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Writer's pictureTony George

Whiskey 101: The Great Debate: Is Tennessee Whiskey Legally Bourbon?

As a whiskey enthusiast, I've discovered that certain topics within the realm of distilled spirits can ignite passionate and heated debates. One such discussion centers around the legal classification of Tennessee Whiskey in relation to bourbon. Have you ever wondered if beloved brands like Jack Daniel's or George Dickel could be rightfully considered bourbon? This longstanding controversy has captivated whiskey enthusiasts and industry experts alike for years. Today, I aim to explore this question and hopefully provide some clarity.


Legal Requirements

Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey have very similar legal requirements, but there are a few key differences:


Bourbon:

- Must be made in the United States

- Must be made from a mash bill that is at least 51% corn

- Must be aged in new, charred oak barrels

- Cannot contain any additives or flavors

- Must be distilled to no more than 160 proof and entered into the barrel at no more than 125 proof

- Must be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% ABV)


Tennessee Whiskey:

- Must be made in Tennessee

- Must follow the same requirements as bourbon, except:

- Must be charcoal mellowed (filtered through sugar maple charcoal) prior to aging.


So, the main differences are the geographic origin (Tennessee vs. anywhere in the U.S. for bourbon) and the additional charcoal mellowing process that is required for Tennessee Whiskey, which is perhaps the biggest debate point when discussing what distinguishes Tennessee Whiskey from bourbon. Otherwise, the base legal requirements around mash bill, barrel aging, and distillation proof are the same between the two.


The evidence suggests that Tennessee Whiskey should be legally recognized as a type of bourbon. According to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Tennessee Whiskey is indeed classified as a bourbon varietal. This legal designation suggests that Tennessee Whiskey could be labeled as bourbon.


Industry Experts

Leading distillers from iconic Tennessee Whiskey brands have expressed their view that their products meet the criteria to be labeled as bourbon.


Chris Fletcher, the current Master Distiller at Jack Daniel's, once stated in an interview, "(Tennessee Whiskey) is bourbon. I mean, if we wanted to be bourbon, all we do is change our label. It’s pretty easy. I don’t know why people get so distraught over it. It doesn’t bother me one bit to see Jack Daniel’s on a list with bourbon whiskies. It’s totally fine.”


[Link 1: “Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey: Is it a bourbon?” https://drinksadventures.com.au/2022/09/30/jack-daniels-tennessee-whiskey-is-it-a-bourbon/]


Similarly, Nicole Austin, the current General Manager and Distiller at George Dickel, has emphasized that their whiskey meets all the requirements to be considered bourbon under the law. She has stated “It is bourbon. All Tennessee whiskey could be bourbon if it wanted to. There is absolutely nothing stopping any Tennessee Whiskey producer from putting the word bourbon on their label, other than tradition.” In fact, in 2022, Austin released George Dickel 8 year Bourbon, which has the same mashbill as their No. 12 Tennessee Whiskey and also undergoes the Lincoln County Process.


[Link 2: “Episode 18: Distiller Nicole Austin (George Dickel) talks Tennessee Whiskey”https://thecottonmouthclubpresents.com/excerpt-tennessee-whiskey/#:~:text=Is%20there%20anything%20in%20the,bourbon%20if%20it%20wanted%20to.]


 

For this whiskey enthusiast, the ongoing debate over the bourbon status of Tennessee Whiskey seems unfounded. With its adherence to the legal requirements of bourbon production and its formal recognition under NAFTA, Tennessee Whiskey should undoubtedly be classified as a type of bourbon. Next time you savor a sip of your favorite Tennessee Whiskey, remember that you are enjoying a bourbon in all but name. Cheers to the rich heritage and tradition that these beloved spirits represent! 🥃

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