Dickel releases Bottled in Bond 2.0

{Editor’s Note: Since we are the unofficial whiskey capital of the South, each #WhiskeyWednesday we bring you headlines from not only Jack Daniel Distillery but also other distilleries in both southern, middle Tennessee and around the state. Cheers!}

George Dickel Master Distiller Nicole Austin handpicked both sets of barrels used for her Bottled in Bond iteration. The new release recently hit liquor stores and is selling fast. {Photo Courtesy of George Dickel}

TULLAHOMA — Cascade Hollow is a magical place. Moderate temps 365 days a year lead to a slow, steady mellowing process that ages their George Dickel whiskey just right.

Last year, George Dickel Master Distiller Nicole Austin explored their local rickhouses looking for forgotten treasure and hit pay dirt. She happened upon a long-forgotten batch of 13-year-old stock, all distilled in a single season. This just happens to be the very same requirement of the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897. Once she tasted these 2005 barrels, the whiskey immediately stood out. The folks at Whisky Advocate Magazine seem to agree. George Dickel’s first Bottled in Bond was number one on the 2019 Top 20 Whiskies of the Year.

Now, Austin’s at it again with a second Bottled in Bond that consumers are snapping off the shelves. This time, it’s an 11 year old whiskey that’s 84 percent corn, eight percent rye and eight percent malt. It’s a bit younger than the first Bottled in Bond but identical in meeting the strict definition of a bottled in bond whiskey: 100 percent pure whiskey produced at a single distillery during one distilling session that at least four years old and 100 proof.

This iteration pours dark honey colored and enjoys notes of pecan and apple and a distinct nuttiness. It’s warm but with very little bite. In fact, served neat with a single ice cube brings out the maple, caramel, and oak.

And at it’s $40 price point, it’s a heck of a southern, middle Tennessee whiskey buy … if you can find it. To learn more, visit the George Dickel website by clicking here. •

{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, the Lynchburg Music Fest, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}

New Motörhead biopic sure to feature Jack Daniel’s

{Editor’s Note: Since we are the unofficial whiskey capital of the South. Each #WhiskeyWednesday we bring you headlines from not only Jack Daniel’s Distillery but also other distilleries in both southern, middle Tennessee and around the state. Cheers!}

Lemmy of Motörhead poses with a bottle of local product for a publicity picture. Hollywood is working on a biopic of the iconic rockers life that’s sure to feature a bottle of Jack. {Photo Provided}

Product placement anyone? A film about an iconic rock star is coming to screens soon and it’s sure to feature his preferred whiskey … Jack Daniel’s.

Musician biopics are all the rage. First, we learned about Freddie Mercury and Queen in Bohemian Rhapsody and then Elton John’s life inspired Rocketman. Now, Ian “Lemmy” Kilmster and Motörhead are up next and of course, it will feature a scene with Lemmy drinking his fave cocktail, a Jack and Coke.

The film’s director, Greg Olliver, says he plans to use the myths surrounding Lemmy to tell his story and one of those involves his love of our local product. Reportedly one scene will involve Lemmy famously drinking Jack Daniel for breakfast.

The English singer, songwriter and bass player died on December 28, 2015 at age 70. His death happened just days after being diagnosed with cancer.

Lemmy so loved Jack Daniel that after his death their was a change.org petition that garnered nearly 50,000 signatures asking that the official name of a Jack and Coke be changed to the Lemmy. The distillery also loved his right back. In 2016, Jack Daniel’s introduced a special single-barrel whiskey in honor of Motörhead. It enjoyed an extremely limited 288 bottle run.

Oliver also directed the 2010 documentary titled, Lemmy. His new biopic is set to go into production next year, and no release date is yet set. The lead role is also yet to be cast. •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Lynchburg. We cover Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}

Birthday Bourbon: BF offers bottle to celebrate founder

Brown-Forman will celebrate founder with special Birthday Bourbon. {Photo Provided}

In 1870 and with $5,500 in saved and borrowed money, George Gavin Brown and his brothers started the company that would one day own Lynchburg’s Jack Daniel’s Distillery. They sold whiskey in glass bottles to ensure freshness – an innovation at the time – as Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky became their flagship brand.

