras are allowed, and there are free lockers in the visitor’s center in which you can store your belongings if you don’t leave them in the car.

The tours themselves are fascinating, both because of the history of the area, the spring that feeds the whiskey and the process of manufacturing such a product in general.

When I say you get a behind-the-scenes look at distilling, I’m being serious; on the Angel’s Share tour, at least, we got to venture out and see where the barrels are charred and learn more about how the char brings the natural sugars of the wood out and how toasting them to a certain degree alters the final taste, much like a marshmallow.

We also got to inhale the vapors from distillation, something SVV took full advantage of, using it as his personal cologne. Jack is missing a big market here!

And, finally, you get a bit of a history about the cooperage via video, then get to walk through the active bottling room as the bottles themselves are speeding down the conveyor belt.

Some facts you might not know about Jack Daniel, both the human and the distillery:

Jasper Daniel died of gangrene in 1911 . The story of kicking the safe, breaking his toe, and officially succumbing to gangrene is indeed (at least partially) true. You get to go in the former office and see the malicious safe that took the famed distiller’s life. (Wear steel-toed boots, ha!)

He was a short—like, really short . He was five feet, one inch, the height of my wee mom. In photos displayed of him on the property, he was the only one who was not sitting down—and the other men still towered over him.

“Good Friday” is a monthly holiday among distillery employees at Jack Daniel. This dates back decades, if not centuries, and I have had many a friend employed by the distillery who looked forward to the day each month when they got a bottle of Old No. 7 to take home with them.

In order to be “Tennessee whiskey,” it must meet a few criteria.  It has to be made from 51 percent corn, filtered through charcoal, then aged in charred, new American white oak barrels. Jack Daniel’s uses a 10-foot bed of sugar maple charcoal, though this varies by distillery.

All Tennessee whiskey is bourbon, but not all bourbon is Tennessee whiskey. Urban legend: “bourbon must be made in Kentucky.” False!

Jack Daniel’s Distillery has 90 seven-story barrel houses, each of which stores 1 million gallons of whiskey. That’s a lot of liquid gold! And yet, 60 percent or more of the revenue is paid back directly to Uncle Sam.

The secret sauce is in the spring. The distillery’s headquarters are right atop Cave Spring Hollow, from which it draws its water. Every wonder why all the best bourbon and whiskey in the world comes from Tennessee and Kentucky? You have our limestone beds to thank.

Can you believe that Jasper Daniel purchased the hollow and its surrounding land for a cool $2,148 back in the mid-1800s? There’s no secret Fountain of Youth, and no sediment—just clean, pure, natural spring water.

The black you see on the outside of barrel houses and many trees is due to a fungus common among distilleries everywhere . It feeds on ethanol and isn’t harmful to humans or animals for that matter.

Lunch at Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant

For as long as I can remember, my family has been taking every out-of-towner who passes through to the iconic former boarding house known as Miss Mary Bobo’s. This Lynchburg institution has been feeding both locals and passersby since 1908. It’s accumulated quite the following with the commitment to down-home Southern cooking and the fact that it is backed by the Jack legacy. Miss Mary herself stood at the boarding house helm until she died the year I was born, 1983, just one month shy of turning 102. For 31 years after that, Jack’s great-grandniece Lynne Tolley took the reins until selling it in 2014.

Note: You need a reservation for Miss Bobo’s, and you’ll be asked to arrive about 15 minutes prior to seating. Once your table is called, you’re accompany your hostess to the room, where you, your companions and complete strangers will be seated around one big family table and served generous helpings of Southern cuisine, family-style. Every time I’ve been to Miss Bobo’s, the menu has been a little bit different—though there are always staples of mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, biscuits and, of course, fried okra—with the proteins rotating among such dishes as fried catfish, meatloaf and fried chicken. Since it’s a dry county, you can’t order booze, but there is a bit of Jack baked into the dessert always, and tea—both sweet and unsweet—and coffee are served with the meal.

