Scenes of Lynchburg: The History & Community of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey

The History of Jack Daniel's in Lynchburg

The story of Jack Daniel's whiskey is deeply intertwined with the small town of Lynchburg, Tennessee. Located in a dry county in the southern part of the state, Lynchburg has been the home of Jack Daniel's Distillery for over 150 years.

How Jack Daniel Established the Distillery

Jack Daniel first began distilling whiskey in the 1850s, when he was just a teenager. Using spring water from a cave on his property, Daniel developed his smooth Tennessee sipping whiskey. The brand grew in popularity locally and Daniel officially registered his distillery in 1866 at the age of 25.

The people and landmarks of Lynchburg inspired much of the Jack Daniel's brand identity still used today. The iconic black label was inspired by Daniel's favorite color, while the font was patterned after his own handwriting. Many of Lynchburg's residents, over 1,500 people in the small town, work at the distillery today.

The Making of Jack Daniel's Whiskey

While some distillation processes have changed and updated over time, the make of Jack Daniel's stays true to Daniel's original methods. The iron-free cave spring water flows at a constant temperature and purity, ideal for whiskey making according to Jack Daniel over a century ago.

This water combines with the highest grades of corn, rye and barley malt. After milling and mashing, the sugar-rich liquid flows into 100-year old copper stills. The whiskey is distilled and filtered drop-by-drop through 10 feet of hard sugar maple charcoal before aging in handcrafted white oak barrels.

Visiting the Historic Jack Daniel's Distillery

Over 300,000 people visit the Jack Daniel's Distillery annually to walk in Daniel's footsteps and explore the brand's home. Friendly Tennessee charm greets guests at the Hollow, where noteworthy landmarks and over 100 buildings stand. Tour guides share tales, history lessons and whiskey making secrets as visitors are guided through the distillery process.

Notable stops include the Whiskey River, the oldest registered distillery site in the United States. The famed Spring Hollow is here, feeding all whiskey making water straight from the limestone cave. The iconic Jack Daniel Cooperage reveals the barrel making process, while inside the Barrel House the amber whiskey ages to perfection. Of course no trip is complete without a stop at Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House for a family-style southern lunch with Jack Daniel's inspired dishes.

Jack Daniel's Impact on Lynchburg

Both the Jack Daniel's Distillery and the small town of Lynchburg owe much to each other's growth over the past 150 years. As the first registered distillery in the country, Jack Daniel's put Lynchburg on the map. And in return, the people and landscape of the humble Tennessee town inspired the makings of an internationally recognized brand.

Giving Back to the Community

Beyond employment, Jack Daniel's generously gives back to the tightknit Lynchburg community. The operations and tourism centered around Jack Daniel's generates approximately $3.4 million annually in state and local sales tax. These funds support much needed infrastructure and education improvements in the modest town.

Additionally, Jack Daniel's sponsors facility improvements and youth programs in the community. Distillery employees volunteer over 5,000 hours of community service every year.

Continuing Jack Daniel's Legacy

While Jack Daniel has long passed, the little town of Lynchburg continues the legacy he started over 150 years ago. The community honors Daniel's wishes to operate the distillery long into the future and uphold his commitments to quality and character.

Scenes of Lynchburg reveal a quaint, beautiful town that Daniel and his successors calls home. And visitors quickly find that the people of Lynchburg are the true heart and soul behind the Jack Daniel's brand. The residents welcome travelers with genuine hospitality, proudly sharing tales of Daniel, whiskey making secrets and the special place they call home in Tennessee whiskey country.

FAQs

When did Jack Daniel establish the distillery in Lynchburg?

Jack Daniel first began distilling whiskey in Lynchburg in the 1850s when he was a teenager. He officially registered the Jack Daniel Distillery in 1866 at the age of 25.

What is the water source used to make Jack Daniel's whiskey?

Jack Daniel's uses iron-free cave spring water from the iconic Spring Hollow and Whiskey River at its distillery site. This water flows at 56 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.

Where does the Jack Daniel's black label design come from?

The black Jack Daniel's label was inspired by founder Jack Daniel's favorite color. The font on the label mimics Daniel's original handwriting.

Why does Jack Daniel's give back to Lynchburg?

Jack Daniel's generously invests in the Lynchburg community by supporting infrastructure improvements, education, youth programs and more. They also employee approximately half of the town's residents.

Who continues Jack Daniel's legacy today?

While Jack Daniel has passed away, the residents of Lynchburg continue operating the distillery and honoring his commitments to quality and character to this day.