Here on the Ingles Open Road, we’ve visited wineries, breweries, and cideries. But we haven’t made a stop yet at one of the southeast’s many distilleries. So, we figured if we’re gonna go, we better go big. Welcome to Jack Daniel’s.

Located in Lynchburg, Tennessee, this is arguably the most famous distillery in the world. What got its start in the 1800’s is today one of the most technologically advanced operations anywhere, and it’s amazing to take one of their awesome tours and see it all in action. But they still hold fast to some tried and true methods.

There’s the Cave Spring, and it’s what brought Jack Daniel to this site. 156 years later the spring is still producing limestone filtered, iron-free water that flows at 56 degrees year-round. And it’s perfect for making whiskey.

Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Black Label Tennessee Whiskey is the top selling whiskey on the planet. And it’s made right here – along with over a dozen more, including one of my favorites, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey… and Jack Daniel’s Bonded which was named the best whiskey in the world by Whiskey Advocate.

Every drop of Jack Daniel’s comes from right here in Lynchburg – a town with one stoplight and a population of 600 people. Proving that small towns can still be filled with a whole lot of spirit.

After leaving the distillery the whiskey heads to one of the 92 barrelhouses scattered throughout the hills and dales of Lynchburg. Each barrelhouse holds roughly 20,000 toasted and charred American white oak barrels that they make themselves… all in all holding about one million gallons of whiskey.

And the Jack Daniel’s brand has grown beyond just the hard stuff. In fact, Ingles carries a whole bunch of Jack Daniel’s products you should check out next time you’re in the store. While you’re there, fuel up the car and set your GPS for Lynchburg, Tennessee. And experience the one and only Jack Daniel’s.