One thing’s for certain: You won’t leave hungry! Expect to spend about an hour at lunch, so plan your tour accordingly. I suggest doing the tour/tasting and  then  the lunch, as you’re going to need a nap afterward. Lunch at Miss Mary Bobo’s is a set fee of $25 for adults and $9 for children with two seatings available Monday through Saturday. Be sure and tip your servers generously as they’re all students on scholarship from the local Tullahoma college, Motlow State.

Where to stay near Jack Daniel’s Distillery

Lynchburg itself is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town, meaning there aren’t a whole lot of lodging options. There are, however, a few Lynchburg bed and breakfasts and plenty of Tennessee vacation rentals in the area if you plan to stay over, which I definitely think you should.

Want more ideas for whiskey travel in Tennessee? Start here:

• How the Tennessee Whiskey Trail came to be
• West Tennessee’s lone distillery in Memphis
• The urban distilleries of the Nashville area
• The backroads of Middle Tennessee
• East Tennessee’s moonshine culture

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I don’t like whiskey. Until I found Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey. I can drink this without mixing it with anything and I love it! Then someone burst my bubble and told me it’s actually liquor… 🙂

I had no idea this was a dry county. I have to admit I do like Jack Daniels and this tour sounds really interesting. It sounds like this particular drink has quite the story to tell

I have made many tours over the years. I would visit Fayetteville for factory tours and we started adding the Lynchburg tour to it. Over the time period I introduced and guided many colleges to Jack Daniels ol #9.purchased many collectors 5ths. If visiting buy some of the brownies and fudge loaded with jack from the local store.

I took the tour exactly 10 years ago and you couldn’t taste the whiskey at all. The only time you could is if you were buying a barrel and then you would go inside a little house that was built on the property and you could taste whatever you wanted.

Wow, I grew up in Tullahoma and now live in OKC, so all your articles held my interest for sure!

You even had the best guide for this trip! Ms Kim is known among Tennessee Squires for her fine tours and even a celebrity in her own right after having appeared on the latest season of The Biggest Loser! Only I would add that space for 2 meals is needed in Lynchburg- Barrel House BBQ’s Grilled Cheese on Crack is legend among frequent Jack Daniel’s visitors!

She was the BEST! And I had no idea she was on TV. How fun! Noted on trying the grilled cheese next time I’m in Lynchburg 😉

Can I buy bottles of whiskey and souvenirs at the distillery? Need address and phone number of the distillery.

Hi, Ken! You can buy bottles at the distillery, but not order online do to current liquor laws.

I was enjoying your blog as I lived in Tullahoma during my Junior High years, and we had a field trip to the Jack Daniel’s distillery. I was stunned (and so pleased) to see Emily in your photo of Miss Mary Bobo’s! I recognized her at once, as her sister Sarah and I were best friends! Such a nice surprise! Are you and Emily friends? (Not mentioning last names to protect their privacy.)

Yes! Her husband was my mom’s best friend all growing up and also in college at Vanderbilt. Her kids were close friends of mine growing up, and now she’s the DAR president of the chapter I’m in. Small world indeed!

I was stunned (and so pleased) to see Emily in your photo of Miss Mary Bobo’s! I recognized her at once, as her sister Sarah and I were best friends! Such a nice surprise! Are you and Emily friends? (Not mentioning last names to protect their privacy.)

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For those lucky enough to visit the Jack Daniel Distillery, taking the time for a Distillery Tour is a must. Although official tours weren’t offered until 1964, it wasn’t necessarily hard to get one before that time. For those visitors who made their way to Lynchburg back then, all they usually had to do was ask and chances are someone would show them around the Distillery grounds. Times have certainly changed, however, as Jack Daniel’s employed 22 Distillery Guides as of 2020.

