What is Tennessee whiskey Tennessee whiskey is much more than just any whiskey from the US state of Tennessee. In fact, Tennessee Whiskey is a protected designation of origin, similar to Bourbon, Scotch and Irish Whiskey. Consequently, Tennessee whiskey must be produced in the state of Tennessee. Tennessee whiskey is a proprietary type of whiskey whose quality is protected by a fixed framework of regulations. Just like straight bourbon, Tennessee whiskey is made from at least 51% corn. The rest of the mashbill is mostly rye and malted barley. Maturation must take place in freshly burnt American white oak barrels. For a whiskey to be labelled Tennessee Whiskey, it must be aged in the barrel for at least 2 years or 4 years if no age is specified. In addition, Tennessee whiskey must undergo a special filtering process known as the Lincoln County Process. Filtration through charcoal made from maple, known as "charcoal filtering", is usually carried out before the whiskey is poured into oak barrels. The filtering process is intended to make the later whiskey even softer and rounder. What does Tennessee whiskey taste like? Mostly sweet and smooth with flavours of caramel, maple syrup, marzipan and light oak. Notes of spices such as cinnamon, cloves and allspice are also often found. The two best-known Tennessee whiskeys areJack Daniel's and George Dickel.