The 10 Finest Tennessee Whiskeys

The 10 Finest Tennessee Whiskeys

Tennessee whiskey is often misunderstood, with many wondering what differentiates it from bourbon. The endless debates, especially about whether Jack Daniel’s is bourbon, can be frustrating for enthusiasts. To clarify, the method used to produce Jack Daniel’s allows it to be called bourbon under Federal law. However, "Tennessee whiskey" became an official category in 2013, requiring it to meet all bourbon criteria plus undergo the Lincoln County Process before aging. Essentially, it’s bourbon with an extra step. Tennessee whiskey, including Jack Daniel’s, is a category of bourbon. Beyond Lynchburg, over 30 whiskey-producing distilleries in Tennessee offer some of the country’s best whiskeys. Today is the perfect time to explore them. To assist, we've ranked the 10 best Tennessee whiskeys we've tried.

Uncle Nearest Uncut & Unfiltered Straight Rye Whiskey

Boldly proclaiming its uncut and unfiltered nature, this straight rye whiskey embodies perfection in every sip. Revered by Uncle Nearest's 4x Master Blender of the Year, Victoria Eady Butler, this 100% rye is a testament to its exceptional quality, eschewing any need for cutting or filtration. Despite Tennessee's challenges in rye cultivation, this whiskey sourced from New York showcases the epitome of rye spice and character, resting for a minimum of four years in Uncle Nearest barrels before finding its home in God’s Country. With a fusion of northern birth and southern hospitality, it's no wonder this whiskey has garnered accolades year after year. Buy it now!

Sweetens Cove 22 Tennessee Blended Bourbon

Introducing Sweetens 22, the first truly allocated release from Sweetens Cove in Tennessee. This unique blend of Tennessee bourbon, finished in Speyside Scotch casks, features four different expressions aged 10, 8, 6, and 5 years, all curated by Master Blender Marianne Eaves. This release celebrates the lineage and journey of whiskey—and golf—from Scotland to Sweetens Cove. Each bottle top includes a magnetic medallion that doubles as a ball marker. Buy it now!

Rattle & Snap Tennessee Straight Whiskey Aged 8 Years

Rattle & Snap Tennessee Whiskey, named after an old Southern game of chance that inspired the brand’s founding, is produced by Kentucky’s Log Still Cabin Distillery. Buy it now!

George Dickel Bottled In Bond

The George Dickel Bottled In Bond 2021 Release pays homage to the storied tradition of Tennessee Whisky, tracing its roots back to George A Dickel's pioneering journey in 1870. Embracing the wisdom of cold winter distillation for a smoother taste, this release follows suit by chilling the whisky before charcoal filtration. The result is a distinctively bold and complex whisky, sourced from barrels laid down during a single distilling season and selected at peak maturity. Just like the individuals behind its creation, this Bottled In Bond release stands out for its unique character and exceptional quality. Buy it now!

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery Nelson Brother’s Classic Bourbon

Introducing the inaugural release from Nelson Brothers, Andy and Charlie, celebrated at the TAG Global Spirits Awards in the American Blended Straight Bourbon category. This exceptional bourbon offers a delightful array of tasting notes, including banana bread, cocoa, cherry, dried pineapple, black peppercorn, spearmint, lemon, sweet tobacco, spice cake, milk chocolate, vanilla, and baked apple, all available for purchase at $29.99. Crafted through blending high-rye straight bourbon aged in charred American oak, this whiskey is equally delightful neat or in cocktails. Inspired by their family's heritage, particularly their great-great-great grandfather's distillery in Tennessee, Andy and Charlie embarked on reviving Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in 2006, carrying on their family's legacy. Since its revival, the distillery has flourished, producing a range of exceptional products including bourbon, whiskey, rye whiskey, and liqueurs. Buy it now!

Chattanooga Whiskey Cask 111 Straight Bourbon

Chattanooga Whiskey Cask 111 Straight Bourbon embodies the spirit of Tennessee's distilling renaissance, breaking a century-long dry spell in Chattanooga. Pioneered by Tim Piersant and Joe Ledbetter, the distillery, legalized in 2015 after years of legislative efforts, brought forth its inaugural bottles in 2012. Distilled with a mash bill featuring 51% yellow dent corn and a blend of malted rye, caramel malted barley, and honey malted barley, this bourbon shares its roots with the acclaimed Chattanooga Whiskey 91. What sets Cask 111 apart is its near-cask strength of 55.5% ABV, contributing a delightful peanut candy note that enriches the overall flavor profile. Despite its relative newcomer status, this expression has garnered well-deserved recognition, clinching multiple Gold Medals, including prestigious Double Gold honors. Buy it now!

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 Barrel Proof Tennessee Rye Whiskey

If you thought Jack Daniel’s was all about Old No. 7, their single barrel barrel strength offerings will swiftly change your mind. Crafted from a mash bill of 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley, this expression follows the success of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Special Release Barrel Proof Rye. Buy it now!

Nashville Barrel Company Single Barrel Bourbon

Nashville Barrel Company has been impressing since 2018 with their model of sourcing whiskey to bring exceptional single barrels to market. This particular bottle, selected by founders Mike Hinds and James Davenport, exemplifies their success. It’s a cask-strength bourbon from Kentucky, aged in Tennessee, and released after 7 years of maturation. Buy it now!

Jack Daniel’s 12-year-Old Tennessee Whiskey

Jack Daniel’s Age Stated Series, which started with a 10-year-old expression, now includes an outstanding 12-year-old Tennessee Whiskey. Currently in its second batch, this whiskey boasts a higher ABV of 53.5%, highlighting Old No. 7’s classic grain recipe at both an advanced age and elevated proof. Buy it now!