Say it ain’t so.
A Jack Daniel’s barrelhouse in Lynchburg, Tennessee, partially collapsed early this morning, causing a ton of damage to both the storehouse and to that beautiful, delicious nectar of the gods housed inside those glorious barrels. Luckily, no employees were in the building at the time and no injuries were reported… well, except to that 80% corn, 12% rye, and 8% malted barley, sour mash Tennessee whiskey.
According to the The Lynchburg Times, a rep from Jack Daniel’s, Global Public Relations Director Svend Jansen, has released the following statement:
We now have an official statement from Brown-Forman. “Overnight, there was a partial collapse of a Jack Daniel’s Distillery barrel house in Lynchburg, TN. No individuals were inside the barrel house at the time and there were no injuries to any employees. We are working with distillery and local officials to assess the damage.”
The extent of the damage is unknown, but you hate to see any barrels of Jack go to waste in such a tragic accident. As of right now, the incident is reportedly contained and the good people of Jack Daniel’s are working to assess the damage.
RIP Jack.
History of Jack Daniel’s
Few names in the world of whiskey carry the same legendary status as Jack Daniel’s. Synonymous with smooth Tennessee whiskey, rich Southern tradition, and that unmistakable black label, Jack Daniel’s has cemented itself as a staple in bars and homes across the world. But how did this brand, born in a small town in Tennessee, grow to become the best-selling American whiskey globally?
The story begins in the 1850s when a young Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel was born. Though the exact birth year is debated (some say 1846, others 1850), what is known for sure is that Jack grew up in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Orphaned at a young age, Jack was taken in by a local preacher and moonshine distiller named Dan Call. Under Call’s guidance—and with the help of a skilled enslaved distiller named Nathan “Nearest” Green—Jack learned the art of whiskey making.
By his early teenage years, Jack had perfected his craft and was ready to go into business. In 1866, he officially registered the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, making it the first legally registered distillery in the United States. With Nearest Green by his side as Jack Daniel’s first master distiller, they pioneered the use of charcoal mellowing, also known as the Lincoln County Process. This method—dripping whiskey through sugar maple charcoal—gives Jack Daniel’s its signature smoothness and distinguishes it as a Tennessee whiskey rather than a bourbon.
Rise to Fame
Jack Daniel’s whiskey quickly gained popularity, and by the late 1800s, it was winning awards, including a gold medal at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Unfortunately, Jack himself wouldn’t live to see the full extent of his brand’s success—he reportedly died from blood poisoning in 1911, caused by an infection that started when he kicked his office safe in frustration. The business was passed down to his nephew, Lem Motlow, who would guide the brand through some of its toughest years.
The early 20th century was a turbulent time for whiskey makers. Tennessee enacted Prohibition in 1910, forcing the Jack Daniel’s Distillery to shut down. The nationwide Prohibition of 1920-1933 only made things worse. Even after repeal, Tennessee maintained strict liquor laws, delaying the distillery’s reopening until 1938.
Then came World War II, and whiskey production was once again halted as distilleries were repurposed for making industrial alcohol for the war effort. But through it all, Jack Daniel’s survived and emerged stronger.
After the war, Jack Daniel’s saw a massive resurgence. The brand gained a cult following, partly thanks to its association with legendary musicians like Frank Sinatra, who famously called it “the nectar of the gods.” Demand soared, and by the 1950s and 60s, Jack Daniel’s had expanded well beyond Tennessee, becoming a global sensation.
Jack Daniel’s Today
Today, Jack Daniel’s is the best-selling American whiskey in the world, available in over 170 countries. The distillery in Lynchburg remains operational, producing the classic Old No. 7 alongside other popular variations like Gentleman Jack, Single Barrel Select, and flavored whiskeys like Tennessee Honey and Tennessee Apple. Despite its worldwide fame, every drop of Jack Daniel’s is still made in Lynchburg, a town that ironically remains dry, meaning the locals can’t even buy it there!
Jack Daniel’s isn’t just a whiskey; it’s a piece of American history. From its early days under the mentorship of Nearest Green to its modern-day presence on the world stage, the brand has remained committed to quality, tradition, and craftsmanship. Whether sipped neat, mixed in a cocktail, or enjoyed in a classic Jack and Coke, Jack Daniel’s continues to be the whiskey of choice for millions.
The post A Moment Of Silence For The Jack Daniel’s We Lost Today When A Barrelhouse Collapsed At The Lynchburg Distillery first appeared on Whiskey Riff.