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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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Home » North America » USA » Tennessee » Visiting Jack Daniel’s Distillery: A Tiny Town’s Big Legacy

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.

Jack Daniel's Distillery Tour with Tastings & Lynchburg Stop

• Nashville to Jack Daniel's Distillery Guided Tour
• Transportation by Air-Conditioned Bus
• Admission to Jack Daniel's Distillery for the "Angel's Share" Distillery Tour
• Whiskey Tastings as part of "Angel's Share" Distillery Tour
• Time to enjoy shopping in small town Lynchburg
• Bottled Water
• Entry/Admission - Jack Daniel's Distillery
• Tennessee, Nashville, TN 37203, USA Mint Julep Experiences, 250 5th Ave South, Omni Hotel Plaza next to Bongo Java Coffee, Nashville, TN 37203-4206
• Near public transportation
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• Dress code is casual. Tours include significant time walking outdoors.
• 21 and up only
• Minimum drinking age is 21 years. Please bring ID – attendees may be required to prove they are 21 years of age or older to be able to consume or purchase alcohol at each distillery.
• Tours are non-refundable.
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
• 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 22 travelers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Tennessee Nashville, TN 37203, USA Mint Julep Experiences, 250 5th Ave South, Omni Hotel Plaza next to Bongo Java Coffee, Nashville, TN 37203-4206 See address & details
• 1 Jack Daniel's Distillery Stop: 3 hours - Admission included See details
• 2 Lynchburg Stop: 80 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• 339curtisk 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nashville to Mephis, Craceland Tour We did a personalized tour for our group of 8 people. It was roundtrip from Nashville to Memphis, TN to see Graceland, Sun Studios and Beale Street. Our Mint Julep driver was Zach and he did an exceptional job getting us through the 15 hour long single day trip. It started the day ahead with a personalized text from Zach confirming our pickup location and time. We had MJE pick us up directly at our hotel. He was on-time and the bus was an upscale leather seated, very clean tour bus for 12 to 14 people with a cooler of waters, ice and some small snacks waiting for us. We booked the tour a couple of weeks ahead and everything was delivered as promised with no complaints from any of our group. If looking to book a tour, I would highly recommend Mint Julep and would definitely book with them again. Mint Julep is a professional company, very responsive when we emailed them with questions during the booking process and a true class act in providing customer service. Thanks again for the great tour experience!!!! Read more Written May 8, 2024
• Q4408RPmorganm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Bachelorette Murals and Mimosas Donnie was GREAT! Our pictures are fantastic. Such a fun time and very worth it!!! It even rained and we had a roof and the sides covered. Read more Written May 8, 2024
• bagataway14 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to create core memories! Being responsible for planning my sister’s bachelorette party, I was looking for something unique to do with our group of twelve. The Murals and Mimosas tour was just the thing. From the get go, planning it out with my contact Jon at Mint Julep I knew we would be in good hands. He was very accommodating for what I was looking to accomplish and all the details were covered to ensure we had a great day. Our tour guide Zach was incredible and the entire group had nothing but wonderful things to say about him and the entire experience overall. Our driver Diana was also very friendly and got us to the various stops along the way safely. I highly recommend the Mint Julep team and the Murals and Mimosas tour if you are looking to create a memorable event. Cheers! Johnny Read more Written May 6, 2024
• Companion33246757878 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic service Bob was a great guide! He ensured we were well informed and gave us some wonderful background information- great day!!! Read more Written April 29, 2024
• S4546QQclaireb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Caleb is awesome...AND this tour is awesome! CALEB IS SO AWESOME! We absolutely LOVED this tour...Caleb's knowledge of the history of Nashville was impressive; he got involved when needed, he stepped back when it was appropriate...he was perfect! Thank you so much Caleb...we had such a great experience and we will never forget it! I'll even try drinking RYE whiskey to see what happens! Thank you, thank you, thank you, a hundred times! We will reco Mint Julep to all our friends/family in the future! Appreciate you!!!! Read more Written April 1, 2024
• geneh746 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great in every way. Our tour guide, Johnathan was the best. He was friendly, fun and knowledgeable of the area. Our tour was created for us by Pam at Mint Julep and it was perfect. Read more Written March 17, 2024
• alyshiak2024 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Favourite part of Nashville! First time to Nashville with 3 of my girlfriends and this was probably my favourite part of the trip! Scott was so awesome and fun. He took amazing pictures that will be memories for a life time. Note: we took 2 bottles of champagne between for of us…. I would suggest 3-4 would have been better! Read more Written March 17, 2024
• pamhO4281UK 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great day at some of Nashville’s Distilleries!. We took a custom tour that included a few distilleries and tasting experiences. Pam was great to work with as she listened to our ideas and then set everything up just as we requested. Her recommendations were fantastic. Our driver Jonathan was amazing!!! He offered suggestions and took great care of us. We enjoyed our day! We have used Mint Julep for a few Kentucky trips and this Tennessee trip was just as enjoyable. A great trip. Read more Written March 17, 2024
• Venture67638121777 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Many things went wrong along the way and they knew it. We went on the Murals and Mimosas tour at the end of February 2024 as part of a bachelorette party. We were all very excited to take some basic/Instagram pictures to brag on our bride, who booked this experience due to its high ratings. However, we had an awful experience. Our tour guide was Caleb, who went as far as introducing himself and that was it. He didn't explain the layout of the tour and didn't introduce our driver to us. The bus we took was unable to change off of the radio and there was no way to hook up any music of choice. We rolled up to the first mural without any explanation of where we were or anything about the mural itself, and then Caleb proceeded to take a bunch of lopsided photos (you can see several of them attached to this review). The photos were not centered, focused, or thoughtful - we expected MUCH better pictures from someone who did this day in and day out! They cut off at weird places or had weird angles to them. I had to help correct several of his pictures and he made a joke of it! At the end of the first stop we were all confused where the drinks and snacks were - it wasn't until we asked our guide that he explained the drinks wouldn't come until the last stop. We made several stops and Caleb offered absolutely NO explanation of anything along the way, did not teach us anything about Nashville or the area, and more than once lead us down some sketchy alleys without explaining where we were going or what murals we were seeing next. When we finally got to the last stop, they had only a two-person table prepared... Our party had been booked for 5 people. They squeezed some extra chairs in around the small table but it was very obvious that the food and drink they'd prepared were only enough for 2. Additionally, 3 of us had asked for non alcoholic drinks at the time of booking, but they only gave us alcoholic drinks. It wasn't until we spoke to the bar manager OURSELVES that we got the appropriate food and drink. When we got back on the bus after our allotted time, Caleb said it was the end of the tour but we were a whole 45 minutes ahead of schedule. Per the booking, we should be able to see 7-10 murals based on timing, and we had only seen 7. Afterward, Caleb did not even bother asking us for a review or tips, as he seemed very aware that he had done a poor job. The only saving grace was that our driver John was willing to drop us off at our hotel instead of our starting point. We were all sorely disappointed by the experience and expected much better. Read more Written March 5, 2024
• Cruiser24564167877 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect tour! Everything was perfect! Bob and Ray were great hosts. They genuinely cared about our enjoyment and provided a nice balance of history and fun. The bus was new, clean and comfortable. I highly recommend Mint Julip tours! Read more Written March 3, 2024
• stefaniemV6334VG 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Luke from Mint Julep was great! Highly recommend Luke as your next driver from Mint Julep. He took us on a round trip from Nashville to Shelbyville (about an hour each way) and we had great conversation to the entire time. We felt completely safe and he absolutely added value to our trip experience! Thanks Luke! Read more Written February 28, 2024
• mariaandbob 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Experience My husband and I had a wonderful day trip to the Jack Daniel’s distillery. Our driver was Bob H and he was knowledgeable and extremely helpful from start to finish on this excursion. The van was comfortable and clean. Bob provided a ton of information on our ride to and from. Thank you Bob! Read more Written February 24, 2024
• JJ0715 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great time on the Jack Daniel’s tour! We had an amazing time on our Jack Daniel’s tour! Bob H. Was an amazing guide and shared lots of info about the whiskey making process. Read more Written February 10, 2024
• 449bop 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great time! Luke was awesome—great Nashville experience! I’d definitely recommend for any company outing in the Nashville area. Read more Written February 7, 2024
• Expedition816415 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Good time whiskey tasting We had the best time at Nearest Green Distillery. We would highly recommend you go. We had a group of 6, so that was fun. It was sooo cold the day we went, but it was December. The positives - beautiful venue. I believe it used to be a horse farm, and it is being refurbished, so that is cool. The ladies who started our tour were so cute. They had great personalities and were very knowledgeable about their parts of the tour. Our main tour guy was just as fabulous. He had lots of facts and a good delivery of that knowledge. The merchandise store was full! You won't have any issue buying something to remember your visit. The negative - just one! We had so much fun and were excited to go eat and drink that the largest bar in the world! (Guinness World Records) However, our female bartender was in such a foul mood. She was almost downright rude. It totally changed the mood of our group. Perhaps we would have stayed longer (and drank more), but we just weren't feeling it anymore. We noticed other bartenders were happy and laughing with their customers, so hopefully, you'll get one of them Read more Written February 2, 2024

