Tennessee Whiskey                                                                                        Tasting Notes

The other major American whiskey type is the distinctive Tennessee whiskey (which must be made in Tennessee). While Tennessee whiskey is very similar to bourbon, the Tennessee whiskey must undergo the "Lincoln County Process," which requires the whiskey to be filtered through approximately 10 feet of maple charcoal. This process takes about ten days and gives the whiskey a unique flavor and aroma. It also tends to mellow the whiskey.

Two major distillers represent this class: Jack Daniels and George Dickel. Both of these distillers use a process called "sour mash." The yeast from previous batches of fermented mash is used in the new batch much like the way sourdough bread is made, hence the name sour mash. The corn, barely, and rye mixtures of these sour mash products give them a unique flavor.