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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.

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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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Jack Daniel's Bottles

• Distillery Info
• Buy the books

Jack Daniel's

• The History

Distillery Tours

• Distillery Expansion
• Distillery Fire Brigade
• Tennessee Squire Association
• Tennessee Squire Calendar
• The Master Distillers
• The Peabody Ducks

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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.

All-Inclusive Jack Daniel's Distillery Tour, Tastings, and Lunch

• Admission to Jack Daniel's Distillery with a 90-minute Tasting Tour
• Sing-alongs led by your on-board entertainer
• Mouth-watering, belly-filling BBQ lunch
• Free, ice-cold bottled water
• Alcohol-infused trivia on the way to the distillery
• Cozy and personal transportation experience
• Angel’s Share tour: story-filled sampling of several expressions from Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Collection and two limited edition whiskeys.
• Belly Laughs? Yep. We got ‘em!
• Entry/Admission - Jack Daniel's Distillery
• Bob's Steak & Chop House, 250 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203, USA Right outside of the entrance to Bob's Steak & Chop House
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Bob's Steak & Chop House 250 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203, USA Right outside of the entrance to Bob's Steak & Chop House See address & details
• 1 Bob's Steak & Chop House Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 2 Jack Daniel's Distillery Stop: 90 minutes - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• Jordanuv 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Party in a Van Jay and Clay were Awesome! They are natural entertainers! 10/10 would do the tour again just for the ride with them! Read more Written June 30, 2021
• 873amberc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome, fun and delicious experience! We had the absolute BEST time - start to finish! The ride to the distillery included trivia, funny stories, a dance contest (what??!) and chances to win a mini shot of moonshine to get the party started. When we arrived at the distillery we had a very entertaining and educational tour of the facilities. The guide was super knowledgeable and shared lots of great stories about the history of the area and the distilling process. Next was the cocktail class! SO fun and delicious. We sampled several spirits, then learned how to make four very unique and yummy cocktails - complete with samples. Then we had brunch. It was so hard to choose with such a cool menu. We tried the eggs benedict with cheese grits (YUM), and chicken waffle sliders with home fries (REALLY YUM!). I had a mule with my brunch and it was great! The ride home was lively enough to keep us awake after all those drinks and awesome food. Live sing along with very talented musicians and YES they take requests. This was my second tour with Tipsy Tours (did dinner the first time) and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. Highly recommend! Read more Written March 9, 2021
• SusanLofty 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing and fun! We booked online through a website not really knowing how it would be. It turned out to be better than we ever expected. The crew was so nice and really fun people! I highly recommend! Read more Written February 20, 2021
• jericar2021 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles You don’t want to miss this one!!!!! Y’all I can’t say enough good things about Tipsy Tours! The entertainment and AMAZING live music, there and back, is 💯on point!! From the educational, yet fun, moonshine tour, to the fantastic flirty cocktail class and the food is just ABSOLUTELY DELISH - you just can’t go wrong! I’ve been on 2 tours so far, a couples tour in November and a ladies Christmas trip in Dec and I’m already looking to book again in Feb for a birthday trip! Read more Written January 12, 2021
• Robintherazor1970 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Sooo much fun!! These guys are hilarious and fun. And Talented to boot!!. relax and belly laugh or cut loose. I'm a food snob and the food at the distillery restaurant was delish!! The tour guide was a hoot too.. Read more Written December 28, 2020
• Andrea H 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Brunch Tour A+ The brunch tour was so much fun! Everything from the ride there (sorry I have no pictures because I was having too much fun on the ride with trivia, sing alongs, etc), the educational tour (so interesting), cocktail class (seriously this was a blast), to ending with a yummy brunch. What a beautiful location and a great way to enjoy a beautiful Sunday safely with friends. Thank you Tipsy Tours!! A+ Read more Written December 28, 2020

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All-Inclusive Jack Daniel's Distillery Tour, Tastings, and Lunch provided by Tipsy Tours

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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 Daniels Distillery

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182 Lynchburg Hwy

Lynchburg, TN 37352

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We loved our visit. Our tour guide Kyle was awesome. I've been drinking JD since I was 15 years old, 52 now. Great to learn about the history, process and sample the various types. Highly recommend

4 ladies from NJ came to TN to celebrate my daughter's 21st/22nd birthday. On our list of things to do and see was Jack Daniel's Distillery! We took the tour 1st thing in the morning so it wasn't hot. Matt was our tour guide. He was great, very nice and extremely friendly. He treated us like family. The history behind the distillery was very interesting. We all enjoyed it! We are definitely coming back for my son's 21st birthday in a couple of years. Thank you, Matt. Hope to see you again in the future.

Excellent tour that showed the entire process. Debbie was our guide and she was wonderful. My wife and I had a great day.

Top notch, an outstanding tour. Ashley was such a character and the grounds are beautiful. The tour is well worth the off beaten path drive as you get to see our beautiful country and the people who live in it as well as see a piece of American history with some pizzaz!

The tour was great. It was awesome seeing how they make what I've been drinking for 40 years. We had tour guide Courtney And she was awesome. Haven't been on a better tour yet.

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A Whiskey Pilgrimage: Visiting The Historic Jack Daniel’s Distillery In Lynchburg, TN

Lynchburg is a study in contrasts, a tiny town with a larger-than-life legacy.  It’s here, in this one-stoplight town with only about 6,000 residents, that the biggest and most recognizable whiskey in the world is made.   And it’s a must-visit for any whiskey lover.  So today we’re headed down to rural Tennessee to tour the iconic Jack Daniel’s Distillery!

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Full disclosure, I work for Brown-Forman, who owns Jack Daniel’s, which is why I’ve had the opportunity to visit and do some cool stuff.  However, there’s no relationship between the distillery and this blog, and they don’t endorse me or the blog in any way.  All opinions are, as always, completely my own!

Jack Daniel’s was officially founded in 1866, when a 16-(ish)-year-old Mr. Jack registered his distillery with the government.  He was the first to do so, which makes Jack Daniel’s the oldest registered distillery in the country.

Jack is such a huge brand that some people assume the distillery is just a showplace, and there’s a massive factory somewhere else…but the opposite is true.  And more than 300,000 people a year make the trek out to this tiny town in the middle of nowhere to see where every drop of Jack Daniel’s comes from.

What’s even crazier is that Moore County (where the distillery and Lynchburg are located) has been a dry country since 1909, when the state went into its own Prohibition.  While they got an exception in 1995 to taste a small amount on the tour, to sell at the bottle shop, and to gift to employees, you can’t buy alcohol anywhere else in the county to this day.

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Who was Jack Daniel?

Yes, Jack was a real dude!  Jasper Newton Daniel was born somewhere around 1850 (give or take a year or two…record-keeping wasn’t the best).  As a child he left home and was taken in by the Reverend Dan Call.  Here, with the Call family, he learned to make whiskey from an enslaved man named Nearest Green.

