A couple of distilleries in early April

"The Federal Standards of Identity for Bourbon stipulate what is and what isn't bourbon. For a whiskey to call itself bourbon, its mash, the mixture of grains from which the product is distilled, must contain at least 51% corn. (The rest of the mash is usually filled out with malted barley and either rye or wheat.) The mash must be distilled at 160 proof or less, put into the barrel at 125 proof or less, and it must not contain any additives. The distillate must be aged in a new charred oak barrel. (Most often these barrels are white oak, but they can be any variety of oak.)"

Another interesting tidbit is that Scotch whisky is traditionally aged in used bourbon barrels. This is for three reasons: First, there is limited if any oak available for making barrels in Scotland. Second is that new barrels impart an astringency to the whiskey/whisky. Third, bourbon has to be aged in new barrels, so they can’t be reused for bourbon.

jkwilson wrote:

Johno02 wrote:
If you are going to Jack Daniels in Lynchburg, them a MUST see is George Dickle outside Tullahoma. Daniels is a huge industrial manufacturer, Dickle is a small exibition of the art of whisky making as it should be. And one sip will make you a true believer. This is NOT a true burbon, as that can only be a product of Burbon County KY, but instead is a true Tennessee sipping whisky. A distillery tour in Kentucky is a real experience not to be missed in you are in that area with a bit of time. Some of the distilleries are beautiful places to visit.

Bourbon can be made anywhere in the US. Very little is made in Bourbon County. Evan Williams began producing bourbon in Louisville at the first commercial bourbon distillery.

Anderson County, Jefferson County, Nelson County, Franklin County, Marion County, and others produce the most famous brands like Wild Turkey, Beam, Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, Makers Mark etc..

Jack Daniels could be called bourbon if they chose to label it as such.

I’m related to the Ripy family that founded Wild Turkey in Anderson County and have family in every county I mentioned above. The Bourbon Trail is a great way to spend a couple of days!

"The Federal Standards of Identity for Bourbon stipulate what is and what isn't bourbon. For a whiskey to call itself bourbon, its mash, the mixture of grains from which the product is distilled, must contain at least 51% corn. (The rest of the mash is usually filled out with malted barley and either rye or wheat.) The mash must be distilled at 160 proof or less, put into the barrel at 125 proof or less, and it must not contain any additives. The distillate must be aged in a new charred oak barrel. (Most often these barrels are white oak, but they can be any variety of oak.)"

Link for "What make whiskey Bourbon"

Some bourbon is produced right here in Texas. ;)

Johno02 wrote:
If you are going to Jack Daniels in Lynchburg, them a MUST see is George Dickle outside Tullahoma. Daniels is a huge industrial manufacturer, Dickle is a small exibition of the art of whisky making as it should be. And one sip will make you a true believer. This is NOT a true burbon, as that can only be a product of Burbon County KY, but instead is a true Tennessee sipping whisky. A distillery tour in Kentucky is a real experience not to be missed in you are in that area with a bit of time. Some of the distilleries are beautiful places to visit.

Bourbon can be made anywhere in the US. Very little is made in Bourbon County. Evan Williams began producing bourbon in Louisville at the first commercial bourbon distillery.

Anderson County, Jefferson County, Nelson County, Franklin County, Marion County, and others produce the most famous brands like Wild Turkey, Beam, Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, Makers Mark etc..

Jack Daniels could be called bourbon if they chose to label it as such.

I’m related to the Ripy family that founded Wild Turkey in Anderson County and have family in every county I mentioned above. The Bourbon Trail is a great way to spend a couple of days!

We stayed at Horse Farm when we did the Bourbon Trail. Make sure you hit Woodford Reserve, Makers Mark, Buffalo Trace, and Four Roses. After you test those, you will never touch Jim Beam again.

My favorite is Woodford Reserve, double oaked. I don't even share with my friends.

How big is your new RV? Tims Ford SP is very nice if you've never been there before but for bigger rigs you might want to stay at the Fairview campground a few miles south of the main park. The main park is older and has smaller sites and narrower road making harder manuvering backing in. I prefer Fairview really.

Take the Angel's share tour at Jack Daniel. It is the better offerings of their higher end whiskey. Dickel is worth the drive to go to also. Different experiences. If you like aircraft the Beechcraft Heritage Museum is in Tullahoma also and is really interesting.

While there at Tims Ford head toward Winchester and find Drafts and Watercrafts restaurant. It's not all the way into Winchester and a bit tricky to find but it's worth the effort. Great floating restaurant with great food and a sports bar type theme.

Here is the no misser. Book a meal at Miss Mary Bobo's. It's right there in Lynchburg and it's a reservation only thing. It is a family style type meal and you have a historian during the meal that tells you the history of Mary Bobo's and some stories of the area. The table seats 12 people and there are 9 (?) different dining rooms and you meet some interesting people you dine with.

If you are going to Jack Daniels in Lynchburg, them a MUST see is George Dickle outside Tullahoma. Daniels is a huge industrial manufacturer, Dickle is a small exibition of the art of whisky making as it should be. And one sip will make you a true believer. This is NOT a true burbon, as that can only be a product of Burbon County KY, but instead is a true Tennessee sipping whisky. A distillery tour in Kentucky is a real experience not to be missed in you are in that area with a bit of time. Some of the distilleries are beautiful places to visit.

You might consider the Jim Beam Distillery in Kentucky. And several state parks within easy driving distance.

Thankfully you have abandoned the Demon...Rum!

I was a bourbon drinker for many years, have stopped now but still enjoy a good micro brew beer or ale.
Along your route you will find one that has become my favorite.
Lexington brewing company which operates both a brewery and a distillery.
Lexington
Their Ale is the best I have ever tasted, The bourbon barrel flavor is distinct. I have not sampled the Bourbon, but I suspect the quality will be similar.
I will be visiting them in April, you may beat me by a month or two.