If you’re a whiskey connoisseur, you’ve probably been wondering how Tennessee Whiskey differs from Bourbon.
The two types of whiskey are both derived from fermented grains and aged in charred oak barrels, but there are some key differences between the two.
Let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences between these two American whiskeys.
What Is Tennessee Whiskey?
Tennessee Whiskey is a type of American whiskey that is produced exclusively in the state of Tennessee. It’s known for its light, smooth, and mellow flavor. Many call it a “lighter” version of bourbon.
Other than being made in Tennessee, it also must be:
- Made from at least 51% corn
- Filtered using the Lincoln County Process (more on this in a minute)
- Aged in new charred oak barrels
Popular brands include the likes of Jack Daniels and George Dickel.
What Is Bourbon?
Bourbon is an American whiskey made from at least 51% corn. It’s also aged in new charred oak barrels, must contain no additives, and must be at least 80 proof at bottling.
Bourbon whiskey is known for its sweet vanilla and caramel flavor profile. This sweetness is mostly a result of the corn in the mashbill. It also has a warm, spicy component from the rye and a deep oakiness from the barrel.
It must be made in America, but surprisingly isn’t required to be made in Kentucky (even though most is). States like Tennessee and Indiana also play a role in the production process.
Some popular brands include: Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, and Woodford Reserve
The Differences Between Tennessee Whiskey and Bourbon
The key difference between the two types of whiskey is that Tennessee Whiskey must be filtered through maple charcoal before being put into the barrel for aging. This is called the Lincoln County Process and it was developed in the late 1800s.
It’s used to remove impurities from whiskey. The process involves filtering the whiskey through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal. This removes impurities and gives Tennessee Whiskey its smooth, mellow flavor.
Bourbon is also filtered before being put into the barrel, but most distillers use chill filtration. This is a form of carbon filtration where activated charcoal is added to the whiskey to remove oils and other unwanted compounds. Then, the whiskey is filtered through a paper filter that removes the charcoal.
Another obvious difference between bourbon and Tennessee whiskey is where they’re originated. Tennessee whiskey is obviously made in Tennessee—bourbon is normally made in Kentucky.
The Similarities Between Tennessee Whiskey and Bourbon
Both bourbon and Tennessee whiskey are required to be made from at least 51% corn in the mash and aged in new charred oak barrels. This makes them have similar flavor profiles even though the filtration differences make them have distinct tastes.
Is Tennessee Whiskey Technically Bourbon?
What a controversial question. Wars have been fought (social media wars, that is) over this discussion.
Technically, the answer is yes.
This is because Tennessee Whiskey follows the legal guidelines for bourbon production and there isn’t a law stating bourbon can only be made in Kentucky.
But Tennesseans and Kentuckians both don’t want it to be called bourbon due to pride and whatever else.
How to Drink Tennessee Whiskey vs. Bourbon
Most people drink Tennessee Whiskey similarly to how they do bourbon—straight, on the rocks, in a cocktail, or mixed with soda.
The main difference is that most people drink Tennessee Whiskey in cola. They order a “Jack and Coke”, which is Jack Daniels mixed with Coca-cola because the Tennessee Whiskey mellowness usually mixes better with coke than bourbon does.
Bourbon is usually enjoyed neat or in a cocktail like an Old Fashioned because its richer and more complex profile.
Bourbon vs. Tennessee Whiskey: Which Is Better?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer here.
The true answer depends on your taste preferences.
If you want an easy-to-drink whiskey with a modest flavor profile, go with Tennessee Whiskey.
You can enjoy it neat or mix it with whatever soda is nearby for an excellent drink.
If you’re a whiskey connoisseur who loves tasting the complexity in their drink, go with bourbon and drink it neat.
If this describes you, I have a bunch of resources for you that will help you find the best bourbons for your budget and taste preferences.
I highly recommend checking out these articles:
Hunter Branch is the Founder and Director of Editorial for Bourbon Inspector. He has been writing about and professionally reviewing bourbon since 2020 (and has been drinking it for much longer). He’s been able to interview big names in the bourbon industry like Trey Zoeller from Jefferson’s Bourbon and his work has been featured in publications like TastingTable, Mashed, and more.