He bought the whiskey distillery from Reverend Call around age 13, and registered it a few years later (the first in the nation to do so).  He brought Nearest (now free) with him as effectively the company’s first master distiller, though that title didn’t really exist until much more recently.

When Jack moved the operation to the Cave Hollow (where it is today) in the 1880s, Nearest didn’t want to move, but his sons George and Eli went with Jack.  To this day, the distillery’s workforce has multiple generations of various families working there, and has had a Green family member working at the distillery since the time of Nearest (you can learn more about it here if you’re interested).

Jack was quite a fascinating person himself…only 5’2″ tall and a dapper dresser, he had many female “friends” but never married (the distillery was passed on to his nephew, Lem Motlow).  I’ve been reading “Blood and Whiskey: The Life and Times of Jack Daniel” and if you really want to know more about him, I highly suggest it!

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How to plan your visit to Jack Daniel’s & Lynchburg

Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit.  It can definitely be done in a day trip from a city, but if you want a little more time to explore, you can spend a night in the area as well.

• Lynchburg really is in the boonies, but it’s still easily reachable from Nashville, Huntsville, and Chattanooga (60-90 minute drive from all three)
• Reservations are encouraged, though not required…however openings are first-come if you don’t have a reservation so during peak times you might have to wait a while.  My take is, if you’re going all the way out to Lynchburg, wouldn’t be annoying not to be able to get on a tour??
• There is a parking lot you can use for free that’s a short walk to the Visitor Center (I think if you’re approaching the distillery on the left, the parking would be your next right).  Some people take a guided tour from one of the nearby cities, to make things easier.
• Tours/experiences are partly outdoors and may involve walking and stairs. Decent walking shoes are recommended, and I’d encourage sunscreen and a water bottle.
• In addition to taking a tour, I’ve shared some of the other things you could do below, including exploring downtown Lynchburg, stuffing yourself silly at Miss Mary Bobo’s, visiting Jack’s gravesite, and more!
• In Lynchburg proper, the pickin’s are slim.  You’ve got the Country Inn (a renovated motel) and the Tolley House (a B&B).  You can check out this list of (mostly) B&Bs in Lynchburg as well, I’m not certain how up-to-date it is
• One other great idea is to pair a visit to Jack with a weekend exploring Nashville’s awesome energy, music, and food (and here’s a quirky spot to consider staying! )

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The Jack Daniel’s tour

First, we tour!  You’ll arrive at the Visitor Center to check in for your tour.  While you wait, there are tons of historical artifacts, exhibits, stories, and more around the room to soak up.

There are four different tour options (you can see them here ).  There are a lot of similarities, though one of the tours does not include a whiskey tasting at the end.  I took the Angel’s Share tour, which takes a total of 90 minutes and has five higher-end whiskeys you taste at the end.

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This old time-y car is where you’ll meet your tour group at the appropriate time.  I was met by Brandi, and we headed out to the waiting minibus (after a photo op for anyone who was interested).

The tour starts with a short bus ride up to the top of the hill, then the remainder of the tour is walking (note, you’ll need to be physically able to walk short distances and navigate stairs, or else call the distillery to ask about accessible options).

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The tour doesn’t fully go “in order” of the exact whiskey making steps (simply due to logistics of getting groups through and where very old buildings were originally placed).  But you do start kind of at the beginning, with charcoal creation at the rickyard.  This is probably my favorite thing to see, if you’re luck enough to catch the timing right.

Charcoal mellowing was a key part of Jack’s process back in the 1860s, and has stayed an integral part of the process to this day.   The so-called “Lincoln County method” means that every drop of Jack is very slowly dripped through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal before going into the barrel.  This is what makes it a Tennessee Whiskey (as opposed to a bourbon, which it does meet the requirements for).

Contrary to popular belief, the charcoal mellowing doesn’t ADD anything to the whiskey…it removes, to smooth and soften it a bit (particularly some of the more harsh or oily notes you sometimes get in bourbons).  Locals call it the “extra blessing”.

Where do you get the charcoal??  Well, you make it, of course!  The tour will stop here and explain the process of seasoning the sugar maple and then burning it down to charcoal (which is much more exacting to do than you’d imagine).

If you’re REALLY lucky, you’ll get to see Darren and Tracy actually spray the towers of sugar maple with clear high-proof whiskey and burn them (they do it usually 3 to 4 times a week, typically in the morning).

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Next you’ll wander down to the Cave Spring Hollow, one of my favorite spots on the tour and the reason that Jack put his distillery here.  Every drop of water that goes into Jack’s whiskey still comes from the cave spring on the distillery’s land.  It’s truly the lifeblood of the distillery—you can’t make whiskey without a LOT of water!

There’s a reason Kentucky and Tennessee are hotbeds of whiskey making, and that’s because we have an abundance of limestone-filtered water.  Why does that matter??  Well, first it helps impart minerals that give it the right character and helps it be as pure and clear as possible.

But more importantly, the limestone removes iron from the water, which is absolutely critical to whiskey making…iron will cause awful tastes in the end product (think sulfur…blech).  That’s why the 800-ish gallons of water per minute that the distillery gets from the spring are so amazing (and they have a lot of water conservation efforts to ensure it stays that way).

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Make sure to snag a pic with Mr. Jack!  This statue actually gifts him several extra inches in height above his real 5’2″ stature.  He was quite a dapper dresser, which the statue captures nicely 🙂

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The next few stops on the tour include Jack’s office (the only original building that was still usable after Prohibition), then fermentation, and charcoal mellowing.  In those latter two they ask you not to take photos for safety reasons, so make sure to pay attention to signage.  Also, there’s a place to fill up a water bottle in fermentation area.

I particularly love fermentation…seeing how they grow the yeast (their own proprietary strain, which makes a massive difference in taste!), use the sour mash, and ferment the corn mash is so cool.  You can watch it bubble merrily away.

And the SMELL!  It’ll knock you back, that yeasty fermentation scent and C02 kickback packs a punch.  I love it though.

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You are then able to see what the charcoal mellowing process looks like, with vats of charcoal packed 10 feet deep.  The clear 140-proof liquor very slowly drips down, letting gravity do its job.

After the filtration process, the whiskey is still clear, and then it’s ready for barreling.  The distinctive color of Jack Daniels comes from the brand-new charred, toasted oak barrels that will be the whiskey’s home for the next handful of years.

Barrels are so critical to the whiskey-making process, imparting about 50% of the taste and 100% of the color.  That’s why Jack makes all their own barrels, to be able to control that part of the process from start to finish.

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And finally, it’s time to taste some whiskey!  I was on the Angel’s Share tour, which includes five more special, high-end (high-proof) whiskies that are harder to find.

Brandi led us through the Red Dog Saloon, Sinatra Select (the singer was famously buried with a bottle of Jack), Single Barrel Select (one of the easier to find globally), Single Barrel Rye, and the current Tennessee Tasters (which brings notes of Jamaican spice from the finishing barrel they used).