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Jack Daniel's Distillery Tour with Tastings & Lynchburg Stop provided by Mint Julep Experiences - Nashville

The Jack Daniel Distillery

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Review Highlights

“ We did the Angel's Share tour and toured the facility and learned about the history of Jack Daniels and the company. ” in 77 reviews

“ The tour itself and seeing how whiskey is made along with the history of where it all began was fascinating! ” in 264 reviews

“ While in Nashville we decided to go to the Distillery and learn how Jack is made and what an amazing experience. ” in 182 reviews

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133 Lynchburg Hwy

Lynchburg, TN 37352

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About the Business

Drop by for a firsthand look at our Distillery where one of our guides will accompany you on a tour and tell you the complete story of our whiskey. And 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 browsing the White Rabbit Bottle Shop for a commemorative bottle, lunch at Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House and a trip to the Lynchburg Hardware & General Store. If you want to explore all the sights in Lynchburg, take your time. There's plenty to see. …

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Has anyone taken multiple different tours? If so do they cover a lot of the same areas with different tastings at the end or do they mostly cover different areas of the distillery?

The tours are essentially the same. The only difference is the dry, standard, or premium tastings at the end. When I say essentially the same the differences are based on your docent.

How long is this tour?could a trip to the distillery be considered an all day activity?

We got there at 10 with no reservation. We got in to the 11 o'clock tour. We did the dry tour because my 16 year old was with us. Ate lunch in Lynchburg at 12:30pm. Checked out the general store. We had a bottle engraved which takes an hour. If your… more

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1167 reviews

The entire experience was amazing. My girlfriend and I highly recommend this to anybody, between the scenery and how awesome it was to learn how the best whiskey out there is made. ESPECIALLY if Justin is the expert guide through the entire thing. We will be back to Lynchburg and will be back to experience the JD Distillery!

After visiting more than a dozen different distilleries large and small, from Bahamas to Maui, the Jack Daniel's Distillery tour remains the gold standard for distillery tours. My travels take me to the area periodically, so I have completed the tour at least seven times since the mid-1990s and it just keeps getting better each visit. The folks who guide the tours are truly excellent in these roles, being both extremely knowledgeable and personable. This is a departure from some other places where the "guide" is just someone from the process line who didn't have anything going on at the moment. You get to learn about the history of the operation and its founder, and the people who have kept it going for generations. Yes, the distillery is in a dry county, but they do have many different tasting tours now, and many of the nearby (walking distance) restaurants include what a waitress told me was a "damp county" selection of drinks. Tip: Go on a Monday morning to avoid the weekend crowd and to get in before they shut the processing down for weekly maintenance. If you can't make Monday morning (they shut down Monday afternoon), plan for Wednesday or Thursday. These days could change, so call ahead if timing is super important to you or you have a big group.

We love touring history sites and it's a big bonus if that historic site is also a distillery! We came here for the Angel's Share Tour back in June and we had a great time. The tour was informative and loved learning more about Jack (the man and the whiskey) as well as touring the historic grounds; the cave was our favorite part of the tour and it was very nice to have a cooldown on a hot TN day. The tasting was also great and we had a really good time all around. We were able to snag a bottle of the barrel-strength rye and they have lots of different things to purchase in the gift shop. It's a great tour overall and one I'd recommend if you're in the area!

See all photos from Kevin B. for The Jack Daniel Distillery

Even if you're not a big drinker or even a fan of JD, you should visit this place if you're ever in Tennessee. Free parking and you can take a shuttle or walk over to the distillery. Sign up for one of the tours and they'll take you around parts of the facility. It's really informative and they'll tell you about the history of the company and the people behind it. It's also impressive how the whole process works to make the alcohol and the scale of the operation and how much Tennessee whisky they make every day. Our tour guide Angelo was awesome and was very informative and answered any questions we had. We had the flight of different types of whisky at the end in one of the barrel rooms and it was a pretty cool experience. At the end of the tour, you can also buy the photo they take at the beginning of the tour and you can also buy some of the whiskeys they have for sale. If you want to buy any merchandise, drive a block down the street and there are a lot of different stores there that have Jack Daniel's merchandise and also some local items and restaurants.

Tour was great and interesting. Tour guide Miranda was awesome . Had a few samples at the end. Was worth it.

We had an amazing time at the distillery. I've been drinking Jack Daniel's since I was 15 years old, 52 now. Our tour guide Kyle was awesome, very friendly, informative and funny. We learned about the history, actual process and got to sample all the brands. Highly recommend.

