Many whiskey fans enjoy Jack Daniel’s famous Tennessee whiskey, but not everyone knows who runs the company behind this iconic brand. Jack Daniel’s is owned by the Brown-Forman Corporation, which has held the brand since acquiring it in 1956.
Brown-Forman is one of the largest wine and spirits producers in the world, and Jack Daniel’s serves as the crown jewel in their impressive portfolio.
The Brown-Forman Corporation is an American company with a long history in the spirits industry. Besides Jack Daniel’s, they own several other well-known brands including Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, and el Jimador tequila.
The Jack Daniel’s Distillery operates in Lynchburg, Tennessee, and is actually the oldest registered distillery in the United States.
Key Takeaways
- Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is owned and produced by the Brown-Forman Corporation, a major player in the global spirits industry.
- The whiskey comes from America’s oldest registered distillery, located in Lynchburg, Tennessee, where it undergoes a special charcoal mellowing process.
- Brown-Forman has maintained ownership of Jack Daniel’s since 1956, helping it become the biggest-selling American whiskey in the world.
History of Jack Daniel’s
Jack Daniel’s has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The brand’s journey from a small distillery in Lynchburg to a globally recognized whiskey involves both its founder’s vision and later corporate ownership.
The Founding of Jack Daniel Distillery
Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel established his famous distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Born on September 5, 1849, Jack was the youngest of 10 children in his family.
As a young man, Jack learned the art of whiskey making and eventually introduced the world to Old No. 7, his signature Tennessee Whiskey. The distillery became known for its unique charcoal mellowing process that gives Jack Daniel’s its distinctive flavor.
Lynchburg remains the home of Jack Daniel’s to this day. Interestingly, the distillery operates in a “dry county” where alcohol sales are prohibited, though they can still produce and ship their products.
Transition to Brown-Forman Corporation
Though Jack Daniel created the famous whiskey, his legacy eventually passed into corporate hands. In 1965, the Daniel family sold Jack Daniel’s to Brown-Forman Corporation for $20 million (approximately $190 million in today’s dollars).
Brown-Forman has maintained the traditions established by Jack Daniel while expanding the brand globally. Under their ownership, Jack Daniel’s has become the best-selling individual whiskey brand worldwide.
The company has preserved the production methods and heritage of the original distillery in Lynchburg, keeping Jack’s legacy alive while introducing the iconic Tennessee whiskey to new generations of consumers around the world.
Understanding Whiskey Types
Whiskey comes in many varieties, each with its own special traits and production methods. The two main types in American whiskey are bourbon and Tennessee whiskey.
Difference Between Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey
While often confused, bourbon and Tennessee whiskey have some key differences. Jack Daniel’s is the world’s best-selling whiskey brand, but it’s not actually a bourbon – it’s a Tennessee whiskey.
What makes them different? Both start with similar ingredients and processes. They use mostly corn in their grain mix and age in new charred oak barrels.
The big difference is the Lincoln County Process. Tennessee whiskey goes through an extra step where the spirit is filtered through maple charcoal before aging. This gives it a smoother, mellower flavor compared to bourbon.
Bourbon can be made anywhere in the United States, while Tennessee whiskey must be made in Tennessee. This regional distinction is important to whiskey fans who appreciate the unique qualities of each type.
Jack Daniel’s proudly calls itself Tennessee whiskey to highlight this special filtration process and its Tennessee heritage.
Ownership and Management
Jack Daniel’s, the famous Tennessee whiskey, is owned by Brown-Forman Corporation, a family-controlled company based in Louisville, Kentucky. Brown-Forman has owned the iconic whiskey brand since 1956.
Brown-Forman is one of the largest companies in the spirits and wine business. Despite being publicly traded, it maintains strong family control over its operations and strategic decisions.
The company’s portfolio extends beyond Jack Daniel’s. They also own other popular brands like Old Forester, Woodford Reserve, and Slane Irish Whiskey.
Recently, Brown-Forman has faced some challenges in the market. In early 2024, the company announced it would be cutting 12 percent of its workforce, affecting employees across various brands including Jack Daniel’s.
When looking at Brown-Forman’s ownership structure, several key shareholders stand out:
| Shareholder | Percentage | Shares |
|---|---|---|
| Fundsmith LLP | 3.175% | 9,637,881 |
| W. Musselman | 2.348% | 7,126,185 |
| Van Eck Associates Corp | 1.798% | Not specified |
The company’s headquarters remain in Kentucky, where they continue to oversee the production and distribution of Jack Daniel’s and their other spirits brands throughout the global market.