The tour guide will talk about the steps to taste whiskey well (e.g. smelling it first without sloshing it around, then giving it a swirl to sniff, then the first tiny taste to shock your palate, etc.).

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After the tasting, your tour will wind up back at the Visitor Center at the White Rabbit Bottle Shop, basically the only place you can purchase Jack in (dry) Moore County.  White Rabbit was the name of one of the two saloons Jack ran in Lynchburg back in his time (Red Dog was the other).

Their bottle selection rotates constantly, but this can be a great place to pick up some of those less-common products, and the only place to get the Tennessee Tasters series.  One note, they can do bottle engraving here, which is a fun gift idea (or self-gift, to commemorate your visit)!

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Now let’s talk about some of the other things you can do in Lynchburg to really round out your Jack Daniel’s tour experience.

Devour the best Southern cooking at Miss Mary Bobo’s

Run, don’t walk!  For me, Miss Mary Bobo’s is a must-do while you’re in Lynchburg.  It began in the early 1900s as a boarding house run by the lady herself, and has carried on the tradition of Southern hospitality and cooking ever since.

Historically they’ve done everything family-style here, and you’d sit down with other people, big dishes of food magically appearing, and often one of the hosts would sit down and share history, stories, and recollections.  COVID has kind of screwed that up and it’s more traditional ordering right now, but I know they’re hoping to get back to that soon.

Everything I’ve had here has been absolutely delicious, but a major shout-out to the fried okra—I think it’s the best I’ve ever had.  I dream about that okra!  I’d recommend a reservation, and you can see more at their website .

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Wander downtown Lynchburg

Historic downtown Lynchburg is just a 5-minute walk from the distillery, and worth a spin while you’re visiting.  It’s very shopping-focused, particularly old fashioned candy and sweets, Moon Pies, antiques, and LOTS of Jack Daniel’s merchandise (including items made of old barrels).

Make sure to visit the Lynchburg Hardware & General Store, which (contrary to the name) is the biggest, best place to find Jack merch.

Check out the beautiful & unique “Capital Cities” coffee table book!

Oh look, I found a friend to hang with for a bit!

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Visit Jack’s gravesite

This one is a REAL deep-cut, and feels a bit odd to me personally.  But for the passionate Jack Daniel’s fan, why come all the way to Lynchburg and not stop by Jack’s grave to say hi??

He’s buried at the Lynchburg City Cemetery, which was really beautiful and peaceful on the brisk spring day we visited.  It’s fun spotting all the historic Jack Daniel’s-related names on the stones as you walk…Motlow, Tolley, Green, Daniels, and more.  And his gravestone isn’t hard to find, as it’s flanked by two pretty white iron chairs if you want to sit for a spell.

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Attend a special event on BBQ Hill

If you’re really lucky (and a good planner), you just might get to attend an event atop BBQ Hill.  This separate area of the distillery grounds offers amazing views over the Hollow, including the best sunsets around.

There are occasionally events for bartenders, Squires (basically Jack Daniel’s super fans), and us regular Joes, and it’s worth asking around or keeping an eye out for these…I mean, look at that view!

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I hope you’re able to plan your own adventure to visit the Jack Daniel’s Distillery soon…it’s one of those all-American experiences you have to do at least once!

Other whiskey adventures you’ll enjoy:

• Bourbon History…& Actual Bourbon At Louisville’s Old Forester Distilling Company
• Visiting Louisville’s Rabbit Hole Distillery
• What It’s Like Touring Jameson Distillery In Dublin, Ireland
• On The Scotch Whisky Trail: Glendronach, BenRiach, Glenglassaugh
• Whiskey, History, & Rock ‘N’ Roll At Ireland’s Slane Distillery & Castle
• Another famous spirit to explore:   Mixin’ It Up On A BACARDÍ Distillery Tour In San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Comments (4)

December 3, 2022 at 3:55 pm

We have gone to Lynchburg every year since 2016. But only taken one tour of the distillery. This site is absolutely reminiscent for us. Good job. We were not allowed to take the time to photograph the way you have. It makes me want to go again and be with a much smaller group.

December 3, 2022 at 8:57 pm

How fun that you get to go every year! You definitely should try to find a small tour group, maybe one of the special events.

Clint Chabot

May 3, 2022 at 11:57 pm

I wanted to know if there was a possibility of getting my squire calendar

May 4, 2022 at 7:19 am

Hi Clint! This blog is not affiliated with the distillery, so I’d recommend reaching out to them directly or contacting (or visiting) the Squire House. Cheers!

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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.

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Distillery tour faqs, know before you go.

Drop by for a first-hand look at our Distillery where one of our guides will accompany you on a tour and share the history of our whiskey. You'll probably hear an interesting story or two about Mr. Jack as well. We hope to see you around Lynchburg sometime soon.

The town of Lynchburg is the seat of Moore County, one of the smallest counties in Tennessee. Even though it's home to the Distillery, it's a dry county and has been ever since Prohibition. And, while the Distillery may be the main attraction here, you don't want to miss other local favorites like lunch at Miss Mary Bobo's  and a trip to the Lynchburg Hardware & General Store . We encourage you to take your time and explore all the sights of Lynchburg. There's plenty to see.

VISITOR CENTER HOURS OF OPERATION

• Distillery tours are offered daily from 9AM to 4:30PM Central Standard Time.
• We are closed New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

GENERAL DISTILLERY TOUR INFORMATION

• Your safety and the safety of our staff and employees is our primary concern. Please be aware the operational status, tour experiences, guest safety requirements, 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.
• 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. You may experience temperature fluctuations and strong odors during your visit. To accommodate production demands, maintenance and repairs your tour path may be altered or your experience may be slightly delayed. 
• Tours may be partly outdoors and involve walking and stairs. Walking shoes are recommended. 
• Wait time between tours can vary, especially during visitation peaks. Peaks can occur during weekends (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) as well as all major holidays. Book online to secure your preferred time.
• The Jack Daniel Distillery does not offer transportation to the Distillery from other locations. Most folks who visit rent a car or charter a taxi for the day. When arranging transportation to Lynchburg, please plan your return trip with your service provider prior to your visit.
• Baby carriers are recommended. Strollers are not permitted on tours.
• We are able to accommodate requests for reasonable modification or auxiliary aids and services for disabled visitors.  If you require such modifications, aids, or services, or an accessible Distillery tour experience we encourage you to notify the Distillery at (931) 759-6357 at the earliest possible time.
• Military and senior (65+) discounts available.

SECURITY, POLICIES & RESTRICTIONS

• Bags are not permitted on tours. Bags include: backpacks, purses, and camera bags. Clutches, fanny packs, and wallets are allowed.
• Cameras and cell phones are permitted on tours; however, use of these devices is restricted in certain areas of the tour. NOTE: No professional photography permitted without prior written permission. 
• Service animals are welcome at the Distillery; however, they must be restrained at all times.
• The Jack Daniel Distillery and Visitors' 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.
• Tours may be delayed due to inclement weather.
• FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND FOR GROUPS OF 25 OR MORE, PLEASE CALL (931) 759-6357.

