The Manual Ranks 5 Top Tennessee Whiskeys

The Manual’s 5 Favorite Tennessee Whiskeys

While Jack Daniel’s may be the go-to choice for many Tennessee whiskey enthusiasts, there's a whole world of exceptional options waiting to be explored beyond its iconic Old No. 7. From small-batch distilleries to historic family recipes, Tennessee boasts a diverse array of whiskey offerings that showcase the state's rich heritage and craftsmanship. So, while Jack Daniel’s holds its place as a global whiskey icon, it's worth venturing beyond its familiar label to discover the hidden gems and unique flavors that Tennessee has to offer. Here are The Manual’s top picks!

5.) Company Distilling Straight Tennessee Whiskey Finished with Apple Wood

With a background rooted in Jack Daniel’s, Company Distilling's master distiller and founder, Jeff Arnett, brings his expertise to their Tennessee Whiskey Finished with Apple Wood. This exceptional product undergoes charcoal-mellowing and aging in white oak barrels before receiving a finishing touch with toasted apple wood. The outcome is a nuanced and enjoyable whiskey boasting flavors of cinnamon, raisins, oaky wood, vanilla, and toffee, showcasing Arnett's skill and the unique influence of apple wood on the spirit. Buy it now!

4.) Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey

Uncle Nearest's inaugural whiskey release, an award-winning 100-proof expression, showcases a mash bill of corn and rye, filtered through the Lincoln County Process. Aged for 8 to 14 years in new, charred American oak barrels, this whiskey exudes richness and complexity. Expect flavors of candied pecans, brown sugar, sweet corn, peppery rye, chocolate, wintry spice, and charred oak wood, offering a truly indulgent tasting experience. Buy it now!

3.) 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!

2.) Prichard’s Tennessee Whiskey

Prichard’s stands out as the sole distillery producing "Tennessee whiskey" exempt from the Lincoln County Process, opting instead for a mash bill featuring white corn for added sweetness. Aged for a minimum of ten years in new, charred oak barrels, their award-winning whiskey offers a distinctive sipping experience. Expect a harmonious blend of dried cherries, vanilla, toffee, cinnamon, peppery rye, and oak in each memorable sip. Buy it now!

1.) George Dickel Bottled-In-Bond Tennessee Whiskey

Crafted with precision, this award-winning bottled-in-bond Tennessee whiskey boasts a mash bill dominated by 84% corn, complemented by 8% rye and 8% malted barley. Aged for no less than four years in charred oak within federally bonded warehouses, the outcome is a robust and sweet whiskey. Delight in its flavors of maple candy, pecans, caramel apples, sweet corn, vanilla, and charred oak. For the full experience, enjoy neat or with a hint of water to enhance its nuances. Buy it now!