I embarked on a journey to experience possibly the number one whiskey in the world, Jack Daniel's. I'm huge on travel and figured I might be Jack's next fan, so that was enough to draw me in! The parking was free, so that was an excellent start! There was even a shuttle that took us to the building for free! It was basically across the street, so it was a quick ride. I had the pleasure of going here with my significant other. We purchased The Flight Of Jack Tour. It was an educational, lengthy tour to say the least. They took our photograph towards the beginning of the tour. We began our long walk after that. I ended up trying a spray of moonshine, so that was interesting for Jack Daniel's Distillery to offer. It was super strong, so take caution if you have the chance to try it. If you're like me, it's pretty hard to pass up something that's free. Later on in the tour, we got to smell from a whiskey drum. Let me tell you, it was a scent that I'll almost never forget. I'd like to say more, but I would rather not scare you. If you're offered to do it, you should just be brave and do it. I'm sure you would regret it later if you didn't. Towards the end of our tour, we went in a barrel room. It was insane how many barrels they had in there. I loved the way they had the barrels lined up. It was soothing in a weird way. Maybe I was just excited to try their whiskey, though. I tried Jack Daniel's Old No.7 Brand from a barrel. That was an excellent way to experience whiskey! It had a smooth and enjoyable taste, as I assumed it would. After we viewed that barrel room, we moved on to the tasting portion of the tour. There were six flavors on our palette to try. The flavors were Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel's Old No.7 Brand, Jack Daniel's Barrel Aged Rye, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire, and Jack Daniel's Tennessee Apple. There was a specific way to conduct the tasting, so that made things a little more interesting. They all had a warm taste to them in their own unique way! I enjoyed them all, but Jack Daniel's Tennessee Apple was my favorite! It just really stood out to me a bit more than the others and seemed as if it had a built-in formula to provide a lighter bite. They gave a cup of water next to my palette, but that didn't do much for me with the bites of all these whiskeys. Our tour guide was friendly and informative. He led the tour productively from start to finish. Our group was small, so I feel we got to interact with him more personally than we would have if the tour was designed to hold a larger amount of people. Overall, this tour took me by surprise! It made for a good time and I'm glad it was my first distillery tour. If you're in Tennessee and have the chance, you should check this place out! I'd love to go again someday! Date of visit: 08/09/22

See all photos from Chad M. for The Jack Daniel Distillery

Great place to visit. Beautiful scenery cool history. Our tour guide Maddy was amazing kept the group together and she is a great story teller.

Tasting Board

Jack on a rock

We enjoyed our tour and our tour guide was amazing! The grounds are beautiful! Our only issue is the websites talks about diaper bags and baby carriers like babies can go on the tours so we booked so my grandson could go! Jacob Daniel by the way! Named after JD! Anyways they wouldn't allow him on the tour and my son was specially here to get a bottle of JD with his name engraved to save for 20 years since his first birthday was this week! Normally we wouldn't be a child but this was a special birthday and we wanted to celebrate his name all together. We aren't sure why we couldn't just do the tour and then one of us would leave and not do the tasting?? Then another girl said he can't be on the grounds at all cuz he isn't 21 and it's a state law. So then why does the website talk about diaper bags? Anyways it really bummed us all out. But we just made the best of it and still got his special bottle engraved.

See all photos from Lisa T. for The Jack Daniel Distillery

This review is a long time coming........A few years ago........Well many years ago, three friends took a weekend trip to the nashville area and decided to schedule a tasting tour at Jack Daniel's.....Let be honest, this was the purpose of the trip.....The tour was amazing......You learned the process of making whiskey the Jack Daniel's way from start to finish.....Did I mention, at the time, Jack Daniel's was about 98% green? Amazing........We toured the entire facility. This included where charcaoal is made to filter the bourbon, to where the finished product is barreled and stored. All materials used in the process was used, recycled and reused. The fact that a operation this size had minimized waste was astounding. The property is an old plantation surrounded by farmland....The tour guide mentioned that the used wheat and barley to make the whiskey was sold to neighboring farmers for feed for their cows......Jack Daniel cows.......Jack Daniel live on the property and his house was a museum........Also, there is a small downtown or uptown section of the property where you can buy keepsakes and souvenirs. This is where you get your pictures, possibly grab a bite to eat or socialize. We bought a few keepsakes and took pictures. This was a tasting tour, so let get to the tasting..........We sampled 5 whiskeys and was able to purchase hard to find editions on site. I loved the commentary about each individual whiskey and the history of the brand, as well as, the social atmsophere of the tasting. It's done at the end of the tour obviously and because it's a "dry county" you are only able to taste a limited amount......Very limited.......Crazy fun fact.....by tgeWell worth the price of admission.

See all photos from Fred H. for The Jack Daniel Distillery

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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 Distillery Tours

The birthplace of an american icon: lynchburg, tn.

In the heart of Middle Tennessee , surrounded by the lush, rolling hills, is Lynchburg , a jewel of tradition and history. More than a pinpoint on a map, Lynchburg is a living canvas, painting a picture of American heritage and timeless values. This picturesque town, located comfortably away from the lively buzz of Nashville , offers a serene retreat into an era where every moment is savored, and every handshake is a bond. Embark on our Nashville Whiskey Tour , a sensory journey through the heart of Tennessee , where the rich history of whiskey and the vibrant spirit of Nashville blend into an unforgettable experience.

The essence of Lynchburg is captured not just in its sights but in the air you breathe. With its rustic charm, the town exudes tranquility, a welcome respite from the relentless pace of modern life. As you stroll through its peaceful streets, the soft melodies of nature and the gentle cadence of daily life blend harmoniously, creating a symphony that celebrates simplicity and authenticity.

This tranquil town, a short journey from the vibrant heart of Nashville, offers a unique contrast to the modern world’s rush. In Lynchburg, time moves at a different pace, inviting visitors to pause and relish the joy of the present. It’s a place that reminds us of the importance of heritage, of the enduring legacy of a well-lived life. Lynchburg doesn’t just represent a location; it embodies a way of life where every moment is an opportunity to create lasting memories.

Whiskey Trail Tours: Your Conduit to a Timeless Journey

At Whiskey Trail Tours, we understand the allure of this golden elixir. Our Whiskey Trail Tours Nashville are not just trips; they’re curated experiences steeped in sophistication and tailored to the connoisseur in you. Imagine a journey where every detail is refined, every moment cherished. From Transportation from Nashville to Jack Daniel’s Distillery to an enlightened guide weaving stories of past and present, we offer more than a ride; we offer an indulgence. As you recline in the plush comfort of our premium vehicles, the scenic beauty of Tennessee’s countryside unfolds before you, a prelude to the rich experience awaiting the distillery. Each whiskey tour is a unique blend of education and pleasure, designed to immerse you in the world of whiskey, where every sip tells a story of heritage and artistry.

