Tennessee Whiskey vs Bourbon: The Real Differences
All Tennessee whiskey is bourbon's close cousin, but not all bourbon is Tennessee whiskey. The two are often confused, and for understandable reasons: they share most of the same rules. The real difference comes down to one extra step and one matter of geography. Here is what actually separates them.
- Tennessee whiskey must meet all the legal requirements of bourbon, plus more.
- It must be made in Tennessee.
- It must use the Lincoln County Process: charcoal filtering before barreling.
- In short, most Tennessee whiskey is bourbon that takes an extra step.
What Makes a Bourbon
Bourbon has a strict legal definition. It must be made in the United States, from a mash of at least 51 percent corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, distilled to no more than 160 proof, barreled at no more than 125 proof, and bottled at a minimum of 80 proof. It contains no additives beyond water. Contrary to a common myth, bourbon does not have to be made in Kentucky, though most of it is.
What Makes It Tennessee Whiskey
Tennessee whiskey starts by meeting every one of those bourbon requirements. Then it adds two more. First, it must be produced in the state of Tennessee. Second, by state law it must use the Lincoln County Process, in which the new-make spirit is filtered through sugar-maple charcoal before it enters the barrel. That filtering step mellows the whiskey and is the defining signature of the style.
Does the Extra Step Change the Taste?
It can. The charcoal mellowing tends to smooth out some of the harsher notes of the raw spirit, which is part of why Tennessee whiskey is often described as especially smooth and rounded. Bourbon, without that step, can show a bit more raw grain character and spice depending on the producer. The differences are real but subtle, and brand-to-brand variation often matters more than the category line.
Side by Side
| Bourbon | Tennessee Whiskey | |
|---|---|---|
| Min. 51% corn | Yes | Yes |
| New charred oak | Yes | Yes |
| Location | Anywhere in the USA | Tennessee only |
| Charcoal filtering | Optional | Required |
Both styles reward exploration, and the best way to understand the difference is to taste them side by side. Browse both in our American whiskey collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jack Daniel's a bourbon?
Jack Daniel's meets the legal requirements of bourbon but is labeled Tennessee whiskey because it is made in Tennessee and uses the Lincoln County charcoal-filtering process. The brand chooses to call it Tennessee whiskey.
Does bourbon have to be made in Kentucky?
No. Bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States. Kentucky produces the majority of it, but that is tradition and climate, not law.
What is the Lincoln County Process?
It is the practice of filtering new whiskey through sugar-maple charcoal before aging, which mellows the spirit. It is required for Tennessee whiskey.
Is Tennessee whiskey smoother than bourbon?
It is often described that way because of the charcoal mellowing, but smoothness varies widely by brand and proof in both categories.