Crafting Jack Daniel’s Whiskey
Jack Daniel’s whiskey is made through a special process that has remained mostly unchanged for generations. The careful production methods contribute to its unique taste and quality that fans worldwide have come to love.
The Unique Charcoal Mellowing Process
Jack Daniel’s uses a special technique called the Lincoln County Process. This involves filtering the new whiskey through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal before aging it in barrels. The charcoal filtering happens drop by drop, taking 3-5 days to complete.
This process gives Jack Daniel’s its smooth character. It removes harsh flavors from the whiskey while adding subtle sweetness. The charcoal is made on-site at the distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, where every drop of Jack Daniel’s is produced.
The method dates back to the 1800s when Jack Daniel himself perfected it. Today’s master distillers follow the same careful steps to maintain the whiskey’s consistent quality and distinctive taste.
The Role of the Cooperage
Barrels play a crucial role in creating Jack Daniel’s flavor. Until recently, Brown-Forman (the company that owns Jack Daniel’s) operated its own cooperage in Louisville to craft these important vessels.
Each barrel is made from American white oak and charred on the inside. This charring caramelizes the natural sugars in the wood, giving the whiskey its amber color and many flavor notes.
During aging, the whiskey moves in and out of the wood as temperatures change. This interaction between whiskey and barrel accounts for about 60-80% of the final flavor. Unfortunately, Brown-Forman recently announced they’re closing their Louisville barrel-making plant.
Ensuring the Smooth Taste
Quality control is essential to maintain Jack Daniel’s consistent taste. Every batch is tested by trained tasters who check for the right flavor profile and smoothness.
The climate in Lynchburg also affects how the whiskey ages. The changing Tennessee seasons create natural temperature fluctuations that help the whiskey mature properly, creating the perfect balance of flavors.
Jack Daniel’s typically ages for at least four years before bottling. This patience allows the whiskey to develop its characteristic caramel, vanilla, and oak notes. Water from the distillery’s limestone spring adds another distinctive element to the final product.
Jack Daniel’s has become the best-selling individual whiskey brand worldwide thanks to these careful crafting methods that haven’t changed much since its creation.
Touring the Distillery
The Jack Daniel Distillery offers visitors a chance to see how their famous Tennessee whiskey is made. Tours run daily and showcase the unique crafting process in the historic Lynchburg location.
Experiencing Lynchburg
When visiting the Jack Daniel Distillery, guests can join tours that run from 9am to 5:00pm CST daily. The distillery closes on certain holidays including New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Eve.
The standard Dry County Distillery Tour takes about 70 minutes and is suitable for visitors of all ages, making it a great family day trip. This makes it perfect for anyone wanting to explore with children or non-drinking guests.
During the tour, visitors can “walk the hallowed hollow” and see firsthand how Tennessee whiskey is crafted. The experience shows the traditional methods that have made Jack Daniel’s the world’s best-selling individual whiskey brand.
Lynchburg’s small-town charm adds to the experience, with its historic square and shops that complement the distillery visit. Despite being home to a world-famous whiskey, Lynchburg is ironically located in a dry county.
Jack Daniel’s in Popular Culture
Jack Daniel’s has become a cultural icon that appears in many movies and TV shows. The whisky brand is featured in numerous films, making it one of the most recognizable spirits worldwide.
Music and entertainment have strong ties to Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. Many musicians have mentioned the brand in lyrics or have been photographed enjoying the whiskey backstage.
The distinctive square bottle with black label has become a symbol that people recognize instantly. Even those who don’t drink whiskey can often identify the Jack Daniel’s bottle design.
Marketing efforts have helped make Jack Daniel’s part of American culture. The brand maintains its authentic image through storytelling about its Tennessee roots and traditional production methods.
In bars across the world, ordering a “Jack and Coke” is understood universally. This simple cocktail has become one of the most popular ways to enjoy Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7.
Sports events and music festivals often feature Jack Daniel’s sponsorships. These partnerships have helped the whiskey become associated with good times and celebrations.
The brand has successfully become more than just a drink – it represents a lifestyle and attitude that appeals to many different types of people.