Jack Daniel’s Distillery: A Symphony of Tradition and Taste

Embark on a journey that transcends mere distance, from the vibrant heart of Nashville to Jack Daniel’s Distillery. This pilgrimage is not just about traversing miles; it’s about traveling through a rich tapestry of time and tradition. The Jack Daniel’s Distillery , situated in the picturesque landscape of Lynchburg, Tennessee, is more than a destination; it’s a living legend, a cradle of the American whiskey heritage.

A Legacy Woven Through Time

The tale of Jack Daniel’s Distillery unfurls like the pages of a richly detailed novel, beginning in the late 1800s with the invincible and visionary Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel. Born in 1846, Jack Daniel was a man and a force of nature, driven by an unwavering passion for whiskey-making. He learned the craft from a local Lutheran minister and distiller, Dan Call, and a skilled enslaved man named Nathan “Nearest” Green, who would later become Jack Daniel’s first master distiller and a vital contributor to the whiskey’s unique character.

Jack Daniel officially registered his distillery in 1866, making it the first in the United States. Located amidst the picturesque hills of Lynchburg, Tennessee, the distillery is strategically positioned near a prime source of pure, iron-free cave spring water, which remains the vital essence of Jack Daniel’s whiskey.

Both triumphs and challenges marked the early years. Jack’s dedication to quality quickly set his whiskey apart, earning accolades and a growing following. However, the journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Prohibition hit in the early 20th century, forcing distilleries to cease operations. Yet, the resilience ingrained in its foundation ensured that Jack Daniel’s legacy would endure these trying times.

After Jack Daniel’s passing in 1911, the distillery was inherited by his family and later sold to a local businessman, Lem Motlow. Motlow, Jack’s nephew, was a man who shared Jack’s passion for whiskey making. Under his stewardship, and later that of his descendants, the distillery survived Prohibition and thrived in the following decades, expanding its reach and reputation.

Today, the Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour from Nashville takes you through storied places where you can almost hear the echoes of the past in the rhythmic dripping of the stills and the quiet aging of the barrels. It’s a place where the spirit of Jack Daniel and his successors continue to oversee every batch of whiskey.

Every drop embodies the dedication of a lineage of artisans who have committed to mastering the art of whiskey-making, ensuring that Jack Daniel’s name continues to be associated with unparalleled quality and distinctive character.

As you stand amidst the distillery’s rustic charm and serene landscapes, every barrel, building, and brick seems to whisper these tales of yesteryears, echoing the enduring legacy of its founder and the generations that followed.

Journey Through the Heart of Whiskey Making

The Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tours offer a deep dive into the fascinating world of whiskey creation, a journey that engages the palate and the soul. From the moment you set foot on the hallowed grounds of the distillery, you’re entering a realm where every detail is steeped in tradition, and every process is an ode to perfection.

Your journey begins with the foundational elements of whiskey making – the grains. Jack Daniel’s is known for its meticulous corn, rye, and barley selection. These grains are not just ingredients but the building blocks of flavor. The tour guides expertly narrate how each grain contributes to the final product, offering insights into the careful balance required to create the signature taste of Jack Daniel’s whiskey.

As you delve further into the process, you’ll encounter the unique Lincoln County Process, a defining step in crafting Jack Daniel’s whiskey. This involves filtering the spirit through handcrafted charcoal, which imparts a distinctive smoothness to the whiskey. Witness the mellowing vats, where the clear, raw spirit is transformed, drop by drop, emerging with a gentle, smoky sweetness.

Perhaps the most magical phase of the journey is the barrel aging process. In the vast barrelhouses, where time stands still, you’ll see rows of oak barrels, each silently nurturing the whiskey within. The Jack Daniels Distillery Tours illuminate the importance of the barrels, crafted from American white oak and charred to perfection, which impart rich colors and complex flavors to the whiskey over years of patient aging.

As the whiskey reaches its peak, the blending and bottling process begins. This stage is where the artistry of the master distillers comes to the forefront, ensuring that each bottle of Jack Daniel’s maintains the consistent quality and flavor profile the brand is known for. The Tours of Jack Daniels Distillery offer a rare glimpse into this meticulous process, highlighting the precision and care that goes into every bottle.

A Symphony of Flavors: Whiskey Tasting Experience

The culmination of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tours is, undoubtedly, the whiskey tasting. In Nashville and at the distillery, each tasting session explores the senses. You’re guided through various flavors, from the classic Old No. 7 to limited edition expressions. Each sip reveals layers of complexity, from warm caramel notes to subtle hints of fruit and spice, narrating the distillery’s rich history and unwavering commitment to excellence.

This voyage, complete with meticulous Transportation to Jack Daniel’s Distillery , transcends a mere tour; it’s an immersive odyssey that forges a deep connection with the soul of Jack Daniel’s. This iconic brand stands as a pillar in the world of spirits, and through this journey, you become part of its narrative. Each step taken, each process observed, and each flavor savored adds to the rich, ongoing story of American whiskey making.

Elegance and Comfort in Every Journey

With Whiskey Trail Tours, your Transportation from Nashville to Jack Daniel’s Distillery is integral to the luxurious experience. Our services, including Jack Daniel’s Distillery Transportation from Nashville , are crafted to provide comfort and elegance, enhancing your journey into the heart of whiskey country.

Linking Nashville and Lynchburg in Harmony

The bond between Nashville and Jack Daniel’s Distillery is woven from shared history, culture, and an appreciation for the finer aspects of life. Our tours blend Nashville’s vibrant energy with Lynchburg’s timeless tranquility. Whether returning on the Jack Daniel’s Distillery to Nashville route or embarking on the comprehensive Tours of Jack Daniel’s Distillery , each experience is a journey into the essence of American whiskey heritage.

Join us on this extraordinary exploration, a passage through time, tradition, and taste, where every mile is a story and every sip a celebration of Jack Daniel’s legacy.

From Sedans to Motorcoaches: Luxury in Every Mile

At Whiskey Trail Tours, we elevate each journey, ensuring that your transportation to Jack Daniel’s Distillery or along the whiskey trail tours in Nashville is luxury and style. Our fleet , a perfect blend of elegance and functionality, is specifically designed to make your trip to the distillery as memorable as the destination itself.

Embark on your journey with our sleek sedans, the ideal choice for intimate explorations or smaller groups seeking a personal touch in their Transportation to Jack Daniel’s Distillery . These vehicles offer a serene, private ambiance, perfect for those who wish to contemplate the rolling landscapes of Tennessee in quiet comfort.

Our spacious SUVs provide the perfect balance of luxury and practicality for medium-sized groups. These vehicles are ideal for family excursions or small group tours, offering ample space to relax and enjoy the journey, whether heading for a Jack Daniel’s Distillery tour from Nashville or exploring the broader whiskey trails.