In September, Brown-Forman will release the limited edition, vintage-dated Gavin Brown Birthday Bourbon to mark the company’s 150th year.

The 2020 Birthday Bourbon will be bottled at 98 proof and is made up of 95 barrels, aged 10 years and barreled on June 5, 2010. After showing exceptionally unique character during a tasting panel, the 10-year-old barrels were chosen specifically for this year’s Birthday Bourbon. The full allotment of product represents one day’s production of Old Forester, according to a press release.

“Founded by my great-great grandfather, Old Forester the only bourbon brand with an uninterrupted 150-year history, sold by the same family company before, during and after Prohibition,” said Old Forester President Campbell Brown. “Birthday Bourbon is the perfect way to celebrate his birthday and this milestone year makes it even more special. Its annual release has become something that bourbon lovers anticipate, and we really believe that the 2020 version is one of our best yet.”

The 2020 Old Forester Birthday Bourbon will be offered on an extremely limited basis. Click here to find out how to purchase a bottle. •

Jack re-opens Visitors Center but no tours yet

According to Jack Daniel’s officials, the Visitor Center, White Rabbit Bottle Shop, and Lynchburg Hardware and General Store have “soft” opened but the distillery isn’t yet offering tours or tastings. Miss Mary Bobo’s will also remain closed for now. {Photo Provided}

You may or may not have noticed this week that the Lynchburg Hardware and General Store on the square has re-opened with social distancing in mind. Signs are posted stating that folks should stand “two barrels apart” and that the maximum capacity for shoppers inside at one time is 20 people.

According to distillery officials, Jack Daniel’s plans to “soft open” some facilities but will not re-open to tours and tastings just yet. The Jack Daniel Visitor Center, White Rabbit Bottle Shop, and Lynchburg Hardware and General Store are all open to the public. Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant will remained closed until tours resume.

“Clearly, the health and safety of our employees and visitors is our primary concern. There are a number of steps that have been taken to ensure a safe visit for our friends including limiting the number of people in the facilities at one time, increased sanitation efforts to meet and exceed safety guidelines, and other activities,” one official told us. •

{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}

Short Mountain introduces first ever organic Tennessee whiskey

Short Mountain Distillery recently introduced the first ever 100 percent organic Tennessee Whiskey. {Photo Provided}

WOODBURY — It’s made just 50 miles up the road in Cannon County on a charming, hilltop distillery overlooking the Highland Rim and Central Basin. Short Mountain Distillery recently introduced the first ever, certified organic, Tennessee whiskey named Green Thumb.

It’s an area rich in whiskey-making history that once boasted as many as 18 legal distilleries. Owner Billy Kauffman made friends with some of those moonshine legends and a whiskey brand was born. Short Mountain produces craft, small-batch spirits including Green Thumb. They are nestled on a 300-acre working farm in rural Cannon County. In fact, if you eat at their Stillhouse Restaurant you can enjoy beef raised onsite.

Green Thumb is certified organic and produced in single barrel batches from a family recipe handed down through the generations. It’s made with 100 percent organic malts and grains and at 100 proof, it packs an all natural punch. It’s classically Tennessee whiskey smooth with notes of dry cut hay, vanilla, and new saddle leather. It’s finish is slightly smokey.

For more information, check out their Facebook page or website. •

Brown-Forman sells off three whiskey brands

Early Times, Canadian Mist, and Collingwood are no longer part of the Brown-Forman family of brands. {File Photo}

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Brown-Forman, the parent company of Jack Daniel’s Distillery, announced this week that it is selling three whiskey brands – Early Times, Canadian Mist and Collingwood – to Sazerac Company.

One hundred and sixty year old Early Times was the first brand ever purchased by Brown-Forman in 1923. Brown-Forman acquired Jack Daniel’s from the Motlow family in 1956. Canadian Mist joined their portfolio in 1971 and made history as the first BF product line made outside the U.S. Collingwood is a artisanal whiskey also produced in Canada.

“Early Times and Canadian Mist have been valued brands in our portfolio for many years, and they each have played significant roles in our company’s history,” said Brown-Forman President and CEO Lawson Whiting. “We are thankful to all the people who have distilled, bottled, shipped, marketed, and distributed these brands with care over the years.”