Cave Spring Hollow

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Which Jack Daniels Tour Is the Best? Distillery Experiences

• Written By Lydia Martin
• March 7, 2024

Which Jack Daniels tour is the best?

If you love a good glass of Jack Daniel’s as much as we do, you’ve probably considered visiting their famed distillery at Cave Spring Hollow to learn more about what makes them the best-selling whiskey in the world.

Lucky for you, we’ve got the inside scoop on which Jack Daniel’s tour is the best. We’ve been lucky to visit the Jack Daniel’s distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, a few times and even tasted their whiskeys straight from the source.

Keep reading if you’re curious about which Jack Daniel’s tour will give you the best experience.

Table of Contents

Top 4 Jack Daniel’s Tour (Ranked)

1. dry county tour .

• Adults (18 and over): $25
• Youth (10-17): $10
• Children (0-9): Free
• Military and senior discounts available
• 70-minute tour
• Monday to Sunday: 9 AM to 4:30 PM CST
• Closed on major holidays

Inclusions:

• Detailed insight into the distillery and its whiskey-making process

Star Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why We Like It:

The Dry County Jack Daniel’s tour will give you a deep understanding of how the JD whiskey is crafted. While you won’t get to sample the famous spirit, you’ll immerse yourself in captivating stories that bring Mr. Jack’s legacy to life. [ 1 ]

“Jack Daniels: Where Whiskey Dreams Come True.” – Liquor Laboratory

2. Flight Of Jack Daniel Tour 

• Adults (18 and over): $30
• Military and senior discounts are available
• 90-minute tour
• Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM CST
• Sunday: 11 AM to 4:30 PM CST
• Guided tour through the distillery
• Sampling of five Jack Daniel’s products: Jack Daniel’s Whiskey, Tennessee Fire, Tennessee Honey, Gentleman Jack, Rye
• Must be 21+ to attend and sample

Star Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

During this 90-minute experience, one of Jack Daniel’s seasoned storytellers will guide you through the historic location.

At the end of your journey, you’ll find yourself inside the historic George Green Barrel House, where you’ll indulge in five Jack Daniel whiskeys.

This is a fantastic choice for those exploring different whiskey flavors while enjoying an informative tour. But where is Jack Daniel’s made ?

3. The Angel’s Share Tour 

• Adults (21+): $35
• Monday to Sunday: 9:45 AM to 4:30 PM CST
• Sampling of high-proof whiskeys: three expressions from the Single Barrel Collection and two limited-edition whiskeys

For the true whiskey connoisseur, the Angel’s Share tour offers an authentic tasting experience and a journey through the heart of the Jack Daniel Distillery.

What sets this tour apart is the exclusivity of the tasting experience. Your journey includes sampling rare Jack Daniel expressions inside the historic George Green Barrel House.

It was reserved only for distillers and tasters in the past, but today, it’s open for everyone. [ 2 ]

Read: Top Whiskey Distilleries in Scotland

4. Taste Of Lynchburg 

• Adults (21+): $125
• Three-hour tour
• Friday and Saturday: 9:15 AM and 1 PM
• Lunch at Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House Restaurant
• Sampling of five Jack Daniel products: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Barrel Proof, Single Barrel Rye, Sinatra Select, and Gold 27
• Special gift
• Personal photo of your group

This tour combines the best of both worlds: an enriching tour of the location and a delicious Southern meal at Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House Restaurant.

This 3-hour tour offers an extensive sampling of Jack’s products, including some of the finest selections from their premium collections.

The delicious Southern meal is the proverbial cherry atop the sundae. This is a legendary dining spot where even Mr. Jack himself used to dine.

To make your experience even more memorable, you’ll receive a special gift as a token of your visit and a personal photo of your group. You can also stop by the Lynchburg Hardware and General Store to get a souvenir bottle. But how long is Jack Daniel’s aged ?

Can You Taste Jack Daniels On The Tour?

Yes, you can taste Jack Daniels on some of the tours, depending on which one you choose.

“The Angel’s Share Tour,” “The Flight of Jack Daniel,” and “The Taste of Lynchburg” all offer samplings of various labels.

Do You Need Reservations To Tour Jack Daniels Distillery?

Yes, you need reservations to tour the distillery at Jack Daniel’s. Reservations can be made online.

“Jack Daniel’s is more than a whiskey; it’s a legend.” – Frank Sinatra

We recommend checking the tour schedule and availability in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak seasons.

Note: The distillery tours were rated based on distillery history, distillery facilities, tour guides, tasting experience, tour length, and visitor amenities.

FAQs Related to Which Jack Daniels Tour Is the Best

Is jack daniels worth a visit.

Absolutely! A visit to Jack Daniel’s is a worthwhile experience, as it offers a chance to immerse yourself in the craftsmanship and flavors of their whiskeys.

Does Jack Daniel’s Distillery give samples?

Yes, Jack Daniel’s offers samples of their whiskeys, depending on your chosen tour. But who taught Jack Daniel to make whiskey ?

Can you buy Jack Daniels at the Jack Daniels Distillery?

You can purchase a wide range of Jack Daniel’s products from the gift shop, including their signature whiskeys and exclusive distillery-only offerings.

Can anyone go to the Jack Daniels tour?

While many Jack Daniel’s tours are open to all ages, some that include whiskey samplings are open only to adults.

Can you do a tasting at Jack Daniels without a tour?

Tastings at Jack Daniels are only part of guided tours. However, the experiences vary depending on the tour you choose.

What happens on a whisky tour?

You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the whiskeys on a whisky tour. You’ll be guided through the distillery, learn about how they craft their whiskey, and get to sample them.

What do you wear to a bourbon distillery tour?

It’s best to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes during a bourbon distillery tour. Dressing in layers is a good idea, as some areas inside the bourbon distilleries can be chilly. Remember to bring your ID if you plan to participate in bourbon tastings.

What does the Angel’s Share Tour entail?

The Angel’s Share Tour takes visitors on a guided journey through the Jack Daniel’s distillery, showcasing the whiskey-making process from grain to bottle. It includes visits to key production areas such as the barrelhouse, fermentation room, and charcoal mellowing vats.

How long does the tour last?

The duration of the Angel’s Share Tour is typically around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on group size and engagement level.

Is advanced booking required for the Angel’s Share Tour?

It’s highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or holidays, as tours can fill up quickly. Walk-in bookings may be available depending on availability.

Are there age restrictions for the Angel’s Share Tour?

Yes, due to the nature of the tour and the alcohol tastings involved, participants must be at least 21 years old with valid identification.

Can visitors purchase Jack Daniel’s products at the distillery?

Yes, there is a gift shop at the distillery where visitors can purchase a wide range of Jack Daniel’s merchandise and whiskey products, including exclusive releases and souvenirs.