Regarding accommodating more prominent groups, our motorcoaches offer a spacious and comfortable environment. These vehicles are ideal for those who are part of a significant gathering or event, ensuring that every guest travels in comfort and style, a crucial aspect of our Jack Daniel’s Distillery Transportation from Nashville .

Our Stretch and Sprinter Limousines provide an unmatched level of elegance and exclusivity for those special occasions or when a touch of luxury is desired. These vehicles transform your Nashville Whiskey Tour into an extraordinary experience, perfect for celebrating special moments in style.

Our Executive Sprinters, Mini Buses, Limousine Coaches, and large Motorcoaches cater to the needs of larger groups, ensuring that your journey, whether it’s part of the Whiskey Trail Tours Nashville or a customized tour, is comfortable, enjoyable, and in line with the highest standards of luxury.

A Gateway in the Sky: Nashville Airport to Jack Daniel’s Distillery

From the moment you land at Nashville International Airport , you’re not just arriving at a city; you’re stepping into the prologue of a captivating story that leads to the legendary Jack Daniel’s Distillery. This airport, a bustling hub in Music City’s heart, is the perfect starting point for whiskey exploration. It’s here where anticipation begins to build, where the excitement of discovery starts to bubble up, much like the rich, amber whiskey waiting at your journey’s end.

Our transportation service, bridging Nashville Airport to Jack Daniel’s Distillery , is designed to transform your transportation into an experience of effortless elegance. As you depart from the airport, you are whisked away from the hum of the city into the tranquil embrace of Tennessee’s countryside. Each mile traveled is a gradual unveiling of the region’s beauty, a scenic transition from the urban vibrancy of Nashville to the serene, lush landscapes that cradle the distillery.

As you journey from Nashville Airport to Jack Daniel’s Distillery , our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Our vehicles, a fleet that embodies luxury and class, provide a haven of relaxation. It’s a journey where every detail is catered to, ensuring that the transition from the tarmac to the tasting room is as smooth as the whiskey you’re about to savor.

As the final stretches of road bring you closer to the distillery, anticipation crescendos. The iconic Jack Daniel’s Distillery emerges as a destination that’s not just a place but a journey’s fulfillment. Join us for this exceptional journey, where the journey is not just a route but an integral part of an unforgettable whiskey adventure.

A Toast to Unforgettable Memories

With Whiskey Trail Tours , your expedition to Jack Daniel’s Distillery transcends the ordinary. It’s an odyssey that blends history, culture, and the fine art of whiskey making. As you return to Nashville, carrying with you both memories and bottles of the finest whiskey, know that you’ve not just witnessed a process; you’ve become part of a legacy.

Embark on this extraordinary journey with our Jack Daniels Distillery Tours . Contact us at (615) 244-5466 , email [email protected] , or reach out through our reservation form. Your passage through time, tradition, and taste is a reservation away.

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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.

Welcome to Lynchburg TN!

Small town values and perfect Americana living are alive and well in Lynchburg, a small town of 5,500 or so residents tucked away in the rolling hills of Moore County Tennessee. It might be small, but it’s home to one LARGE industry – the Jack Daniels Distillery – which is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and averages over 250,000 visitors every year. Every ounce of Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey is produced here, fed by the pure, iron-free cave water springs nearby. Tour information can be found on our Jack Daniels page.

JD is just one aspect of Lynchburg, though, as the quaint downtown square and 100 year old courthouse provide a perfect setting for antiques shopping, perfect country dining, store browsing, and relaxation.

A drive around the surrounding countryside exposes you to serene rolling hills, vintage old homes & churches, as well as horse and cattle farms.

Life moves at a slower pace in Lynchburg – a pace we think you’ll find intoxicating.

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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 & visitor center.

182 Lynchburg Hwy Lynchburg , TN 37352 United States

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Whiskey Cove Lake House

If you're visiting Lynchburg to enjoy Jack Daniels, you're only 10 minutes from another great destination - Tims Ford Lake! You can enjoy whiskey and water sports, and visit 3 additional stops on the TN Whiskey Trail , when you stay at Whiskey Cove.

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Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour in Tennessee: What To Know Before You Go

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Planning to go on the Jack Daniel’s Distillery tour in Lynchburg, Tennessee? Here’s how to make sure your trip goes off without a hitch. 

If you’re a fan of fine spirits and a nice, smooth whiskey then you’re not going to want to leave Tennessee without checking out the Jack Daniels Distillery first. 

I was in Huntsville, Alabama and came across state lines to explore this place firsthand and I gotta say, I was impressed with the dedication the team shows to the Jack Daniels brand and distilling process. 

Read on for everything you need to know before heading out to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour. 

How to Get to the Jack Daniels Distillery  

The Jack Daniels Distillery is located in Lynchburg, Tennessee, about an hour and a half from Nashville, 3 and a half from Atlanta and 4 hours from Memphis.

The easiest way to get to the distillery if you’re not a local is to fly into Nashville and drive from there. You can make this into an easy day trip from the city.  

There’s free parking on site, although you will have to walk a bit to reach the entrance. 

You can also opt to go with a guided tour if you’re not fond of driving or want to relax without worrying about transportation. 

Note that the speeding zones change street to street once you start to get close and there are many speed traps set up. Use the Waze app to stay in the know. 

Tour Costs & Hours 

There are several tours available on the property, held daily from 9am to 4:30pm except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Easter. 

The most basic tour option is the  Dry County Tour . It costs $15, lasts 1 hour 10 minutes and will take you through the process of making whiskey, as well as the history behind the Jack Daniels brand. 

The next level up at $25 and 1 hour 25 minutes is the Flight of Jack Daniels Tour , which includes the history tour plus a small tasting. 

After that it’s The Angel’s Share which costs $30 and lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. After the historic tour you hear to the tasting room and sample individual whiskeys straight from the barrels.

Finally, for $125 you can do the Taste of Lynchburg , which lasts 3 hours and includes the tour, Angel’s Share tasting of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Barrel Proof, Single Barrel Rye, Sinatra Select and Gold 27, a commemorative gift and a sit-down meal at Miss Mary Bobo’s.

There’s a small museum with a few exhibits set up right when you walk in that you can view for free if you’re just passing through. 

Miss Bobo’s Boarding House Restaurant

The on-site restaurant, Miss Mary Bobo’s , is an attraction in and of itself, serving more than 900 patrons a day with southern style, family dining across 9 different dining rooms.

They also have an outdoor patio area for larger parties. Reservations are required and are available at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

The menu includes souther classics like fried okra, cornbread and bakes whiskey apples.  

The restaurant also doubles as a boarding house in case you want to stay on the premises and have a full immersion experience.

You can dine here without going on a whiskey tour — it’s a flat rate of $25 for adults and $9 for children. 