Brown-Forman said the decision to sell the brands came from a desire to focus on their premium brands as a means towards ensuring long-term growth. In the companies latest earnings report last week, net sales of premium bourbons grew 21 percent led by Woodford Reserve and Old Forester. All other whiskeys, including Jack Daniel’s, grew around nine percent.

Sazerac is a family-owned, private distillery with operations in Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Maryland, California, and global operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, India, Australia and Canada. •

{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}

Nearest Green and Jack Daniel distilleries announce diversity partnership

In this historic photo, Nathan “Nearest” Green’s son, George, sits next to Jack Daniel at the Lynchburg Distillery. The two companies have partnered to ensure diversity in American whiskey making moving forward. {Historic Photo}

In an unprecedented move, two famous distilleries with Lynchburg roots have joined forces to increase diversity in the American whiskey industry. In a press release on Thursday, the two Tennessee distilleries announced the formation of the Nearest & Jack Advancement Initiative.

Both companies will support it equally with an initial $5 million combined pledge to launch the Nearest Green School of Distilling, develop the Leadership Acceleration Program (LAP) for apprenticeships and establish the Business Incubation Program (BIP), focused on providing expertise and resources to African Americans entering the spirits industry as entrepreneurs. This joint initiative will be guided by an advisory board with members from both organizations.

Motlow State College worked with leaders from both companies for the past year to develop a curriculum for the Nearest Green School of Distilling. The STEM based and employable skills focused program has passed Motlow State requirements and is now awaiting approval from the Tennessee Board of Regents to begin moving toward accreditation by the institutions accrediting body SACSCOC. The certificate program may be offered as early as Fall 2021.

The program will offer apprenticeships specifically to African Americans already in the whiskey industry, who are wanting to become a head distiller, head of maturation or production manager. The inaugural apprentices have already been identified and will begin shadowing at top distilleries throughout the country.

The Initiative will also work as an incubation program for African American entrepreneurs and offer mentorship in all areas of the distilling business, including access to top marketing firms, branding executives, expanded distribution networks and other assets and opportunities to grow their spirits businesses.

“Generally, when companies talk about the need to improve diversity, few immediate action steps follow,” said Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey CEO Fawn Weaver.

“Our group is different. We are doers, and we all agreed to work together to improve diversity in our industry, and specifically, a way to get African Americans into top positions within our industry. Nearest Green taught Jack Daniel how to make Tennessee whiskey and we’re incredibly proud our companies are joining forces to further their legacies of excellence, and to make distilling and the whiskey industry we love more diverse.”

It’s a sentiment that Brown-Forman officials echoed.

“Given our deep commitment to diversity and inclusion, I am thrilled we are coming together in this way today,” said Brown-Forman President and CEO Lawson Whiting. The Brown-Forman Corporation is the parent company of Jack Daniel’s.

“This collaboration allows the extraordinary friendship of Nearest and Jack, and the hope they embodied during racially divided times in our country’s history, to help us advance the next generation of African American leaders in our industry.”

For more information, check out the Initiative website by clicking here. •

Jack Daniel’s introduces cocktails in a can

{Editor’s Note: Since we are the unofficial whiskey capital of the South. Each #WhiskeyWednesday we bring you headlines from not only Jack Daniel Distillery but also other distilleries in both southern, middle Tennessee and around the state. Cheers!}

Jack Daniel’s newest offering canned cocktails sit on a hill overlooking Moore County. They became available on June 1 in select markets. {*Photo Courtesy of Jack Daniel*}

LYNCHBURG — It’s summer and time to head out to Tims Ford Lake or barbecue with close friends. Lots of Lynchburg folks like to imbibe a little local product every now and then. Jack Daniel’s Distillery’s newest offering, Jack Daniel’s Canned Cocktail, makes that convenient and easy.

They come in handcrafted cocktail varieties like Jack and Selzter, Jack and Cola, and Jack, Honey, and Lemonade. According to the distillery, each cocktail is made with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, perfectly mixed and ready to enjoy in convenient packaging. Jack and Cola and Jack, Honey and Lemonade are seven percent ABV, and Jack and Seltzer is five percent ABV with 0 carbs and 97 calories.