Some of the current highlights visitors will see while on tour include visiting a barrelhouse which holds more than 20,000 barrels of whiskey, seeing the rickyard where hard sugar maple wood is burned to make the charcoal used for mellowing, going into the underground cave spring where all of the iron-free water is drawn, learning about the whiskey making process while seeing the stills, the fermenting tanks, and the charcoal mellowing vats, viewing Jack Daniel’s first office, and getting a look at the reconstruction of the White Rabbit Saloon as it appeared in Lynchburg in the early 1900’s. In recent years the Distillery has also been able to offer samples of their whiskey, but it hasn’t always been this way.

Additional information about the Distillery Tours is provided in Volume II of the Jack Daniel’s Bottle Collector’s Guide.

Jack Daniel’s Bottle Collector's Guides

The Ultimate Guides for Jack Daniel’s collectors and enthusiasts, these books provide an overview and history of Jack Daniel’s family of whiskeys and the many commemorative bottles released by the Distillery over the last 50 years.

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5 Tennessee Whiskey Destinations for Distillery Tours and Tastings

With a legacy as old as its neighbor Kentucky, the Volunteer State has heritage distilleries and exciting upstarts to please any palate.

Jon Gugala is a freelance writer based in Nashville, Tenn. His personality-driven stories have appeared in GQ, Men's Health, Outside Magazine, and elsewhere. He remains convinced that hot chicken is, to quote a late chef, an "initiation ritual for Yankees."

Nashville Barrel Company

In a nondescript commercial building a few miles from the honky tonks of Lower Broadway, Whiskey House - Nashville hides in plain sight. Through a cluttered antechamber, more than 5,500 bottles line its walls, which founder John G. Brittle, Jr., 60, claims is the largest collection of open whiskies in the U.S., and maybe the world. In grass-stained jeans and a dirty black T-shirt (he spent the morning gardening), Brittle explains that expressions are organized by origins: Kentucky and Tennessee have adjoining rooms; Indiana, home to the mass-distiller MGP Ingredients, occupies a hallway. The Chapel, complete with upholstered pews and surrounded by distilling relics, hosts industry nights and trustee meetings. And then there’s the Vault, where only the rarest whiskies are displayed: the Pappys, Wellers, the Michters. “‘The whiskey experience of a lifetime,’” he says, brandishing an engraved snifter with the motto. “People want an experience, and we’ve created one.”

Established in 2019 as a 501(c)(3) and in its current location for the past three years, WHN has harnessed America’s infatuation with its native spirit into a philanthropic tour de force. Through auctioned rare whiskey tastings, it has raised more than $1 million in the last two years for charity partners with missions ranging from the hyper-local to national in scope. “You can go to a bar and drink good whiskey,” Brittle says. “[At WHN,] you’re drinking extraordinarily rare stuff that you can’t get at a bar.”

The growth of Brittle’s nonprofit mirrors that of the Tennessee spirits industry in general: sudden and with a surprising passion. Like its neighbor Kentucky, the Volunteer State has a distilling legacy measured in centuries. But unlike its sister, Tennessee adopted prohibition early, in 1910, a full decade before the 18th amendment. And unlike Kentucky’s exceptions, the ban was a blanket on the industry. Following the country-wide repeal, it reluctantly resumed, but at a glacial pace: Jack Daniel’s restarted production in 1938, five years following the repeal of the 18th amendment, while George Dickel, the state’s other large-scale heritage producer, fired up its stills in 1964. It took special legislation in 2009 to finally usher in craft distilling, and even today, 14 of the 95 counties remain dry.

“I call it the hundred-year hangover,” says Seth Weinberg, a WHN trustee, liquor consultant, and founder of the soon-to-open Vintage Whiskey Vault in Nashville. “Tennessee still has a lot of room to grow.”

The classic Tennessee spirit will always be its namesake Tennessee whiskey . According to Weinberg, however, the definition — and the taste — is not always distinct. According to the internationally binding NAFTA , Tennessee whiskey is straight bourbon whiskey made within the state. But state code further restricts it, requiring filtration through maple charcoal before aging in a step called the Lincoln County Process with rare exception. Some say this results in a sweeter, less biting product. But some Kentucky bourbons voluntarily charcoal-filter, and the same limestone shelf that purifies Tennessee springs also runs under parts of Missouri, Kentucky, and Illinois, blurring terroir distinctions. Even experienced aficionados can struggle to identify the state of origin of higher-proof expressions in a blind taste. “I don’t necessarily differentiate Tennessee whiskey from bourbon whiskey or American whiskey in general, because there are so many different styles,” he admits.  

