This Week

• Spotlight On - Tennessee Whiskey

• Trivia Question

• Cocktail Corner - The Tennessee Honey Smash

• Trivia Answer

Spotlight On - Tennessee Whiskey

Among the iconic American spirits, Tennessee whiskey stands out with its distinctive smooth, sweet flavor and deep-rooted history. Sharing the big stage with its cousin, Kentucky Bourbon, Tennessee whiskey brings its own unique techniques and flavors to the table.

The origins of Tennessee whiskey date back to the 1800’s and are intertwined with the early distilling practices of the South. It solidified its reputation with the founding of the Jack Daniel Distillery in 1866, which today holds the title of the oldest registered distillery in the United States. 

The Prohibition Era knocked out many distilleries, but Tennessee whiskey came out strong with the revival of old brands and the entry of new players once the 13th amendment was repealed. This revival was further bolstered by the global marketing efforts of brands like Jack Daniel's, which positioned Tennessee whiskey not just as a beverage, but as a symbol of American tradition and craftsmanship.

No discussion about Tennessee whiskey can be complete without tipping a hat to Jack Daniel himself. His recipe and method laid the foundation for what Tennessee whiskey is today. Beyond the giant of Jack Daniel’s, Tennessee is home to several other renowned distilleries that keep the tradition alive. George Dickel, Collier and McKeel, and Nelson's Green Brier Distillery to name a few. Each offers a unique take on what Tennessee whiskey should be, from using traditional methods like the Lincoln County Process to experimenting with different grains and aging processes.

Tennessee whiskey's unique character comes from the Lincoln County Process, a requisite step that involves filtering the distilled spirit through sugar maple charcoal. This method not only smooths the whiskey, but also differentiates it distinctly from Kentucky Bourbon, which does not require charcoal mellowing. Additionally, Tennessee whiskey must be produced in Tennessee and adhere to strict production guidelines, including aging in new charred oak barrels, which further defines its unique identity.

For a whiskey to qualify as Tennessee whiskey, it must meet specific criteria: produced in Tennessee, made from at least 51% corn, distilled to no more than 160 proof, and aged in new charred oak barrels. The inclusion of the Lincoln County Process is also a legal requirement, which ensures that every sip delivers that signature smoothness Tennessee whiskey is famous for.

Tennessee whiskey is hugely popular in the United States and around the world. Jack Daniel’s alone is a global powerhouse available in over 170 countries and regions. Its universal appeal lies in its consistent quality and iconic flavor. Plus, none other than Frank Sinatra helped popularize it. It was well known to be his favorite drink, so Old Blue Eyes was a major brand ambassador without really intending to be. But hey, that’s just what happens when you’re Frank Sinatra. Frank was quoted as saying it was the "nectar of the gods," and even today, Jack Daniel's honors him with their “Sinatra Select” special edition.

Tennessee whiskey really captures the essence of the American spirit—bold, full of character, and built to last. Whether you sip it on the rocks, mix it into a cocktail, or enjoy it neat like Frank, you can pretty much never go wrong with it. It’s comfortable, grounding, and uniquely American. Here’s to Tennessee whiskey, an enduring example of the American South’s expertise in distilling. Cheers!

Cocktail Corner
The Tennessee Honey Smash

This drink is perfect for a warm day or as a relaxing evening treat. The combination of honey and mint complements the distinctive characteristics of Tennessee whiskey, making for a delightful and easy-drinking cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Tennessee whiskey

• 3/4 oz honey syrup (mix equal parts honey and warm water)

• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

• 4 mint leaves, plus extra for garnish

• Crushed ice

Let’s make it!

1. Prepare the Honey Syrup:

   • Combine equal parts of honey and warm water in a small container. Stir until the honey dissolves completely. Let it cool.

2. Muddle the Mint:

   • In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the mint leaves to release their oils. Be careful not to shred them to avoid a bitter taste.

3. Mix the Cocktail:

   • Add the Tennessee whiskey, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice to the shaker.

4. Shake:

   • Fill the shaker with ice, seal it, and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.

5. Strain and Serve:

   • Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice. This keeps the drink chilled without diluting it too quickly.

6. Garnish:

   • Slap a mint leaf between your hands to release its aroma, and place it on top of the drink as garnish.

   
   And now… Enjoy!

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