129: The Lost History Of Tennessee Whiskey Part 2

Part 2, we are back with the chapters 11-20. Wowzer this is getting intense. I really hope yall are enjoying this.

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Tennessee whiskey boasts a rich history, dating back to the late 18th century when Scottish, Scots-Irish, and Irish immigrants brought their distilling practices to the state, though initially focusing on rye. Whiskey production flourished, and after a period of decline due to prohibition, it saw a revival, with many smaller distillers emerging today. A key element of Tennessee whiskey is the Lincoln County Process, which involves filtering through maple charcoal for a smoother flavor. 

Early Days and Expansion:

• Immigrant Origins:

  As Scottish, Scots-Irish, and Irish immigrants settled in the frontier, they brought with them their traditional distilling practices, primarily using rye. 

• Growing Popularity:

  Whiskey consumption increased, and many farmers found that converting their corn into whiskey was profitable. 

• Early Distilleries:

  Tennessee was home to numerous licensed distilleries by the end of the 19th century, with over 700 registered. 

• The Lincoln County Process:

  The practice of filtering whiskey through maple charcoal, known as the Lincoln County Process, was pioneered as early as 1825 by Alfred Eaton in Lynchburg, Tennessee. 

• Nearest Green and Jack Daniel:

  Nathan "Nearest" Green, an enslaved distiller, is credited with teaching Jack Daniel the art of whiskey making and the importance of the charcoal filter. Green's expertise, passed down through generations of enslaved people, is now recognized as a crucial element in the creation of Tennessee whiskey. 

Prohibition and Revival:

• Statewide Prohibition:

  .Opens in new tabTennessee experienced both national and statewide prohibition, which nearly wiped out the whiskey industry, with only a few distilleries like Jack Daniel's and George Dickel surviving.

• The Post-Prohibition Era:

  .Opens in new tabFollowing the repeal of prohibition, Tennessee saw a resurgence of whiskey production, with Jack Daniel's being the first distillery to reopen.

• Modern Tennessee Whiskey:

  .Opens in new tabToday, Tennessee whiskey enjoys a revival, with many smaller distillers emerging and offering tours to visitors. 

Distinction from Bourbon:

• The Lincoln County Process:

  .Opens in new tabTennessee whiskey is distinguished from bourbon by the inclusion of the Lincoln County Process, where whiskey is filtered through maple charcoal before aging, resulting in a smoother flavor profile. 

• Other Distilleries:

  .Opens in new tabGeorge Dickel is another iconic Tennessee whiskey distillery that also underwent a revival after prohibition. 

• 
  Tennessee has long been a leader in producing distilled spirits. As our nations early founders moved west, they carried with them the craft of whiskey.  Fortunately for Tennessee, the land, water, and climate is nearly perfect for the production of whiskey.  So make whiskey we did.

  Tennessee was a leading producer of distilled spirits even prior to the Civil War. In fact, Tennessee made so much whiskey, that the then Confederate government of Tennessee outlawed whiskey production in order to field and supply the army. This was the nation’s first act of prohibition.  Following the Civil War, Tennessee quickly rebuilt its distilled spirits industry.  In 1908 Tennessee had hundreds of registered distilleries across the state.  Unfortunately for Tennessee and enthusiasts of fine spirits everywhere, Tennessee again led the way in prohibition in 1910, banning the production of whiskey ten years ahead of the Federal ban in 1920.