Final Thoughts

When choosing the best Jack Daniel’s tour, the Angel’s Share tour emerges as the undisputed winner in our book.

We love the Angel’s Share tour because it dives deep into Jack Daniels’ whiskeys, especially their high-proof whiskeys. This is a unique opportunity to explore the finest Jack Daniels – an experience only a few can say they’ve had.

However, this is not to say that the others are bad – they will still give you an immersive whiskey experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world. A Jack Daniel’s Distillery tour will undoubtedly be memorable for years to come, so if you’re in the town of Nashville, it’s definitely worth the day trip.

References:

• https://www.history.com/news/jack-daniels-enslaved-distiller-nathan-nearest-green
• https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/how-to-drink-a-cask-strength-whiskey-20150420

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Behind the Scenes Tour of Jack Daniel’s Distillery

Jack Daniel’s invited the Chicago Chapter of Women Who Whiskey for a behind the scenes tour of Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Our small group received an exclusive look inside the distillery (including places not open to the public), complete with stays in the Airstreams, a hike to Motlow cave, and lunch at Miss Mary Bobo’s . We also picked the first ever single barrel of barrel proof rye!

(I have been President of the Chicago Chapter of Women Who Whiskey since 2017. Read more about the international club here !)

This trip was especially meaningful for me since Jack Daniel’s holds a special place in my heart. It was the first whiskey I ever drank, back when I was way younger than I want to admit, and was my drink of choice for years. Finally touring the distillery felt like making a pilgrimage to the place that I owe so much of my passion — and my life — to. My love of whiskey has brought so much to my life, from friends, opportunities , trips , and even my boyfriend!

But enough sappy stuff. Here’s a look at the behind the scenes tour at Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, known as Jack Backstage .

You (Probably) Don’t Know Jack

First, before you scoff at Jack Daniel’s whiskey and question your trust in my whiskey expertise, it’s important to know that Jack Daniel’s is the top selling whiskey in the world . And with good reason. Even though they make approximately 2,500 barrels of whiskey per day (!), each stage of the process is done with excruciating detail and care. It wouldn’t be wrong to call Jack Daniel’s a craft distillery — it’s just done on a very, very large scale .

If you want to truly know Jack Daniel’s, taste their single barrels. They are amazing, and not your usual No. 7!

Jack Daniel’s is so precise about its whiskey-making process, it controls every step of the whiskey-making process. I’m talking every step of the process. Read on to see what I mean.

Jack Daniel’s Water Source: Cave Spring Hollow

One of the main components of whiskey-making is water. Without good water, good whiskey wouldn’t exist. And distillers have known that for centuries. Most distilleries, especially older historic ones, are located where they are because of nearby water sources.

For Jack Daniel’s, the water source is the Cave Spring Hollow, right on the property. Drawing 800 gallons of water from miles beneath the surface every minute, the water is filtered through limestone and stays at a constant 56 degrees year round . And so does the cave surrounding it! The air was immediately cooler when we walked up to it.

Jack Backstage: Motlow Cave

While the Cave Spring Hollow is part of the regular tour of Jack Daniel’s, seeing where the water source begins is not. Luckily, our behind the scenes tour of Jack Daniel’s distillery included a late-night hike to Motlow Cave.

The Cave consists of three large rooms with high ceilings. In the passage to the cave, there is a signature on the wall dating to 1877. Elsewhere within the cave are signatures from Civil War soldiers dating to January 1864, likely hanging out in the cave for shelter.

Just like being near the Cave Spring Hollow, the cave itself was a cool 56 degrees — even though outside it was in the 70s!

Sugar Maple Charcoal Mellowing

One of the signatures of Jack Daniel’s whiskey — and Tennessee whiskey as a whole — is charcoal mellowing. Formally known as The Lincoln County Process, charcoal mellowing is a requirement of Tennessee whiskey (with the exception of Benjamin Prichard Distillery). Essentially it just means filtering new make spirit through charcoal before barreling . It removes oils and impurities, just like a Brita filter.

At Jack Daniel’s distillery, charcoal mellowing starts at the Rickyard. First, sugar maple wood sits outside for six months to dry out. Then it’s sprayed with “whiskey for destruction” — 140 proof unaged whiskey. Then the wood is started on fire and burns at 1800 degrees . Within about an hour-and-a-half, the sugar maple wood has turned into charcoal. The charcoal is then ground into pea-sized bits, ready for filtering whiskey.

Jack Backstage: Lighting the Ricks

The regular tour takes guests through the Rickyard, and if you’re lucky, it’s on one of the three days a week that the sugar maple is lit on fire. For our behind the scenes tour of Jack Daniel’s, we not only got to experience the ricks on fire, we got to help light it!

Each person in our group got to spray the ricks with Whiskey for Destruction, helping to turn the sugar maple wood into the next batch of charcoal. We also got to see the charcoal grinding room, where they ground charcoal into pea-sized bits. And graffiti-like signatures written in charcoal cover the walls of the room. (Of course we signed Women Who Whiskey Chicago!)

The charcoal mellowing room (which is on the regular tour) shows the vats with 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal, and the tiny drops of new make spirit dripping through it. After 3-5 days of filtering, the whiskey comes through the bottom before being barreled.

Whiskey Warehouse

Once the whiskey has gone through the charcoal mellowing process, it’s put into new, charred American White Oak barrels. They are one of the only distilleries in the world that make their own barrels. (Unfortunately, the cooperage is not in Lynchburg, so it’s not part of the distillery tours.)

The barrels go into one of the 92 warehouses on the distillery property. Each warehouse contains 20,000 – 60,000 barrels of whiskey! The warehouses are not temperature controlled, so the barrels on the upper floors mature faster than those on the lower floors. (The upper floors are where Jack Daniel’s single barrels come from, like the single barrel of rye that we picked! But more on that here .)

There is one warehouse on the distillery tour, which shows how the barrels are lined up and arranged all the way to the ceiling. Guests will also notice the numerous warehouses all around the distillery grounds.

Jack Backstage: Quality Control

One of the buildings most guests walk right by without noticing is where the Quality Control takes place. It’s also where the yeast lab is located, which is not on the regular tour. We got to not only see the yeast lab during our behind the scenes tour of Jack Daniel’s distillery, but got a yeast lesson from Master Distiller Chris Fletcher and Assistant Distiller Lexie Phillips.

“We want you to know as much about how we make whiskey as possible,” Chris Fletcher told us. “There are no secrets! We want you to know everything because we’re not cutting any corners.” He explained that when things get proprietary and secretive, corners can be cut.

Yeast is the second most important contribution to whiskey flavor. At Jack Daniel’s, they only use natural yeast (one of the few distilleries not using yeast enzymes) and can trace their yeast strain to 1938. “That’s the very thing that makes our whiskey,” Chris told us.

The yeast used to be kept in the river (because it’s always 56 degrees) but is now kept in the fridge. They scale it up from a small beaker, growing it until it gets to 1700 gallons a few days before fermentation.

