Jack Daniel’s is one of the most recognizable whiskey brands in the world, known for its signature black label, square bottle, and deep Tennessee roots. Since its founding in the 19th century, the brand has become a symbol of American whiskey — served in bars, featured in songs, and enjoyed by millions around the globe.
But despite its widespread popularity and iconic status, there’s often confusion about what Jack Daniel’s actually is. Many assume it’s a bourbon due to its flavour profile and production style, while others argue it falls into its own unique category. So what’s the truth? Is Jack Daniel’s a bourbon, a Tennessee whiskey, or both?
In this article, we’ll unpack the technical definitions, explore how Jack Daniel’s is made, and settle the debate once and for all. Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast or just curious about what’s in your glass, read on to learn the surprising facts behind this legendary bottle.
What is bourbon?
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey with a specific set of legal requirements. To be labelled as bourbon, a spirit must:
- Be made in the United States
- Contain at least 51% corn in the mash bill
- Be aged in new, charred oak barrels
- Be distilled to no more than 160 proof (80% ABV)
- Enter the barrel at no more than 125 proof (62.5% ABV)
- Be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% ABV)
- Contain no additives (like coloring or flavoring)
These regulations are defined by the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations and apply to all bourbon producers, regardless of state.
The history of Jack Daniel’s
Jack Daniel’s was founded in Lynchburg, Tennessee, in 1866 by Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel, making it the oldest registered distillery in the U.S. The brand’s signature smoothness is thanks to the charcoal mellowing process — a technique Jack learned from Nathan “Nearest” Green, an enslaved man who later became the distillery’s first master distiller.
Despite challenges like Prohibition and operating in a dry county, Jack Daniel’s has grown into a global whiskey icon. Today, it honors its roots by acknowledging Green’s vital role in shaping its legacy and maintaining the traditional methods that made the whiskey famous.
How is Jack Daniel’s made?
Jack Daniel’s is made in Lynchburg, Tennessee, using a process that closely mirrors traditional bourbon production. It begins with a mash bill of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye, combined with pure, iron-free spring water sourced on-site. After fermentation, the mash is distilled in copper stills to create a high-proof spirit —and up to this point, the process is nearly identical to that of bourbon.
The Lincoln County Process
What sets Jack Daniel’s apart is the Lincoln County Process — a charcoal mellowing technique unique to Tennessee whiskey. Before aging, the new whiskey is slowly filtered through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal, which removes impurities and smooths out harsher flavors. This step is what gives Jack Daniel’s its signature mellow character.
Aging and bottling
After charcoal filtering, the whiskey is aged in new, charred American oak barrels, where it gains color and flavor over several years. The exact aging time isn’t listed on the label, but the distillery determines readiness by taste rather than age.
Once matured, it’s diluted to the desired bottling strength — typically 40% ABV for Old No. 7 — and bottled. While it meets all legal requirements for bourbon, Jack Daniel’s chooses to identify as Tennessee whiskey, highlighting its unique process and heritage.
Tennessee whiskey vs. bourbon
While all Tennessee whiskey is bourbon by definition, not all bourbon is Tennessee whiskey. The Lincoln County Process is what separates Tennessee whiskey from its bourbon cousins. The state of Tennessee even codified this step into law for whiskey producers who want to use the “Tennessee whiskey” label.
So while Jack Daniel’s is a bourbon by technical standards, it chooses to go by Tennessee whiskey to highlight this regional distinction.
Does Jack Daniel’s taste like bourbon?
Yes and no. Jack Daniel’s has many flavour characteristics of bourbon — vanilla, caramel, oak — but the charcoal filtering makes it smoother and slightly less robust. For drinkers who prefer a softer whiskey experience, Jack Daniel’s may feel more approachable than some higher-proof, spicy bourbons.
FAQs
Is Jack Daniel’s legally a bourbon?
Yes. Jack Daniel’s meets all federal requirements to be classified as a bourbon, but the brand chooses to label it as Tennessee whiskey due to the extra charcoal filtering step.
What makes Jack Daniel’s different from other bourbons?
The Lincoln County Process, which involves filtering the whiskey through sugar maple charcoal before aging, is what sets it apart.
Can bourbon be made outside of Kentucky?
Absolutely. Bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States. While Kentucky is most famous for it, there are bourbon producers across the country.
Conclusion
So, is Jack Daniel’s a bourbon? Technically, yes — it fits every legal criterion. But it’s more accurate to call it a Tennessee whiskey, thanks to its unique charcoal filtering process. Whether you view it as a type of bourbon or its own distinct category, one thing is certain: Jack Daniel’s has earned its iconic status in the world of American whiskey.
