LYNCHBURG, Tenn. — There are only a limited number available from 10 cities across the U.S. and this week, The Jack Danial Distillery and Armed Services YMCA kicked off “barrel tree” sales as part of Operation Ride home. The proceeds help junior-enlisted service members and their families travel home for the holidays.

Each year folks in southern, middle Tennessee and beyond look forward to the Jack Daniel’s Barrel Tree tradition. The distillery first built its iconic 26-foot-tall “Barrel Tree” in 2011 in Lynchburg using 140 American white oak whiskey barrels to bring festive cheer to the community. On Saturday, local officials will light the Lynchburg tree around 6:15 p.m. following the Christmas in Lynchburg Parade.

The original tree is one of nine others lighting up cities across the country from New York to California including: Nashville, Tampa, San Antonio, Washington, D.C. New Brunswick, New York, San Francisco, and Venice. Each charred oak barrel used to build the trees once matured Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey.

Barrels from each of the 10 Jack Daniel’s “Barrel Trees” currently on display across the country are now available for $200 each at operationridehome.com. Proceeds benefit the Operation Ride Home program in partnership with the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA), which has helped nearly 13,000 individuals travel home and raised close to $3 million since 2011. Service members from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard have received travel assistance to all 50 states.

“Our whiskey barrels have always had a special role to play, and during the holiday season, they take on an even greater purpose—bringing military families together,” said Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller. “We hope our friends will purchase a barrel to help service members create cherished memories with their loved ones. It’s an opportunity to honor their sacrifices and make this season even more meaningful for the families.”

All purchased barrels must be picked up locally from their respective cities. Each barrel is approximately 22-28 inches wide by 36 inches tall and will be unfinished and, of course, empty. You must be 21 years or older to purchase and pick up barrels. A portion of the donation is tax deductible. The number of barrels available varies by city.

If you know of a junior enlisted service member who could benefit from the program, click here for the online application. •

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