“We are always listening to our friends, and these new canned cocktails will be a convenient and refreshing way for them to enjoy our Tennessee Whiskey with a selection of wonderful flavors,” said Jack Daniel’s Flavors Brand Director Lisa Hunter. “Each drink is perfectly balanced to highlight the flavors of our charcoal-mellowed whiskey in a drinkable and convenient format. This is real Jack and it’s ready to go.”

They were released to only select states … including Tennessee, of course … on June 1. For more information, visit the Jack Daniel’s Distillery website. •

Prichard’s Distillery re-opens for tours, tastings

{Editor’s Note: Since we are the unofficial whiskey capital of the South. Each Whiskey Wednesday we bring you headlines from not only Jack Daniel Distillery but also other distilleries in both southern, middle Tennessee and the state. Cheers!}

Bottles of Prichard’s Fine Rum roll off the line at the Kelso distillery. It recently re-opened for both tours and tastings. {Photo Courtesy of Prichard’s}

KELSO — At least one local distillery is now re-open to tours, tastings, and shopping. Prichard’s Distillery in Kelso recently announced that they would re-open but with social distancing measures in place.

Staff will wear face masks and gloves during all tastings and visitors will be asked to maintain six feet apart while onsite. Tours will also be limited to eight or less at any one time. Tours are now available from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Prichard’s Distillery is located at 11 Kelso-Smithland Road. For more information, contact them at 931-433-5454 or check out their website or Facebook page. •

Manning and friends launch new whiskey

Shots of their new whiskey line up at the first tee at Sweetens Cove. {Photo Provided}

It’s no secret that in Lynchburg many local college football fan’s blood bleeds bright orange. When you combine former UT quarterback Peyton Manning and an expertly blended 13-year old Tennessee Whiskey together with one of the state’s best kept golf secrets … well, it’s a tempting combination.

On May 26, pre-sale on Manning’s Sweetens Cove Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey will open to Tennessee residents only. It’s a limited run of just 14,000 bottles.

Down a gravel road in the Sequatchie Valley

It all started right down the road in South Pittsburg just 69 miles from Moore County at a place called Sweetens Cove. It’s a real find and ones that’s developed a cult following in the Volunteer State and beyond.

The quirky little Golf Week Top 100 nine hole course enjoys an interesting ritual. Before golfers tee up for the first time at the first hole, they go into the tiny little clubhouse, named The Shed, and throw back a shot of whiskey.

It’s a tradition dating back to the beginning and one that’s led to an impressive collection of bourbons and whiskeys as golfers pay-it-forward by taking their shot and leaving the bottle behind for the next person.

One day while playing a round with tennis great Andy Roddick, the two decided to bottle that particular lightening and a new bourbon offering was born. Now with help from Tom Nolan, Rob Collins, Mark Rivers, Skip Bronson and Drew Holcomb the first bottle goes on sale today.

Friends (from left to right) Tom Nolan, Andy Roddick, Rob Collins, Mark Rivers, Peyton Manning as well as Skip Bronson and Drew Holcomb created a bourbon to honor their favorite golf course. {Photo Provided}

Blended by Master Distiller Marianne Eaves

The group knew they wanted their new distilled spirit to be something special, so they enlisted the help of Marianne Eaves — one of the top whiskey makers in the country. Eaves, the first female bourbon master distiller in Kentucky since prohibition, wasn’t an easy get.

She’d fielded lots of calls about blending a celebrity whiskey before and wasn’t tempted. But something about the Sweetens Cove story hooked her. When she discovered 100 barrels of 13 year-old Tennessee-made whiskey aging in a Kentucky rickhouse, she brought it home and got to work.

“I only want to work with brands who insist on continually raising the bar, for themselves and the industry as a whole,” she says. “Sweetens is definitely in the latter category.”

The result is five distinct, hand-blended batches each with an overarching theme of caramel and warm oak notes but as diverse as the place that inspired them. One tastes like citrus. Another leans toward white pepper. While yet another heads in the direction of burnt marshmallow.

Eaves also says that there are four barrels in particular she felt we’re far superior and worthy of a future single barrel release later in 2020.

Manning and Roderick say they are decidedly hands off when it comes to the whiskey making trusting Eaves instincts and years of experience.

Bottles went on sale at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26 and one will be auctioned off for COVID-19 relief. To learn more, visit the Sweetens Cove Spirits website. •