Jack Backstage: Jack Daniel’s Fire Brigade

Jack Daniel’s is the only distillery in the world with its own fire department. Named after the famous No. 7 whiskey, Firehouse No. 7 is staffed by 35 volunteers who all work at the distillery. They have several branded fire trucks, and more firefighting foam than anywhere east of the Mississippi! The Jack Fire Brigade is not normally on the distillery tour, or even open to the public, but we got to see it as a special treat.

Jack Backstage: Jack Airstreams

Since our behind the scenes tour of Jack Daniel’s was two days long, they hosted us in the Jack Airstreams overnight. Located on distillery property a few minutes’ drive from the distillery itself (known as BBQ Hill), there are a dozen Airstream trailers lined up. Each of us got our own trailer, stocked with drinks and snacks and even a gift bag.

The Jack Airstreams are not open to the public and are usually reserved for special guests, bartenders, and groups picking single barrels of whiskey.

Picking the First Ever Single Barrel of Jack Daniel’s Barrel Proof Rye

The highlight of our trip to Jack Daniel’s distillery was picking the first ever single barrel of barrel proof rye . Before we arrived, Master Distiller Chris Fletcher and Assistant Distiller Lexie Phillips picked three barrels from different warehouses for us to pick from.

Lexie taught us how to open the barrel bung holes and use a whiskey thief to extract whiskey from the barrels . We filled half-bottles, then took them to the tasting room for decision making. Together Lexie and our Women Who Whiskey group tasted and dissected the three whiskeys, eventually settling on our single barrel pick. (More on the entire process here .)

We picked an incredible barrel proof rye. But the labels for barrel proof rye haven’t even been designed yet, so our whiskey will have to wait until Spring 2023 to be bottled. Until then, I will dream about the delicious rye, and no doubt about the amazing experience we had at Jack Daniel’s.

How to Tour Jack Daniel’s Distillery

Jack Daniel’s offers tours of the distillery every day. Several different tours are available , but note many of the places in this article are not open to the public . (The distillery granted Women Who Whiskey Chicago access as a special treat.) If you’re staying in Nashville and want transportation to the distillery in Lynchburg, this tour includes it . Or if you want to see Jack Daniel’s Distillery with George Dickel Distillery, check out this tour .

Related :: The First Ever Single Barrel of Barrel Proof Rye , Six Tips for Visiting the Bourbon Trail , and more American Distilleries

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and I may receive a commission if you make a purchase from them. Thank you for supporting the companies that support Whiskied Wanderlust.

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I’m a Tennessee Squire. How excited I was to see this article on Google News. The only news I read daily. Headed to Lynchburg next week for a Jack Daniels event. Ms Bobo’s is absolutely delicious. Had lunch there 3 weeks ago. Be safe and enjoy Jack!

Thank you for reading and reaching out. Have fun at Jack Daniel’s next week — it’s such a magical place. Cheers!

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Privacy Overview

Tour Jack Daniels

You drink. we drive. and make you laugh. and sing for you., jack daniels distillery  tour, list of services.

Departs at 8:45 AM*

Returns by 3:30 PM*

Jack Daniel's Distillery

Lynchburg, TN

$129.99 per person

Must be 21+

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Jack Daniel's Lovers 

Join our Nashville to Lynchburg Tipsy Tour and become the star of an unforgettable whiskey adventure! Get ready to share hilarious stories and dance like nobody's watching.

With us, you're not just another tourist – you're the VIP! Tipsy Tours redefines time, transforming a 90-minute journey to the Jack Daniel's Distillery each way into a whirlwind of entertainment.

• Alcohol-infused trivia
• Captivating Story Time
• Thrilling dance contests

We will have you singing all the way back to downtown Nashville!

Of course, we have the distillery tour and lunch covered – no worries there!

Immerse yourself in the legendary Jack Daniel Distillery. Witness its inner workings firsthand and indulge in JD's finest whiskies during the 90-minute tour. Afterward, delight your taste buds with a mouthwatering BBQ lunch on the charming square in Lynchburg before heading back to Nashville.

Don't let this incredible experience slip away – be the star of your own Jack Daniels adventure!

Where and when??

You will board the bus at 250 Rep John Lewis Way, on the side of the Omni hotel by Bob’s Steakhouse. We will depart at 8:45 a.m. sharp and make our way to Lynchburg. Be prepared to have a great time, because you never know what will happen on the way there!

When we arrive and are ready to tour Jack Daniels, you will be treated to the Angel’s share tour. This includes a tasting of some of the Gentleman's finest whiskies. (Yes, they are D-lish!!)

Once your tour is complete, you’ll have an hour and a half to explore historic Lynchburg and grab lunch.  

* Times are approximate. You will get a text the day before your tour with exact time details.

Our pickup location is conveniently located within walking distance of Renaissance Nashville, Ole Red, Hilton Downtown Nashville, and the Music City Center.

Why tour with Tipsy Tours?

Your hard-earned dollar pays for you to travel in style down to historic Lynchburg, TN, where you will take the Angel’s share tasting tour at Jack Daniel’s . During your trek to whiskey greatness, the ride will be filled with sing alongs, trivia, and a lot of laughs and great times.

Can I drink alcohol on the bus ride?

Yes! Let Tipsy Tours purchase it for you ahead of time, so it is one less thing you have to worry about! Keep in mind that we do not make any restroom stops on the way to Jack Daniel’s or Short Mountain. In addition, neither place will let you in if you are M.C. Hammered.

Is it okay to tip the tour guides?

Sure! If you like something they’ve done, why not?

Does everyone have to be 21 to hop on board?

Yessir-ee!! Since we will be tasting alcohol, we have to be 21.

How many folks will be on the bus?

Because we like to create an intimate, personal experience, we limit the maximum number of participants to 13.

Can I book a private tour?

We would love to accommodate you and your friends! Give us a decent heads up so we can plan accordingly.

What if I don't like whiskey? Should I still book a tour?

If you like to have a good time, see some history, and experience the beautiful rolling hills of Tennessee, then you should DEFINITELY book a tour. Plus, if someone accompanies you, they will be happy to have YOU pour your tasting share into THEIR glass!

What happens if it rains?

Since some of the tour at Jack Daniel’s & Short Mountain is outdoors, come prepared with either a poncho and/or an umbrella.

What is your refund policy?

Tickets are non-refundable. But, if something comes up you can always reschedule for another time with advance notice.

Is this a handicapped accessible tour?

Unfortunately, our vehicles are not handicapped- accessible, much like the distilleries.

I'm HUNGRY! What can I eat in Lynchburg?

After your tasting tour, you are free to peruse downtown Lynchburg, where you will have several food choices, including some D- LISH BBQ! 

Do I have to sing while I am on the bus?

If you’re not feeling like Whitney Houston today, you don’t have to sing. Singing is optional, but definitely encouraged!

What happens if I have a good time on the bus?

Are you kidding me?

