Jack Daniels Tours in Tennessee
Jack Daniels has been in the business of distilling whiskey for 160 years, making it the oldest registered distillery in the U.S. Good story telling abounds when local folk talk about "Mr. Jack," as there are many legends regarding him and his highly successful product. According to Brandon Gee's article "Fighting Spirit," more than 250,000 people annually tour the whiskey distillery near Lynchburg, Tennessee.
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History
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A Lutheran minister friend of the family, Dan Call, who owned his own still, raised Jack Daniels. Jack learned the process of making whiskey from this family friend, and when Dan Call decided to go into the ministry full time, he sold his still to Jack Daniels. This was 1863 and Jack was 13 years old. Today Jack Daniels whiskey is still made from the same iron-free cave spring water that stays a constant 56 degrees.
The Distillery Tour
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Located near Lynchburg, Tennessee, the distillery is a combination of two artful, natural wonders: the gorgeous Tennessee countryside and the masterful brewing of one of the world's most successful whiskeys.Free tours are given every day at the distillery from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. central time, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas day, and New Years' Eve and New Years' day. Every tour has an employee guide who takes you through and teaches you all about the man Mr. Jack and his process of making his whiskey. Tours start every 15 minutes and last about an hour and 15 minutes. Wear good walking shoes, as the tour consists of walking mostly outside. After the tour, a group picture is taken and then posted to their website so you can "revisit" your tour once you are at home.
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Location and Whiskey Sales
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The Jack Daniel Distillery is located at 182 Lynchburg Highway, about 75 miles southeast of Nashville. The White Rabbit Bottle Shop, located in the Visitor's Center, sells commemorative bottles of Jack Daniels whiskey. However, Tennessee law prohibits the Sunday sale of liquor, so make sure your tour is not on Sunday if you desire to buy a commemorative decanter. The Bottle Shop is also closed on July 4 and Labor Day.
The Pavilion and the Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational Barbecue
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The pavilion, at various times of the year, offers a sumptuous southern lunch consisting of barbecued chicken, pulled pork, coleslaw, baked beans,baked apples, cornbread, and Jack Daniels chocolate pecan pie. Check their website for dates. Every 4th Saturday in October, the prestigious barbecue competition takes place at the Hollow. People from all over the world compete for prizes in seven categories (pork ribs, pork shoulder, beef brisket and chicken, sauces and desserts) as well as the titles of grand champion and reserve grand champion. These are good accompaniments to the distillery tour.
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