Nestled within the beautiful hills of south central Tennessee, Lynchburg is home to one of the most famous whiskey distilleries in the world – Jack Daniel's. Founded in 1866, the Jack Daniel Distillery was the first registered distillery in the United States– it’s also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Even if you are not a whiskey fan, there’s plenty to see on the Jack Daniel’s Distillery tour.
A Brief History of Jack Daniels
Born in 1850 as Jasper Newton Daniel, Jack ran away from home at the age of seven. Reverend Dan Call, a Lutheran minister and whiskey maker in the community, became his foster parent. Jack became an apprentice to Rev. Call soon after his arrival. When Rev. Call decided to stop making whiskey, Jack purchased the still from him at the age of 13. He continued to perfect his whiskey making under the tutelage of Rev. Call’s slave, Nathan “Nearest” Green. In 1866, Jack purchased the mineral-rich Cave Spring Hollow property where he opens his now world famous distillery.
What is Tennessee Whiskey?
Whiskey, in general is a distilled grain spirit that has spent some length of time inside of a barrel. Unaged distilled spirits are just moonshine. What makes Tennessee whisky different? “There are multiple types of whiskey out there, but what we create here at Jack Daniels is a Tennessee whiskey,” explains senior ambassador tour guide, Jed Lirette, “and that's because of the charcoal process.” Tennessee whiskey has to be over 51% corn and aged via the “Lincoln County Process”. It’s a 3-5 day filtration process in which newly-distilled Jack Daniel’s trickles through 10 feet of densely packed sugar maple charcoal, resulting in an exceptionally smooth Tennessee whisky. “Jack did this when he was making whiskey and we still do it to this day,” says Jed.
What Makes Jack Daniels Special?
There are two elements that set Jack Daniels apart from other Tennessee whiskeys. The first element is the water. Jack purchased the property because of the natural cave spring on the property. It’s one of the first things that people see when they're on tour. The water is clear and iron free, naturally filtered by the limestone rock bed above it.
The second element is the generational workforce. The people of Lynchburg are making Jack Daniels. They’ve passed that tradition of whiskey making down through generations. “You're not just going to get that loyalty and dedication to the brand, and the flavors that we're making here every single day, producing this somewhere else,” says Jed.
Life-sized statue of Jasper Newton, aka "Jack", Daniel.
What You Can Expect on the Tour
Be prepared for loads of information and come prepared to walk. The tour is guided only – you’ll be walking through the actual distillery. You'll learn the history first, then see Jack's office and a table where he set up his first still. After that, you go into the still house. “It's always hot and smelly,” warns Jed, “but that’s because it’s during real production.” Jed suggests that you dress comfortably and wear sensible shoes. “It's about a third of a mile, and you see everything,” he explains.
The distillery has a family friendly tour, known as “The Dry Tour”. It’s perfect for families with children and anyone under the age of 21. There’s also sampling tours where you can learn how to taste whiskey properly. The distillery tours are conducted from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm daily. Tours are first-come-first-served basis, but you can book in advance on their website. Tour prices range from $15 to $125.
Fun and Interesting Facts
â— Jack Daniel’s is distilled in a dry county. There are no package liquor sales in Moore County, where Lynchburg is located. You cannot order cocktails, beer or a glass of wine in any restaurant in Monroe County. However, you can legally purchase a bottle of Jack Daniel’s in the gift shop of the distillery itself.
â— Every drop of Jack in the entire world is made in Lynchburg.
â— Jack Daniel’s distillery currently makes five core products—Old No. 7 (black label), Gentleman Jack, Single Barrel, Tennessee Honey, and Tennessee Fire.
â— The distillery ships out about 15 million cases per year worldwide.
â— The safe in Jack Daniel’s original office is what caused his death. After kicking the safe in frustration, Jack hurt the big toe on his left foot and died six years later from complications from that break.
â— The statue of Jack in Lynchburg is life-size. Jack was only 5-feet-4-inches tall.
Where to Stay
Located less than half an hour from Lynchburg, the campground lies on Normandy TVA Reservoir and the upper Duck River. The campground offers large gravel sites and every site is a pull-through with electrical and water hookups.
Located less than 20 minutes from Lynchburd, Tims Ford State Park features 52 RV and tent campsites with 30-amp electric service and water hookups. The park is located in the Tims Ford Reservoir, right in the shadow of the Cumberland Plateau. Tims Ford Lake is considered one of the most picturesque lakes in Tennessee and is regarded as one of the top bass fishing and recreational lakes in the Southeast.
Approximately 16 miles from Lynchburg, Cedar Point Campgrounds is located in Southern Middle Tennessee, in Coffee Co. This campground and Barton Springs are in view of each other separated by the Normandy TVA Reservoir and the upper Duck River.
Located between Nashville and Chattanooga and about half a mile for Lynchburg, TN. Features big, long, wide pull-thrus, 30/50 amps, pool, splash pad and spa. Free fishing in stocked pond and nice, shady country atmosphere.
The park is home to an abundance of activities for guests to enjoy, right in Manchester, and about 20 miles from the distillery. All sites open until Oct. 31st. 20 and 30 Amp and big rig parking available, all with electric and water. Pets welcome, dump station, playground and pavilions on site.