Jack Daniel’s stands as a giant in the world of whiskey, marking its presence through unique square bottles and memorable labels. This brand has not only won the hearts of whiskey lovers globally but has also paved the way for a new classification known as Tennessee whiskey. This shift wasn’t handed down from the heavens; it emerged from a fight led by Jack Daniel’s to secure a formal recognition in 2013.
Tennessee whiskey must adhere to rigorous standards akin to those for bourbon. This includes a minimum of 51% corn in the mash bill and aging in new charred oak barrels. The most distinctive requirement involves charcoal filtration, a practice long held by Jack Daniel’s and now a cornerstone of Tennessee’s whiskey production laws.
Charcoal filtration, or the Lincoln County process, gives whiskey an extra layer of refinement. The process involves filtering the spirit through charcoal made from sugar maple. This practice enhances the whiskey’s smoothness, drawing out sweeter flavors. However, the legislation surrounding it raised eyebrows among some distillers. With the new law, every bottle labeled as Tennessee whiskey must undergo this charcoal treatment, which some argue can overshadow unique nuances. Yet, this legislation has persisted for over a decade, highlighting and promoting a particular regional style.
Jack Daniel’s pushed for regulation of a historical whiskey standard
Today, a number of whiskey brands incorporate this charcoal filtration, each adding their unique twist to the age-old tradition. While Jack Daniel’s implements an elaborate 10-day process for purification, others might achieve their results in a matter of minutes. The tradition of charcoal filtration holds a dear place in the hearts of Tennesseans. The discussion circles around the need for regulation rather than the validity of the filtration itself.
Following Jack Daniel’s advocacy, Tennessee whiskey regulations do not specify how to apply charcoal filtration. Per the current rules, even brief contact qualifies the whiskey, raising concerns that the label may not reflect true quality. This led to some backlash from distillers since Jack Daniel’s facilities operated with extensive charcoal setups prior to the legislation. While Jack Daniel’s is located in a different county, some argue the statewide rules shouldn’t impose such regulations on its peers. Many, however, see this as a crucial effort to maintain heritage. It helps distinguish Tennessee whiskey’s flavor profile from that of Irish whiskey and other varieties. The regulation serves to inform consumers that Tennessee whiskey is indeed a unique offering.
