Tennessee WhiskeyStyle

A bourbon made in Tennessee and filtered through sugar-maple charcoal before it goes into the barrel, a step called the Lincoln County Process. Tennessee law has required it since 2013.

The Rules

• Meets the bourbon rules
• Made in Tennessee
• Filtered through maple charcoal before aging (Lincoln County Process)
• Aged in new charred oak in Tennessee

On The Label

• "Tennessee Whiskey" on the label; "Charcoal Mellowed" is a Trait in WOW
• Jack Daniel's, George Dickel and Uncle Nearest are the best-known

What To Expect

Smooth and slightly lighter than many bourbons, with banana, caramel and a faint sooty sweetness from the charcoal.

Why It Matters

Legally it is bourbon, but its makers prefer the Tennessee name, and the charcoal step gives it its own character.