The Jack Daniel's tour takes you through the whiskey-making process at the distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, where the brand has operated since 1866
The Jack Daniel's Distillery tour is a walk through the grounds and buildings where the company makes its whiskey. You see the spring where the water comes from, the barrel warehouses, the still room, and the bottling line. The tour runs year-round and lasts about two hours. You do not need to book ahead for most dates, though large groups should contact the distillery in advance.
Lynchburg is a dry county, which means alcohol sales are restricted there. The distillery itself is in a wet zone carved out for the business, so you can taste whiskey on the grounds but cannot buy bottles to take with you. You can purchase bottles at the gift shop, but they ship to your home rather than leaving with you that day.
The tour is free. The distillery makes money from the gift shop, the restaurant, and online sales, not from tour fees.
Key Takeaways
- The tour covers the spring, fermentation tanks, still room, barrel warehouses, and bottling line over roughly two hours with no booking required for individuals.
- You taste whiskey at the end of the tour, but the county is dry, so you cannot purchase bottles to carry out — only to ship.
- The tour is free, and the distillery is open daily except Christmas and Thanksgiving.
- Comfortable walking shoes are necessary because the tour includes outdoor paths and uneven ground between buildings.
- Children under 21 can tour the distillery but do not participate in the tasting portion.
What happens during the tour, step by step
Tours begin at the visitor center, where you check in and wait for a guide. The guide leads groups through the distillery in a set order. First, you walk to the spring where the water originates — this is the water used in every batch of Jack Daniel's whiskey. The guide explains why this water matters to the final product.
Next, you move to the fermentation area, where you see the large wooden vats where yeast and grain mix. The guide explains how long fermentation takes and what happens during that time. You then walk to the still room, where the whiskey is distilled. This is one of the loudest and warmest parts of the tour because the stills are active during operating hours.
After the still room, you walk through barrel warehouses. These are long buildings filled with barrels stacked several high. The guide discusses how long whiskey ages in barrels and how the warehouse environment affects the final product. You then see the bottling line, where finished whiskey is filled, labeled, and boxed.
The tour ends at the tasting room. Adults 21 and older receive a pour of Jack Daniel's whiskey and can ask questions. Children and non-drinkers receive water or soft drinks. This is also where you can purchase merchandise and arrange bottle shipments.
Hours, days, and what to bring
The distillery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The last tour departs at 4 p.m. The distillery is closed on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day. Hours may shift during holidays, so check the Jack Daniel's website before you visit.
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip. The tour includes outdoor paths, gravel, and stairs. The barrel warehouses are unheated, so bring a jacket even in warm months — the inside temperature is cooler than outside. The still room is very hot, so light layers work better than heavy clothing.
Bring water. The tour is two hours long and includes walking uphill and downhill. The distillery has water fountains, but bringing your own bottle means you can drink whenever you need to.
The visitor center has restrooms. There are no restrooms in the barrel warehouses or still room, so use the facilities before the tour begins.
Parking and getting to Lynchburg
The distillery has a large parking lot that is free. Lynchburg is in Moore County in central Tennessee, about 80 miles south of Nashville. The drive from Nashville takes roughly 90 minutes. From Chattanooga, the drive is about 2 hours. There is no public transportation to the distillery, so you need a car or a hired driver.
The nearest airport is Nashville International Airport, about 90 minutes away by car. If you are flying in, renting a car is the most practical option. Some tour companies in Nashville offer day trips to the distillery that include transportation and the tour.
What you cannot do on the tour
You cannot bring your own alcohol onto the distillery grounds. You cannot purchase bottles to take with you because Lynchburg is a dry county. Bottles ordered through the gift shop are shipped to an address you provide, usually within one to two weeks. You cannot bring pets, though service animals are allowed. You cannot take photographs in certain areas of the distillery for safety and proprietary reasons — the guide will tell you where photos are and are not permitted.
The tour does not include a meal, though the distillery has a restaurant on the grounds that serves lunch and dinner. You can eat before or after your tour, but the restaurant is separate from the tour itself.
Who can and cannot tour
There is no age restriction for touring the distillery. Children of any age can walk the grounds and see the production process. Only people 21 and older can participate in the whiskey tasting at the end. Children do not taste whiskey but receive a non-alcoholic beverage instead.
People with mobility issues should know that the tour involves walking on uneven ground, stairs, and outdoor paths. There is no wheelchair-accessible route through the entire tour, though some portions of the grounds are accessible. Contact the distillery before your visit to discuss your specific needs — staff can sometimes arrange a modified tour or provide information about which sections you can access.
Pregnant people can tour the distillery but should not participate in the tasting. The guide will not pressure you to taste if you decline.
Nearby attractions in Lynchburg
Lynchburg is a small town with a population under 400. The Jack Daniel's Distillery is the main draw. The town square has a few shops and restaurants, but most visitors spend their time at the distillery itself. Some people combine the distillery tour with a visit to nearby Shelbyville, about 30 minutes away, which has additional restaurants and shops.
The distillery gift shop sells Jack Daniel's merchandise, whiskey-related items, and some local crafts. Prices are higher than online retailers, but some items are exclusive to the distillery location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book the tour in advance?
No. Individual visitors can show up during operating hours and join the next available tour. Large groups of 15 or more should contact the distillery ahead of time so staff can plan for your arrival. Call the distillery or check the website for the group booking process.
Can I bring children on the tour?
Yes. Children of any age can tour the distillery and see the production process. Only people 21 and older taste whiskey at the end. Children receive water or soft drinks instead and are welcome throughout the tour.
What if I do not drink alcohol?
You can still tour the distillery. The tour focuses on the production process and history, not on drinking. At the tasting, you can decline the whiskey and receive water or a soft drink instead. No one will pressure you to taste.
Can I buy whiskey to take home?
No. Lynchburg is a dry county, so you cannot purchase bottles to carry out. You can order bottles through the gift shop, and they will be shipped to your home. Shipping takes one to two weeks and costs vary by location.
How long does the tour take?
The tour lasts approximately two hours from start to finish, including the tasting at the end. Plan for extra time if you want to shop at the gift shop or eat at the restaurant after the tour.