An Incredible History Of Jack Daniels Whiskey

Jasper "Jack" Newton Daniel was one of 13 kids. No one knows exactly when Mr. Daniel was born, resulting from his birth records being destroyed in a fire, nevertheless during the year 1875, the Jack Daniels Whiskey distillery was established. There are claims that Jasper was just 20 years old when he became a licensed distiller. In spite of this, to this day, nobody knows for sure if this is fact.

Sadly, after stubbing his toe and getting an infection during 1911, Mr. Daniel died. He never got married or had any offspring, so he entrusted the distillery to his nephew, Lem Motlow. After Motlow's death in 1947, the distillery was handed to his offspring.

There may have already been laws against the manufacturing of alcohol during the early 1900's, but this would not stop many folks from continuing to produce distilled spirits. Jack Daniels Whiskey saw tough times at the time of prohibition. However, because Motlow happened to be a state senator in Tennessee, he had influence in helping to repeal this law. This made it possible for production to begin again in 1938.

Daniel's whiskey is known for being filtered in vats constructed from wood prior to being left to age. This is not something that is typically done when creating most Bourbon whiskeys. Although technically "Straight Bourbon," none of us seems to mind it being termed Tennessee Whiskey. The Daniel's brand also filters their drink with sugar maple charcoal. Many claim this is one of the reasons Jack Daniel's is probably the finest of all whiskeys.

Traditionally, the Daniel's corporation made the drink 90 proof (45% alcohol by volume). The black label was, once, widely known as a higher grade versus the green. Although, today most bottles of both labels are eighty proof. In 2011 the company developed Holiday Select. Bottles with this label are 100 proof. Currently the highest proof the company has ever made.

To learn more about how to make whiskey, how to distill and the equipment and procedures used, Google "How To Make Whiskey HQ". There you will see whiskey mash recipes, a step-by-step approach for making whiskey at home and much more.