Cave Spring Hollow

The life source of the processing center is Cave Spring Hollow , drawing 800 gallons of water from underneath the ground to earth’s surface every single minute. 

The aquifers surrounding walls are limestone, making the water mineral rich and pure. Limestone also naturally removes iron from the water, saving the distillery a step in the process. 

Every bottle of Jack Daniel’s whiskey sold throughout the world is made with water from this source. 

The Whiskey Making Process  

Whiskey is made using a few key ingredients — corn, barley and rye . To that you add yeast, allow for fermentation then place it in a barrel to get its flavor and taste.

Jack Daniels is the only major distillery that makes their own barrels using logs of oak. They take about 6 months to a year each to air dry and the company produces roughly 2,000 barrels/day. 

They also pride themselves on the quality of their ingredients and use only the best grain corn.

Since opening in1866 the distillery has only ever been c losed twice — once during prohibition and again during WWII when rationing on corn prevented the purchase of grade “A” ingredients.   

Tradition is everything here and at the realms are Master Distiller Jeff Arnett and Assistant Master Distiller Chris Fletcher.

The history tour takes you through the entire process, from the gathering of the ingredients to labeling of the bottles. 

Whiskey Tasting  

During the whiskey tasting you get to sample 5 different products, each the equivalent of two sips in a whiskey tumbler. 

During my visit I tasted Old No. 7, No. 27 Gold, Gentleman Jack, Tennessee Honey and Tennessee Fire, which had a cinnamon taste to it. 

We learned how to tell the difference between a fine whiskey and a more common bottle and appreciate the notes of different scents and flavors like molasses and citrus. 

We were fortunate enough to have the Assistant Master Distiller leading our tasting session so I found it to be very informative. His pride in the produce really came across and his enthusiasm was contagious. 

Know Before you Go

Big disclaimer here folks: Lynchburg, Tennessee is a dry county . This means you cannot drink here. You cannot buy it at restaurants and actually need to go to another county to find alcohol. 

This mans that if you’re thinking you’re going to visit a distillery and have a boozy day, think again! It’s important to temper expectations here — you will be sober and depending on the package you choose, well fed. 

There is a gift shop on site and you can buy bottles to take with you as a souvenir but they’re large, like $50-$100 each. There are no small bottles in case you were hoping to sneak a tiny one into your coke. Trust me, I looked.

Official Gift Shop 

Want to buy an empty barrel or other unique memorabilia? Then head to the Lynchburg Hardware and General Store , the official Jack Daniels’ gift and barrel shop, the address is as follows: 52 Mechanic St, Lynchburg, TN 37352.

It is located on the town square of Lynchburg, within walking distance of the visitor center, and open 9am-6pm Monday to Saturday and 1pm-6pm on Sundays.

RELATED POST: HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

Till next time, safe travels! 

Liked this post? Pin me below:

Candy Johnson

Saturday 29th of May 2021

Can I buy a barrel once I’m there? An empty barrel? How much do they run?

Jen on a Jet Plane

Saturday 12th of June 2021

You can buy one at the Lynchburg Hardware and General Store, the official Jack Daniel's gift and barrel shop.

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Jack Daniel's Distillery Tour in Lynchburg, TN

Updated: Jun 9, 2023 · Published: May 18, 2022 by Dave Lee | May contain affiliate links

I became aware of Jack Daniel's whiskey long before I could drink it, thanks to rockstars wearing the iconic brand's t-shirts. Therefore, booking a Jack Daniel's Distillery tour was a given the first time I visited Nashville , Tennessee.

Whether you're an occasional Old No. 7 drinker or a connoisseur, a whiskey tour and tasting at the oldest registered distillery in the United States makes lasting memories.

Table of Contents

Booking a Jack Daniel's Tour

Visitor's center, distillery grounds, lynchburg town square.

Upon arrival in Nashville the week of July 4, 2019, I sketched out how I planned to spend the holiday week.

Since I was staying downtown and relying on rideshares, the best way to go on a Jack Daniel's Distillery tour was to find one that included roundtrip transportation.

There's no public transportation between Nashville and Lynchburg, a one-stoplight town with a population of 6,362.

You'll save significantly if you've got a car or are renting one. Order your tour online from Jack Daniel's website (or pay on arrival).

Given the popularity of this day trip from Nashville, I quickly found multiple companies departing daily for the 90-minute journey south to the tiny town of Lynchburg, TN.

I bought a ticket for the Jack n' Back Tour from Tennessee Whiskey Tours for $102 as I was going on a Wednesday.

If you're going on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or Monday, it'll cost you $121 per person.

The price includes the following:

• Roundtrip bus transportation from downtown Nashville.
• A ticket for Jack Daniel's Angel's Share tour (90 minutes).
• It takes about an hour to wander around Lynchburg's town square.

Complimentary bottled water is available on the bus, which I appreciated on the ride back to Nashville. Alcohol isn't served.

Tickets from Tennessee Whiskey Tours are non-refundable, though they are transferable. For maximum flexibility, book your tour with Viator .

Booking with Viator offers several benefits, including a "book now, pay later" option and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour begins.

Read their policies before you buy, as they're subject to change.

We disembarked at the Visitor's Center following an uneventful hour-and-a-half bus ride from Nashville to the Jack Daniel's Distillery.

We were greeted by a statue of the famous 5'2" proprietor, whose full name is Jasper Newton "Jack" Daniel. Memorabilia and photos line the walls behind him.

When our Jack Daniel's Angel's Share tasting tour began, the guide pointed out an old black and white photo featuring Jack Daniel (center right with white hat and large mustache) and his employees.

The African American gentleman sitting to Jack's right with a dark hat is an important figure. Nathan "Nearest" Green was born into slavery and later taught Jack Daniel his distilling techniques.

After the Civil War, Nearest Green became a free man and was hired as the first head distiller at the Jack Daniel's Distillery.

Today, that position is known as Master Distiller, which means Green was the first African American master distiller in U.S. history.

Since Green's tenure ended, only seven other master distillers have worked to oversee whiskey production and ensure quality control.

See also: Tour Shiner Brewery in Texas

Next, we were led outside, where we briefly looked at one of the massive barrel houses used for whiskey storage.

There are 90 warehouses on the distillery's property and scattered throughout Moore County, with 1.2 million gallons of whiskey per building.

One of the most interesting facts I learned is that Moore County is a dry county, meaning it's legal to distill liquor but not buy it.

An exception was made for commemorative products in Jack Daniel's bottle shop.

At this point in our dry county tour, we boarded a small shuttle bus to see more of the grounds.

Charcoal Production

Our first stop was the facility where charcoal is produced. Employees light pallets of sugar maple wood on fire three times a day, three days per week, at the charcoal production site.

The fires reach up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit to produce charcoal — and lots of it.

Jack Daniel's whiskey is filtered through ten feet of charcoal over three to five days in a process known as mellowing.