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The History of Jack Daniel's Iconic Tennessee Whiskey

Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey , renowned as America’s top whiskey and a global best-seller, has achieved iconic status. The core bottling, Jack Daniel's Old No. 7, is produced following a traditional recipe and has a smooth woody character with notes of vanilla and honey. 

Over the years the range has expanded to include rye and flavored whiskey expressions along with the high-end ‘Single Barrel Select' offering aimed at the premium end of the market.

Testament to the brand's cult status and continuing success is the fact that Jack Daniel's merchandise ranges from glassware, apparel, and poker sets to partnerships with Harley-Davidson to build exclusive motorcycles. 

Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey has become deeply embedded in the American cultural fabric, playing a significant role in BBQ traditions, and supporting a host of emerging musicians and bands. 

Revered for years across the U.S., it has won the admiration of celebrities, including the iconic Frank Sinatra, who was rumoured to be buried with a bottle of Jack Daniel's. Its presence in renowned movies like Scarface (1983) has further elevated the brand’s global stature.

Production at Jack Daniel's    

Unlike Scotland's malt whisky which is distilled from malted barley, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey is produced from a sour mash grain recipe consisting of 80% corn, 12% barley and 8% rye mixed with spring water. 

The resulting distillate meets the US regulatory criteria for classification as a straight bourbon. Although, the distillery states an additional production step known as the ‘Lincoln County Process' makes Jack Daniel's more than bourbon – it makes it Tennessee Whiskey . 

The ‘Lincoln County Process' involves filtering the distillate drop by drop through large vats filled with charcoal to remove imperfections. The charcoal used is produced at the Jack Daniel's distillery site by burning hard sugar maple wood in an open-air fire that peaks at 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, hence maintaining an onsite fire department. 

Tennessee state law requires all distillers to meet the same quality standards and production processes used by the Jack Daniel's distillery for products produced in the state labelled as ‘Tennessee Whiskey'.

Following this charcoal mellowing the whiskey is laid to rest in the multi-storied warehouses at the distillery.  These vary between three and seven stories and contain a minimum of 7,000 barrels. 

As the temperature varies across the warehouse levels whiskey matures slightly differently depending upon where barrels are stored, a feature utilised by Jack Daniel's to store the barrels for specific expressions and products at different positions in the warehouses. 

For instance, the Green Label is a lighter younger style whiskey drawn from barrels stored on lower floors at the centre of the warehouse where whiskey matures more slowly. Maturation usually takes four to six years at the Jack Daniel's distillery depending on the respective product and the effect on individual barrels.        

Early Years: Jack Daniel, Born to Make Whiskey

Situated in Lynchburg, Tennessee, a town approximately 70 miles south of Nashville, America's best-known whiskey distillery is named for its founder Jasper Newton "Jack" Daniel. 

Following his father's death in the American Civil War, Jack Daniel left home and was taken in by Reverend Dan Call, a Lutheran minister and moonshine distiller, in 1864. Daniel went on to learn the art of distilling from Call and his distillery worker Nathan "Nearest" Green, an enslaved African American man. 

After a dispute concerning his father's estate was settled, Daniel used his inheritance to found a legally licenced distillery in partnership with Dan Call. The establishment date is contested, with the modern Jack Daniel's brand stating the distillery was founded in 1866 which would make it the first whiskey distillery to be registered in the USA. 

In contrast, Daniel's biographer Peter Krass records in the 2004 biography Blood & Whiskey: The Life and Times of Jack Daniel that official registration documents assert the distillery was not established until 1875.

Dan Call quit the distilling partnership soon after its creation for religious reasons, allegedly under pressure from his wife and congregation for "working for God on Sunday and then making liquor on Monday". 

Acquiring full control of the fledgling distillery, Jack Daniel appointed the now-freed Nathan "Nearest" Green as the first head distiller. (An expression of Uncle Nearest recently was recently named ‘World's Best Tennessee Whiskey' at the World Whiskies Awards 2023 ). 

In 1884, Daniel purchased Cave Spring Hollow and the surrounding land for $2,148, gaining a clean spring water source and location to build the distillery's permanent home. 

After building the distillery Jack opened two bars in the Lynchburg town square in 1892 named the White Rabbit and Red Dog saloons. 

At a time when spirits were bottled from the barrel by individual grocers, Daniel began bottling directly at the distillery in 1895 to convey a sense of fairness and integrity to customers.  After much deliberation the iconic square bottle was chosen with Daniel commenting that it was "A square bottle for a square shooter".

In 1904 the World's Fair in St Louis, Missouri, introduced the latest scientific and cultural innovations to the world which included the Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey. Competing amongst 24 entries from around the world, the Old No. 7 earned the gold medal for World's Best Whiskey.  

Various theories surround the origins of the ‘Old No. 7’ brand name – some say it refers to the seventh recipe experiment to generate the perfect mash for the whiskey, while others suggest it refers to the government registration number Daniel received for the distillery.

The Battle Against Prohibition

With no wife or children as heirs, Jack Daniel passed control of the distillery to his nephew Lem Motlow in 1907 before passing away in 1911. In 1910, Tennessee passed a statewide prohibition law, effectively preventing the legal distillation of Jack Daniel's within the state. Motlow attempted to relocate Jack Daniel's distilling operations to St Louis, Missouri, and Birmingham, Alabama but then prohibition began nationwide on January 17 th 1920 following the ratification of the US Eighteenth Amendment. 

After thirteen years, prohibition was repealed at US federal level in 1933. However, state prohibition laws including Tennessee's remained in effect, continuing to prevent the Jack Daniel's Lynchburg distillery from reopening.

Lem Motlow, who had by now been elected Tennessee State Senator, led efforts to repeal state prohibition laws in 1938. However, a number of Tennessee's counties opted to remain dry – including Moore County where the Jack Daniel's Lynchburg distillery is located. 

After further lobbying from Motlow, a bill was passed allowing whiskey to be produced in Tennessee and sold in other states – Jack Daniel's could finally resume production in Lynchburg. 

In 1941, Lem Motlow commissioned a life-size statue of Jack Daniel, which was erected in front of Cave Spring Hollow. Following intense negotiations between Lem's son Reagor Motlow and the US government in 1941, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey achieved official approval as a distinct product labelled as whiskey rather than bourbon thanks to the charcoal mellowing ‘Lincoln County Process'.

The Jack Daniel's distillery was then forced to cease operating between 1942-1946 when the US government banned the production of whiskey for the duration of the Second World War. 

Post-war production resumed at Jack Daniel's in 1947, when good-quality grain was more readily available for distilling. After guiding the distillery through Prohibition, the Depression and wartime closure, Lem Motlow passed away in 1947.

  Jack Daniel's: Birth of an Iconic Brand 

 In 1956, Jack Daniel's was sold to Brown-Forman Corporation, an American-based wine and spirit company. However, the Motlow family continued to operate and manage the distillery. 

