13 Must-Try Tennessee Whiskeys
13 Must-Try Tennessee Whiskeys
Tennessee is renowned for its rich whiskey heritage, offering a diverse range of flavors and styles that cater to every enthusiast's tastes. From smooth bourbons to robust ryes, this gallery takes you on a journey through some of the must-try Tennessee whiskeys. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the whiskey world, these selections are sure to impress.
Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey
Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, a 93-proof creation, undergoes the entire process of distillation, aging, and bottling under the meticulous care of Uncle Nearest. Curated by Victoria Eady Butler, a fifth-generation descendant of Nearest Green and a four-time Master Blender of the Year, each batch represents a testament to expertise and heritage. Buy it now!
Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey
Crafted from a family recipe dating back to 1909, Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey is a testament to tradition. Produced from a high wheat mash bill and maple charcoal filtration, this award-winning whiskey is then aged in new, charred oak barrels. Its renowned flavor profile boasts notes of caramel apples, brown sugar, cinnamon candy, toasted vanilla beans, and oak, offering a soft, sweet, and effortlessly drinkable experience. Buy it now!
Chattanooga Whiskey 111
Tennessee's Chattanooga Whiskey is proving that you don't need to be in Kentucky to make world-class bourbon. Their cask strength 111 offering showcases their high-malt mashbill, which includes malted barley in a higher percentage than most bourbons use. This gives it an almost scotch-like character in terms of complexity, while still being unmistakably bourbon. At 111 proof, you get plenty of flavor without needing to add water, though a few drops can really open it up. These folks are innovating while respecting tradition, and the maltiness brings out notes of honey, graham cracker, and toasted nuts that you won't find in your typical bourbon. Buy it now!
George Dickel Bottled in Bond Tennessee Whisky
This bottle of George Dickel Bottled in Bond Tennessee Whisky exemplifies Cascade Hollow Distilling Co.'s dedication to authenticity and quality. A limited release with the signature George Dickel character, this finely crafted whisky boasts a bold taste at 100 proof. Aged since Fall 2005, the 13-Year Old oak adds depth and complexity while maintaining balanced fruit-forward notes. Ideal for sipping neat, on the rocks, or as the base for a classic Old Fashioned cocktail. Labeled "Bottled In Bond," it adheres to stringent regulations guaranteeing authenticity, including a minimum four-year aging process, 100 proof bottling, and detailed labeling. Distilled and charcoal mellowed at Cascade Hollow Distillery, this unique expression reflects the rich heritage and commitment to quality. Buy it now for $48.99.
Old Dominick Cask Strength Bourbon and Bonded Tennessee Whiskey
Old Dominick Distillery, the only whiskey distillery in West Tennessee, brought its Southern grit to the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, where it earned Double Gold medals for both its Cask Strength Bourbon and Bonded Tennessee Whiskey. Based in Memphis, Old Dominick has built a loyal following among bourbon enthusiasts, and these awards mark the distillery’s highest achievement at this prestigious competition, run by The Tasting Alliance for its rigorous blind evaluations. Lead Distiller David Valentine, a Memphis native, credits the wins to meticulous care at every step, from grain sourcing to barrel aging. “Every decision, from mashbill to aging time, is about quality,” Valentine says, emphasizing the extra effort that goes into crafting spirits that stand out. Both the Cask Strength Bourbon and Bonded Tennessee Whiskey have won over whiskey reviewers and casual drinkers alike, offering bold, rich flavors that shine whether sipped neat or shared with friends. Available at the distillery or Memphis-area retailers, these whiskeys are a testament to Old Dominick’s commitment to excellence, perfect for guys who appreciate a taste of Tennessee tradition. Shop Old Dominick!
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel
Here's the thing about Jack Daniel's – most people write it off as the stuff you mixed with Coke in college, but the Single Barrel expression is a completely different animal. This runs around $40 and represents the richer, more complex version of what the distillery can do when they're not trying to make something for the masses. You're getting denser caramel, vanilla, and oak spices compared to the standard offerings, plus some fruit notes that add depth most people don't associate with the brand. The single barrel selection means each bottle comes from one specific barrel rather than being blended, so there's more character and variation from bottle to bottle. It's Tennessee whiskey, which means it goes through the Lincoln County Process of charcoal filtering before aging, giving it a smoother profile than straight bourbon. If you've only ever had Old No. 7, this will change your opinion of what Jack Daniel's can produce. The distillery's been making whiskey since the 1860s, and this expression shows they still know what they're doing when they're not focused on mass market appeal. Buy it now!
Chattanooga Whiskey Bottled in Bond
The newest release from Chattanooga, the Bottled-in-Bond (BIB), is crafted from whiskey that was barrelled in the fall of 2019. After a patient maturation period of four years, a careful selection of 10 to 12 barrels was batched and proofed to bring forth this exceptional release. Buy it now for $54.99!
George Dickel 15-Year Tennessee Single Barrel Whisky
This 15-year-old offering from George Dickel stands out for its exceptional value, combining notable age and an affordable price. Regularly exceeding the 15-year age statement, this hyper-aged single barrel whiskey, made from the same mash bill as Dickel’s Bottled in Bond expression, is bottled at cask strength. Buy it now!
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Coy Hill Special Release
Every few years, Jack Daniel’s drops the Coy Hill Special Release, and it’s like they bottled lightning in a bottle—sourced from the high-elevation barrels that age slow and fierce up in their Coy Hill rickhouses, clocking in anywhere from 122 to a scorcher 137.5 proof uncut. This ain’t your grandpa’s Old No. 7; it’s a deep dive into charred oak heaven with waves of caramelized banana, toasted coconut, and that signature Tennessee maple syrup sweetness, all wrapped in a smoky leather hug that builds like a freight train. The heat hits hard but fair, blooming into a long, warm finish that leaves you grinning instead of gasping—perfect for those nights when you want a sip that reminds you why whiskey’s called liquid courage. If you snag one at MSRP, you’re a lucky dog; otherwise, brace for the markup, but damn if it ain’t worth chasing.
Jack Daniel’s 12 Year Old
I know, I know – Jack gets flak for not being “real” bourbon, but this 12-year Tennessee whiskey is drinking circles around a lot of Kentucky stuff right now. Maple candy, banana bread, charcoal kiss, super smooth at 107 proof. I cracked one with the guys during deer camp opener and the bottle was gone before we even started telling lies. Don’t sleep on it just cause of the square bottle. Buy it now!
Old Dominick Huling Station
From Memphis, Tennessee, Old Dominick's Huling Station small batch brings southern smoothness with a high-corn mash that delivers buttery caramel, vanilla, and light fruit upfront, backed by gentle spice and oak. It's got that easy-drinking vibe without being too sweet or bland, finishing clean and warm. Proofed around 90-something, it's perfect for casual pours whether you're kicking back watching the game or sharing with buddies. Not your typical Kentucky juice, but that's what makes it stand out – real underrated for how balanced and tasty it is at the price. Buy it now!
George Dickel 18 Year Old Bourbon
A small-batch bourbon that was expertly blended after being matured for eighteen years in barrels made of charred wood. Nestled in the peaceful hills of Cascade Hollow, they grew old in their one-story rick homes. A well-balanced whisky blend for fans of bourbon. Buy it now!
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