Tennessee’s distilleries are legion and the whiskey is broadly distributed around the state. From Old Dominick in Memphis and Chattanooga Whiskey to Ole Smokey in Gatlinburg and Corsair in Nashville, options abound. Traditionalists will find their favorites, but the next great expression may be aging in a dusty barrel waiting for the right time to be tapped.

“There are distilleries out there with these young people who trained in the industry under the bigs. Now they’re out there on their own,” Brittle says. “That’s the future of great whiskey, and we’re looking for the next great stuff.”

Nearest Green Distillery

courtesy of Uncle Nearest Distillery

The Uncle Nearest origin story has been confirmed by historians and experts: The enslaved Nearest Green teaching a young Jack Daniel the art of distillation or perfecting the charcoal-filtering Lincoln County Process, which in part distinguishes Tennessee whiskies from other bourbons. Once a free man, Green became the first master distiller for Jack Daniel's Distillery. Now Fawn and Keith Weaver pay homage with this spirits brand, which has grown into the most successful Black-owned liquor company in the world. Visitors to its Shelbyville, Tennessee, home can sip cocktails at its Guinness-recognized bar (518 feet!) and pick up one of its distillery-exclusive expressions, including an uncut, unfiltered rye.

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

Kelli Dirks Photo

Nelson’s may tout a 150-year history in the state and a claim for the oldest recipe still in use for its Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey, but its modern roots begin with two brothers reconnecting with their family’s storied past. Andy and Charlie Nelson discovered their great-great-great grandfather’s legacy and began selling their own blend, the now-famous Belle Meade Bourbon, from their garage in East Nashville in 2009. Today, at a former auto factory near downtown Nashville, their stills again run, continuing the family tradition. Guided tours, exclusive expressions, whiskey flights, and a hot-weather favorite “cold fashioned” — a slushy take on the classic cocktail — are must-tries in the Music City.

Jack Daniels

Jack Daniel's Properties, Inc.

From Sinatra and the Stones to Slash and Springsteen, the most famous Tennessee whiskey brand in the world needs no introduction. Jack Daniel’s home of Lynchburg, Tennessee, (population: 6,000) is a soft start to the distillery experience, with small-town Southern hospitality and the company’s family-style Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant off the square. Tours of the property itself, which dates back to 1875, allow for sipping and gawking at a century and a half of memorabilia. Surrounding Moore County may be dry, but Daniel’s has a special dispensation to sell from its White Rabbit Bottle Shop.

Three friends with a passion — and a palate — for whiskey began buying single barrels in 2018. Today, every upstart comes up with its own blend, but Nashville Barrel Company was ahead of the curve, and its small-run selections distinguish it from others. From its downtown Nashville tasting room and nearby distillery, it extends this tradition to visitors, who can sample individual barrels and walk out with a bottle of their favorite. Special drops, including a honey barrel-finished straight bourbon and single barrel straight rye, often dribble out from NBC's private stash, making every visit a chance to hit the lottery. After all, they've earned Double Gold Awards from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for four years.

George Dickel Distillery

courtesy of Cascade Hollow Distilling

Tucked back in the Cascade Hollow of Tullahoma, Tennessee, Dickel has crafted its distinct sour mash Tennessee whisky (note the spelling) for almost 150 years. Following post-prohibition rebirth in 1964, it rebuilt its distillery into a robust summertime must-see. The Front Porch Friday series, which runs from May to October, features signature cocktails and Nashville songwriters in a pastoral setting far from the bustle of Lower Broadway. A bonus for pilgrims: Its visitor center is one of the few places in the world where all four Bottled in Bond series liquors are readily available.

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