Old Fitzgerald 1849

[Finnegan]

Having just bought a bottle of this, I noticed the label proudly announces that it is a "celebrated bourbon" yet "charcoal filtered." As far as I was aware, charcoal filtering was the 'Lincoln County process' as practiced by Jack Daniels and George Dickel, and that this technically disqualifies american whiskey from being described as bourbon. What gives?

[whiskytime]

Yes, as far as I know...they CAN call it bourbon even though it's charcoal filtered BUT they can not call it TN whiskey because it's made in KY (Heaven Hill). The rules for bourbon in general: 51% corn, made anywhere in the USA, aged in new charred oak barrels, distilled to no more than 80% ABV, into the barrel at no more than 62.5% ABV, bottled at 40% or more ABV.
If it has been aged for a minimum of two years, and has no added coloring, flavoring, or other spirits, & meets the above criteria, it can be called "Straight Bourbon".

The Lincoln County process refers to whiskey being charcoal filtered in that specific process developed in Lincoln County....but not all TN whiskey is charcoal filtered. TN Whiskey is "Straight Bourbon" made in TN. TN whiskey is a legal definition - must be made in TN. Many TN whiskey makers just don't use the word "bourbon" on their label but legally they can, if they meet the above bourbon criteria..... JDaniels, Dickel use the TN whiskey name to set themselves apart from KY bourbon.
FYI: Benjamin Prichard's is a TN Whiskey (bourbon) that does NOT charcoal filter.

[Mr Tattie Heid]

It has long been a matter of debate whether JD could call their product bourbon if they so chose. My suspicion is that they could, but their choice not to has led to the common belief that the Lincoln County process disqualifies them. Hard to see how, since charcoal filtering would seem to be a subtractive rather than an additive process.

[whiskytime]

It has long been a matter of debate whether JD could call their product bourbon if they so chose. My suspicion is that they could, but their choice not to has led to the common belief that the Lincoln County process disqualifies them. Hard to see how, since charcoal filtering would seem to be a subtractive rather than an additive process.

However, according to NAFTA rules & Canadian law- it has to meet the definition for bourbon. Other countries do not necessarily have that standard to meet. As far as I know, anyone can use the Lincoln County method & still be called bourbon - that's not the deciding factor in calling it TN Whiskey - being made in TN is the factor. It does make it confusing but confusion probably helps in marketing JD.
If JD No. 7 is the only whiskey offered, I'll choose another beverage. Dickel No.12, I like very much - cabinet staple.

"Johnny Drum" is a KY Bourbon that is charcoal filtered....I've never tried it - anyone have an opinion on that one?

[Finnegan]

Hang on, hang on. Before we get on to Johnny Drum, I'm completely confused. Is there, or is there not, any stipulation in U.S. law concerning charcoal filtering that prohibits, or entitles, a whiskey to be called bourbon?

[whiskytime]

No! It is confusing....

They are all bourbons if they meet the criteria for bourbon I listed above. So, as long as JD is made w/51% corn, all those ABV rules are met, aging in new charred oak, in the USA - it is bourbon. They don't have to say "bourbon" on their label.

Old Fitz is made in KY so can NOT be called TN whiskey BUT they can charcoal filter & as long as they meet all the "bourbon" rules - it is bourbon.

The Lincoln County method is just a maple charcoal filtering method developed in Lincoln County, TN - but it is NOT part of the rules for being called TN Whiskey. Being made in TN is the rule for being called TN Whiskey & NAFTA & Canada make further stipulation that it also has to meet the "BOURBON" rules.
JD & others have used this method of filtering to market their whiskey...& to set themselves apart from KY Bourbon (although they are technically bourbon too!).

[Mr Tattie Heid]

So...

a) the notion that the Lincoln County process disqualifies JD from being called bourbon is a myth; rather

b) "Tennessee whiskey" considers itself to be its own peculiar appellation. It's a little bit like a Speyside whisky which is entitled to be called Highland, but instead uses the more restrictive appellation.

[Finnegan]

Thanks for the clarification.

Well, there you go. I'd always laboured under the misapprehension that charcoal filtered whiskey was not technically a bourbon. It seems, as Mr. Tattie Heid points out, that this is a bit of a myth which JD has chosen not to refute as it gives them a marketing edge in relation to bourbon.

[whiskytime]

Exactly - Marketing, Marketing, Marketing!

[whiskytime]

And to add to the confusion of Bourbon - Many people think "bourbon" refers to whiskey made in KY....NOT TRUE - although most bourbon is still made in KY....over 90% I think. You see the term "Kentucky Bourbon" used alllll the time - I think it's partly marketing because most people will think "the best" bourbon comes from KY.

Bourbon can be made anywhere in the USA - has to be in the USA but can be anywhere.