It's the charcoal mellowing that helps give the whiskey its smooth taste.

While it wasn't mentioned on the tour that I could recall, I later learned about its commitment to sustainability from the company's website.

This includes water conservation, tree protection, and zero-waste initiatives such as "upcycling sugar maple charcoal used for filtering into smoking pellets for barbecues."

Cave Spring Hollow

Next, we were taken to Cave Spring Hollow, natural springs that run two miles deep beneath a limestone cliff.

This humble-looking spring has provided all the water for Jack Daniel's whiskey since 1866.

The limestone rock filters iron out of the water, making it more suitable for creating whiskies.

In front of the cave, there's another statue of Jack entitled "Jack on the Rocks."

We were also invited into an old wooden building with pictures of Jack on the walls and a heavy floor safe.

According to our tour guide and the company's website, Jack Daniel kicked the safe after forgetting the combination in 1906, leading to a toe injury for which he never sought treatment.

The injury eventually led to gangrene, killing him on October 9, 1911. He was 62.

However, per Peter Krass, author of Blood & Whiskey: The Life and Times of Jack Daniel , the gangrene was unrelated to Jack's frustration with his safe.

Still House

Our Jack Daniel's Distillery tour continued with a walk up a metal staircase to the second floor of the Still House.

The charcoal mellowing and fermentation processes help produce Jack Daniel's Tennessee whiskey in this seven-story distillery building.

There's no photography allowed inside.

Bottling Room

After passing through the Still House, we briefly looked at the bottling room, which was not in use then.

Every drop of Jack Daniel's ever produced comes out of this one distillery, which means this shiny stainless steel equipment is put to good use.

According to sales figures , over 12.3 million 9-liter cases of Jack Daniel's were sold globally in 2020. That's a lot of whiskey!

Jack Daniel's Barrel House 1-14

Our tour concluded with a whiskey tasting in the Jack Daniel's Barrel House building adjacent to the Visitor Center, where we'd begun.

Everyone participating was given a flight of Jack Daniel's whiskies to try. These were small pours to get a taste, not shots to get you drunk.

We tried the following varieties of Jack Daniel's:

• Sinatra Select
• Single Barrel Select
• Single Barrel Barrel Proof
• Single Barrel Rye

Whiskey lovers will appreciate the cards that accompany each whiskey with notes about the process of making it and the flavors.

Once the tasting was over, we exited through the gift shop known as The White Rabbit Bottle Shop.

Here you could buy everything you tasted, plus additional options like Gentleman Jack, Tennessee Honey (which I tried later at a bar in Nashville and liked), and Tennessee Fire.

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We were given an hour to walk around downtown Lynchburg and grab lunch.

The stately Moore County Clerk's building occupies the center of the downtown area, with shops and restaurants around the periphery.

I'd gotten a tip to try Barrel House BBQ , so I ordered their signature Grilled Cheese on Crack (American cheese, pulled pork, and habanero) with a bag of potato chips and a fountain soda.

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They also served the sandwiches with smoked sausage, pulled chicken, and brisket.

Another option is Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant , housed in a 100-year-old mansion that used to operate as a boarding house, where Jack Daniel would go to eat.

After my sandwich, I did a loop around the square, stopping in the Lynchburg Hardware and General Store (the official Jack Daniel's gift shop) before returning to the bus.

As scheduled, we'd left Nashville at 9 a.m. and were back by 4 p.m.

The Jack Daniel's Distillery tour was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my first trip to Tennessee.

If you want to learn about American whiskey, I highly recommend making the journey.

Book a tour with Viator and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour starts.

Tennessee Whiskey Trail: What to know when planning your custom trip

Of all the spirits, American whiskey has one of the biggest stories to tell. The story of Tennessee whiskey in particular seems to have only just begun, and the rest of the country is taking notice.

That's in part because of the whiskey's allure. Immortalized in song and championed by a growing number of smart, young distillers and consumers, Tennessee whiskey is having a momen t.

In 2022, the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, a collaborative effort put together by more than 30 Tennessee distillers, welcomed 7.8 million visitors into statewide distilleries. That's an increase of 1.3 million visitors over 2019. To say interest in Tennessee whiskey is on the rise is an understatement, said Whiskey Trail executive director Charity Toombs.

The Tennesee Whiskey Trail links together more than two dozen distilleries in a whiskey road that runs from the mountainous eastern border to the barbecue-steeped culture of Memphis in the west. It's as much a celebration of the state itself as it is of its whiskey.

"It's an adventure, and that's what we invite guests to do, is immerse themselves in these adventures and to partake in and enjoy the spirits and the distillers who call Tennessee home," Toombs said.

The iconic Jack Daniel Distillery and its scenic Lynchburg environs often serve as a starting point. But Toombs said that, as visitors fan out across the state, they're often charmed by the lesser-known distilleries. The state and its diverse topography from end to end is its own draw.

Among the smaller whiskey makers on the trail is Brushy Mountain Distillery, set in a historic former state penitentiary wedged in a narrow mountain valley. Woodbury's Short Mountain Distillery , set on a 300-acre working farm, boasts nearby falls and hiking trails. And Bootleggers Distillery, situated on the North Carolina-Tennessee border, has as a backdrop Smoky Mountain ridges, which blaze with color in the fall.

Experiential distillery tours providing far more than a snifter of booze appeal to younger consumers, Toombs said.

"We're seeing that even in the distillery experiences," she said. "It's not just going to the distillery for a tasting. These distilleries are truly trying to create immersive experiences."

Tennessee Whiskey Trail organizers have seized on that thirst for more, creating trail itineraries for music lovers, holiday shoppers and outdoor enthusiasts. One popular route takes visitors close to natural waterfalls and hiking trails.

Their guides help break the trail into manageable bites. With so much ground to cover, visiting all 28 stops takes real dedication.

"We had a guest that was from the U.K. who started the trail in 2017 and completed it in 2020," Toombs said. "He took three international trips to complete the trail."

For subscribers: Tennessee whiskey industry is old and giant — but also new and fledgling

Tips for taking the Tennessee Whiskey Trail trek

Plan your trip: Consider an itinerary. Find curated trips and trail routes at tnwhiskeytrail.com/trip-planner , including Waterfalls and Whiskey , Urban Getaway and Outdoor Adventurer . Or pick your trail visit based on region.

Get your passport: The official Tennessee Whiskey Trail Passport is your guide to getting around. Download your digital passport at tnwhiskeytrail.com/passport , then collect stamps digitally by “checking in” to distilleries along the trail. Or pick up a hard copy at a Tennessee distillery. Collect stamps at each distillery visit and redeem your completed passport for a commemorative gift. 

Download your trail map: There's a handy Google Maps version of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Download it at tnwhiskeytrail.com/maps-downloads and hit the highway.