In 1964 the brand introduced its well-recognized black and white label and initiated a new advertising campaign.  On September 14, 1972, the Jack Daniel's distillery earned a place on the US National Register of Historical Places. 

Until 1987 Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey (with the black label) had an alcohol content of 45%, which translates to 90 U.S. Proof.  Post-1987, the alcohol content for the same whiskey was slightly reduced to 43%, which is 86 Proof.

In 1988 the brand introduced a new variant called “Gentleman Jack” which undergoes a second charcoal mellowing before bottling to achieve exceptional smoothness. As Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 is a popular sauce ingredient in US BBQ culture, Lynchburg hosted the first annual Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue Competition in 1989.

Although Moore County remained dry, a 1994 Special Act of the Tennessee Legislature permitted the Jack Daniel's distillery to sell one commemorative bottle to each guest on site from January 1995. 

In February 1997 the first Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Select bottlings were released, each drawn from individual barrels. As this Single Barrel range has evolved the distillery now offers customers the premium option of purchasing an entire barrel for bottling and receiving a whiskey of distinct flavour for approximately $10,000. 

In 1999, the Jack Daniel's distillery opened a visitor's centre which sells commemorative bottlings of Gentleman Jack, Single Barrel Select, and Old No. 7 in distillery-exclusive decanters at the White Rabbit Bottle Shop.

Ongoing Success 

From 2002, all generally available bottlings were reduced to 80 U.S. Proof, although without any public publicity or announcement from the distillery. 

Despite a petition from Modern Drunkard Magazine of over 13,000 signatures, the Jack Daniel's distillery stood by their decision and argued that the reduction made their whiskey more accessible to a wider range of drinkers. Expanding the range to attract a new generation of drinkers the first flavoured expression, Tennessee Honey, launched in 2011 followed by the cinnamon-flavoured Tennessee Fire in 2015 and Tennessee Apple in 2019.

Introducing the first new mash formula since the inception of Old No. 7, Jack Daniel's pioneered America’s revival of rye whiskey by unveiling Single Barrel Rye in 2015. This whiskey is distilled from a blend consisting of 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% barley. Following this, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Rye, a conventional rye whiskey, was released in 2017.

In response to growing global demand a new  cooperage was opened in 2014 in Lawrence County, Alabama, crafting hundreds of barrels from American white oak each day. 

The distillery does not refill barrels and so uses each only once. After being used once to mature Jack Daniel's whiskey most barrels are then sold on to a variety of producers including Scotland's whisky distilleries, American tabasco sauce producer the McIlhenny Company and the rum distillers Mount Gay Rum and Appleton Estate. 

Other barrels are repurposed, for example as garden planters. In 2016 the Jack Daniel's distillery celebrated its 150 th anniversary, marking the event by commemorating the key role played by Nathan "Nearest" Green in the early years of the distillery and in the development of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey.  

Jack Daniel's Timeline 

1864            Following his father's death, Jasper Newton "Jack" Daniel is taken in by Reverend Dan Call, a lay preacher and moonshine distiller. Jack Daniel learns distilling from Dan Call, and Nathan "Nearest" Green, an enslaved African American man.

1866 – 1875 On receiving an inheritance, Jack Daniel partners with Dan Call to found a legally licenced distillery. The establishment date is contested, with the modern brand states the distillery began in 1866, making Jack Daniel's the first distillery registered in the U.S., while sources examining official registration documents argue establishment did not occur until 1875.

                     Dan Call quits the partnership for religious reasons, leaving Jack Daniel to take control of the distillery. Nathan "Nearest" Green is appointed head distiller.

1884            Jack Daniel purchases Cave Spring Hollow and the surrounding land for $2,148 and establishes a permanent distillery at the site.

1892            Jack Daniel opens two bars in the town of Lynchburg, Tennessee called the White Rabbit and Red Dog saloons.  

1895            Jack Daniel begins using the iconic square bottles, intended to convey a sense of fairness and integrity.

1904            Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 takes a gold medal at the 1904 St Louis World's Fair.

1907            Jack Daniel begins training his nephews in aspects of the distilling business, one of whom, Lemuel "Lem" Motlow becomes distillery bookkeeper.

                     In 1907, Lem Motlow takes control of the distillery, following the retirement of Jack Daniel.

1910            Tennessee passes a statewide prohibition law in 1910, effectively preventing the legal distillation of Jack Daniel's within the state.

1911            Jack Daniel passes away in 1911 from blood poisoning.

                     Lem Motlow makes failed attempts to relocate distilling operations to St Louis, Missouri, and Birmingham, Alabama to circumvent the Tennessee prohibition law.  He also appoints his brother Jess Motlow as Master Distiller.

1920            Following ratification, nationwide prohibition begins on January 17 th 1920.

1933            Prohibition is repealed at US federal level, although state prohibition laws including Tennessee's remain in effect, preventing the Jack Daniel's Lynchburg distillery from reopening.

1938            Elected as a Tennessee state senator, Lem Motlow leads efforts to repeal state prohibition laws allowing Jack Daniel's production to resume in 1938.

1941            Lem Motlow commissions a life-size statue of Jack Daniel, which is erected at the Cave Spring Hollow.

                     Jack Daniel's achieves official approval for the distinctive classification of Tennessee Whiskey, characterised by additional charcoal mellowing known as ‘The Lincoln County' process.

1942            The distillery ceases operations when the US government bans the production of whiskey due to the Second World War between 1942-1946.

1947            Production resumes at the Jack Daniel's distillery. Lem Motlow passes away.

                     In a New York City bar, Jackie Gleason introduced Frank Sinatra to Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey – creating a lifelong enthusiast.

1956            The distillery is purchased by the Brown-Forman Company.

1964            The iconic black and white label and advertising is created.

1972            The distillery is listed on the US National Register of Historical Places, from September 14 th 1972.

1987            Previously produced at 90 U.S. Proof (45% alcohol volume) Jack Daniel's black label is reduced to 86 Proof. Jack Daniel's black label is regarded as the premium bottling, while a Jack Daniel's green label becomes the standard bottling released as 80 Proof.

1988            Double-mellowed Gentleman Jack is launched on the US market.

1989            The first annual Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue Competition takes place in Lynchburg.

1994            A 1994 Special Act of the Tennessee Legislature allows the Jack Daniel's distillery to sell commemorative decanters on site from January 1995.

1997            In February 1997 the first Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Select bottlings are released.

1999            The distillery visitor's centre opens.

2002            All generally available bottlings are reduced to 80 Proof.

2011            Tennessee Honey is released.

2014            A new Jack Daniel's cooperage opens in Lawrence County, Alabama crafting hundreds of barrels daily.

2015            Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Rye Whiskey is launched.

                     Tennessee Fire is released.

2016            The distillery celebrates the distillery's 150 th anniversary underlining their claim that registration and establishment occurred in 1886.

2017            Tennessee Rye is launched.

2019            Tennessee Apple is released. 

Read the full article at The History of Jack Daniel’s Iconic Tennessee Whiskey

• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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