Been to both these last 2 winters. Bourbon has distinction as being at minimum 51% corn, at least aged 2 years in a new white oak barrel. Carst limestone filtered water is the lynchpin in distilling in both states.
Tennessee whiskeys largely meet that minimum, most exceed it, and could claim their whiskey as Bourbon, choose not to.
Tennesseee whiskey tends to use higher % of corn with less rye, wheat or barley. The added effect of ' lincoln county filtration ' through maple wood charcoal of the white dog gives tennessee whiskey its distinction. Enjoy