Blog 5: Jack Daniel's

The topic of my Exploratory essay was Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey. Located on the edge of Appalachia in Lynchburg, Tennessee, Jack Daniel's is a symbol of American history and pride. What was most interesting to me was to learn that the county in which Lynchburg (Pop. 361) is located in is actually a dry county, meaning that none of its residence can actually purchase the very thing that keeps their town alive. However, they do sell commemorative bottles for holidays and such.

The history of Jack Daniel himself was also very interesting to me. He was born into a very large family, and lost both of his parents at a very young age. He was then taken in by a minister, who ironically, was the one who taught him the whiskey making skills he would later become famous for. When the minister was forced by the people of the town to choose whether he valued his religion or whiskey, the minister decided upon religion, and passed down his trade to Jack. Jack Daniel then created the product we know today, using fresh spring-water from a cave that is still used today. The water is used to create a mash consisting of barley, oats, and wheat, which is then used to create a clear liquid. This liquid is then filtered through over ten feet of sugar-maple charcoal that the distillery makes on-site. This is what gives the whiskey its famous flavor and richness. Overall, the process is one that is not based on a specific time, but rather is independent on each barrel of whiskey. The process can be seen with this video..

Jack Daniel's is also giving back to the community as it is part of many sponsorships and services. My favorite is the Operation Ride Home organization that Jack Daniel's is helping out with. This organization provides the resources, whether it be money for gas or a plane ticket, to allow our servicemen and women to be home for the holidays. With the average pay of a newly-enlisted soldier being at about the poverty-line, many military families cannot afford to be home with their families. Operation Ride Home gives them this opportunity, and Jack Daniel's is very proud to be a supporter.

My perspective of Jack Daniel's has changed very much. I once thought it was just a drink for people to enjoy, but after learning of the process it goes through, handled with such care and precision, it makes me appreciate it more. What has furthered my appreciation is the service that Jack Daniel's has done in the community such as the one mentioned above. It is great to know that our military is still being recognized and taken care of for all that they do.