Whiskey vs. Bourbon vs. Tennessee Whiskey: What’s the Difference?

If you're headed to Nashville — or better yet, hopping on a Tipsy Tours Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour — you’re about to drink some seriously good whiskey. But what exactly is whiskey? And is Tennessee whiskey the same as bourbon? You’re not alone in wondering. This is one of the most common questions we hear on the party bus. So, let’s break it down in simple terms — with a little Southern charm, of course.

🥃 What Is Whiskey?

Whiskey is a broad category of distilled spirits made from fermented grains (like corn, rye, barley, or wheat), aged in wooden barrels. It’s made all over the world — in the U.S., Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and Japan. In short, all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.

🥃 What Makes Bourbon… Bourbon?

For a whiskey to legally be called bourbon, it must:

• Be made in the United States
• Contain at least 51% corn in its mash
• Be aged in new, charred oak barrels
• Be distilled to no more than 160 proof
• Be bottled at 80 proof or more
• Contain no additives or flavoring

Bourbon doesn’t have to be made in Kentucky — but most of it is. Think Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, or Woodford Reserve.

🥃 So… What Is Tennessee Whiskey?

Tennessee whiskey is bourbon — but with one extra step. The most famous example? Jack Daniel’s.

To be Tennessee whiskey, the spirit must:

• Meet all the legal requirements of bourbon, and
• Go through the Lincoln County Process — which means it’s filtered through charcoal before aging

That charcoal mellowing process is what gives Tennessee whiskey its smoother, slightly sweeter taste.

So when you sip Jack Daniel’s, you’re drinking a bourbon-style whiskey made in Tennessee and filtered to smooth perfection.

🎶 Why It Matters on the Tipsy Tours Bus

Knowing the difference between whiskey, bourbon, and Tennessee whiskey isn’t just trivia (although it helps on our party bus trivia challenges!) — it gives you a deeper appreciation of what you’re tasting at the Jack Daniel’s Distillery.

On your tour, you’ll learn about:

• The charcoal filtering process
• Jack’s unique mash recipe
• Why Tennessee whiskey is a source of pride for locals

And when you’re back on the Tipsy Tours bus? We’ll keep the fun going with live music, laughs, and more whiskey wisdom.

🎯 Quick Recap:

Type                           Must Be Made In                  Main Grain                Extra Step     

Whiskey                      Anywhere                             Varies                        None required

Bourbon                     USA                                       At least 51% corn     No additives

Tennessee Whiskey    Tennessee                             At least 51% corn      Charcoal mellowed (Lincoln County Process)

🚌 Learn It. Taste It. Live It.

There’s no better way to understand Tennessee whiskey than to see how it’s made, taste it fresh from the barrel, and ride there in style with Tipsy Tours.

🎟️ [Book your Jack Daniel’s Distillery Party Bus Tour from Nashville now!]

We’ll handle the driving — you bring your curiosity, your camera, and your dancing boots.