Study up before you go: Check out a directory of the distilleries at tnwhiskeytrail.com/distilleries . Make sure to visit each website and see what kind of arrangements you need to make before hitting the road. If you need to book tours in advance, for example, you'll want to know before your show up at the distillery's doorstep.

See what Tennessee has to offer: Mix up your Whiskey Trail experience. Try starting the day with a distillery in a rural area, such as the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg. End your day at an urban distillery, such as Corsair and Nelson's Green Brier Distillery , both located just an hour and a half from Lynchburg in downtown Nashville's growing Marathon Village .

How the volatile weather of Tennessee serves as a key ingredient to Jack Daniel’s whiskey

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. (WTVF) — In 1866, the first registered distillery in the United States began in the quaint town of Lynchburg, Tennessee! Today, Jack Daniel’s is the top selling whiskey in the world. Known for its consistency, every drop made is made in Lynchburg.

So how is it that even though the whiskey is made in a volatile climate, the product isn't impacted by the weather?

It all starts with the water.

To make whiskey, it must be free of iron. Otherwise it would turn black and bitter. One point that led Jack Daniels himself to choose the location of Lynchburg was the natural spring water — and more importantly — the presence of limestone in the area. Limestone acts as a filter, removing iron from the water. When it rains, water is absorbed into the ground through the limestone, eventually making its way down to a spring.

Someone who knows a thing or two about the cave spring is Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller, Chris Fletcher. Chris’s roots with Jack Daniel’s are deep as his grandfather, Frank Bobo, who served as master distiller from 1966-1988.

“That cave system goes two miles deep into the ground,” Fletcher said.

Inside that cave spring, the temperature remains steady.

“56 degrees, as far as I know, that’s about the ground temperature here as you get so far down," Fletcher said.

Regardless of the temperature outside, whether it’s zero degrees or 100 degrees, this natural spring remains a constant 56 degrees! How is this possible?

The answer lies in the shape of the cave — it doesn't allow cold air to be pushed out and replaced with warm air.

A routine check ensures the water remains healthy.

“We’ve had it mapped and studied, and about every few years we’ll have people go back in and consider the health of it and make sure it’s all structurally sound,” Fletcher said.

After water, the quality of the grain is a major component of what sets this whiskey apart — an ingredient we see directly impacted by the weather. If a region is drought-stricken, limiting or damaging a crop, Jack Daniel’s will look as far as Canada and Northern Europe to find its grain.

“We have pretty tight specifications, even with our corn. It’s number one grade corn, it’s cleaned. We don’t want to bring in number two here and worry about fishing out sticks and stones, or husk, or whatever might be in there. We have very tight moisture specs. We want a certain amount of starch in there which is what will be turned into the whiskey,” Fletcher said.

To make this spirit a true Tennessee whiskey, the special step of charcoal mellowing must happen next. But it cannot be just any charcoal. It’s a charcoal created on-site at Jack Daniel’s using Hard Sugar Maple Wood.

“To be a Tennessee Whiskey it has to touch that Hard Sugar Maple Charcoal,” Byron Copeland, Manager or Maturation and Innovation at Jack Daniel’s, said.

Also known as the “Lincoln County Process,” the distilled whiskey is sent through ten-foot-tall tanks of self-made charcoal, filtering out impurities and giving the whiskey a smoother taste.

Now it’s time to age the whiskey by storing it in a barrel. But the whiskey cannot be put in just any barrel.

“They are made of oak. In order to be a bourbon, or Tennessee whiskey they have to be made of new, charred oak. But what we use is white oak,” Copeland said.

Copeland says the white oak used comes from Appalachia. States such as Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky are where they mainly turn to for the white oak used for their barrels. They also will look to Missouri where there is white oak that meets their specifications.

With such a large region that grows white oak needed for this whiskey, there's somewhat of a safety net should one area be experiencing some sort of extreme weather.

Once that wood is cut, Jack must take care to ensure it doesn't dry out and splinter as it makes its way to the distillery.

“The way you make sure they don’t fall apart; you want to make sure to keep some water in there so that wood stays moist," Copeland said.

Now the long aging process begins, and temperature changes come into play — from sweltering Tennessee summers to bitter cold winter months.

Copeland points out that in the wintertime, the whiskey contracts inside the barrels coming out of the wood into the barrel. In the summertime, the whiskey expands absorbing into the barrel stave. Over time, this is the process that gives the whiskey 100% of its color and between 60% to 70% of its flavor.

From the water, to the grain, to the oak used to make whiskey barrels — they all serve a special purpose to make Tennessee’s second largest export.

And despite extreme cold in the winter — or extreme heat in the summer — remember that a small town in Middle Tennessee harnessed both for decades to make the most recognized whiskey brands in the world!

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Jack Daniel's

Company information.

If there's one whiskey brand that virtually everyone in the world is familiar with, it has to be Jack Daniel's. This Tennessee whiskey, made at the eponymous distillery in the sleepy town of Lynchburg, is one of the best-selling brands in the world, due in no small part to the popularity of the Jack and Coke cocktail ordered at bars nationwide every night. Jack has been a favorite of celebrities over the years like Keith Richards and Frank Sinatra, who is said to have referred to it as the "nectar of the gods." But it wasn't until about 40 years ago that Jack started to really become the global whiskey behemoth that it is now.

Jack Daniel's is currently owned by Brown-Forman, the company behind other whiskeys like Old Forester and Woodford Reserve, as well as rum, tequila, and vodka brands. The distillery was founded in 1866 by Jack Daniel, but it wasn't until just a few years ago that a larger story emerged about these early days. Daniel learned how to make whiskey on a farm owned by the reverend Dan Call, where he was trained by an enslaved man named Nathan "Nearest" Green who would later become the head distiller for Jack Daniel's (the Uncle Nearest whiskey brand was named after him). The Jack Daniel Distillery is the first registered distillery in the U.S., and while it has come a long way since those early days, there is much that remains the same. The whiskey is still made using water from the Cave Spring Hollow onsite, and it is still filtered through ten feet of sugar maple charcoal before being put into barrels to mature over several years of hot summers and cold winters. This is called the Lincoln County Process, and is now a legal requirement for Tennessee whiskey (although Jack meets all of the guidelines to be called bourbon, this step and Volunteer State pride mean that it's called Tennessee whiskey instead).

The Jack Daniel's lineup is anchored by Old No. 7, the core expression that is recognizable worldwide for its square bottle and signature notes of banana and caramel on the palate. But the portfolio has expanded well beyond Old No. 7 and Gentleman Jack in recent years, as master distiller Chris Fletcher and his team have begun to experiment with age statements and mashbills. The portfolio now includes Single Barrel Select, Bonded Tennessee Whiskey and Rye, American Single Malt, and 10 and 12-year-old whiskeys. There's also the extremely popular lineup of flavored whiskeys, including Tennessee Honey and Tennessee Fire.

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