April 2nd, 2008

Jack Daniel’s announces new Master Distiller

John Hansell

 This is just in to our office, via press release (below). Looks like they found their replacement for Jimmy Bedford. Master Distillers are starting to be younger than me. Pretty scary. If you’re heading to WhiskyFest Chicago on Friday, you’ll be able to meet him (as will I). 

JACK DANIEL’S NAMES JEFF ARNETT AS NEW MASTER DISTILLER

Tennessean Becomes Only Seventh Master Distiller In History of Storied Company; Will Attend Chicago Whiskyfest on April 4 

LYNCHBURG (pop. 361), Tenn. (April 2, 2008) – The Jack Daniel Distillery announced today that Jeff Arnett has been named Master Distiller. 

Arnett, 41, is a native Tennessean and will become only the seventh Master Distiller in the company’s history.  He replaces Jimmy Bedford, who announced his retirement from the position last month.    

The Master Distiller oversees the entire whiskey-making process of milling, yeasting, fermentation, distillation, charcoal mellowing and maturation.      

“I fully understand the huge shoes that I’ll be stepping into and can’t begin to express my appreciation to those who have entrusted me with this position,” said Arnett.  “It’s been a privilege to work with Jimmy Bedford and learn the trade over the past several years.  I look forward to carrying on the Jack Daniel’s tradition and following Mr. Jack’s guiding words of ‘every day we make it, we’ll make it the best we can.’” 

Arnett began his career at the Jack Daniel Distillery seven years ago in quality control and overseeing Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel.  Since that time, he has worked in a variety of capacities

throughout the distillery, including warehousing, maturation, distillation, charcoal mellowing management, barrel quality and bottling, as well as being a member of the Master Tasters’ panel.

Prior to his work with Jack Daniel’s, he served as production manager and engineer in the food and beverage industry for 10 years. 

“We have every faith and confidence that Jeff is going to do an outstanding job as Master Distiller and carry on the long tradition of the master craftsmen who have made the world’s best whiskey for more than one hundred years,” said Tommy Beam, senior vice president and general manager of the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow Prop.   

Arnett and his wife, Lori, live in Lynchburg with their two young children, Will and Elizabeth. 

Category: Breaking news,Tennessee whiskey 5 Comments

March 17th, 2008

History Channel’s “Whiskey” show debuts tonight @ 8pm

John Hansell

St. Patrick’s Day is the only day I try to avoid Irish pubs. Far too crowded for me.

If you feel the same way, you might want to tune into the History Channel tonight at 8pm. The Modern Marvels series is debuting a one-hour show on whiskey (and whisky). I haven’t seen it yet, but I know that they went to Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Tennessee, Kentucky, Colorado and New York to film it.

If you’re wondering why New York, they interviewed me (at the Brandy Library). I’m told I’m in the show. I wasn’t involved in the editorial aspect of the show, so I have no idea what to expect. Still, it should be an interesting hour. I’ll offer my thoughts on the whole thing right here tomorrow morning.

And if you are braver than I and you are heading out to the pubs, they’re going to rebroadcast the show at Midnight.

Category: Bourbon,Canadian whisky,Events,Irish whiskey,Scotch whisky,Tennessee whiskey 6 Comments

February 25th, 2008

A sad for Jack Daniel’s drinkers

John Hansell

There will be some large shoes to fill at the Jack Daniel Distillery come April. I just received news that Jimmy Bedford, Master Distiller of the Jack Daniel Distillery, has announced his retirement. His last day is March 31, 2008. 

“This year marks my 40th with the Jack Daniel Distillery and my 20th year as the master distiller,” said Bedford.  “And it seemed like a good time to make the decision I’ve been thinking about for some time.  It’s time I step aside and let the next generation continue the Jack Daniel’s tradition.”

Anyone who has met Jimmy at WhiskyFest or other events knows what a great guy he is.

Jimmy, WhiskyFest won’t be the same without you. We will miss you dearly.

No decision on his replacement has been announced, but one is expected soon. 

Category: Breaking news,Tennessee whiskey 3 Comments

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