The Lost History of Tennessee Whiskey | Drew Hannush

The Lost History of Tennessee Whiskey: Heroes, Villains, and Legends From a Whiskey Story Time Forgot by Drew Hannush is a fascinating historical exploration of one of America's most distinctive whiskey traditions. The story of Tennessee whiskey began long before Jack Daniel's and George Dickel became household names. For generations, pioneering settlers, farmers, tavern owners, distillers and moonshiners helped shape a whiskey industry that would eventually become an important part of American history. In this thoroughly researched book, whiskey historian Drew Hannush uncovers 250 years of Tennessee whiskey history, revealing the people, places and events that have largely disappeared from popular accounts.

The forgotten origins of Tennessee whiskey

Drawing on historical documents, newspapers and government archives, Hannush explores the earliest days of distilling in Tennessee. Readers encounter figures including Davy Crockett, Andrew Jackson and Frederick Stump while discovering the importance of whiskey in frontier life, agriculture and early American commerce. The book examines how whiskey production developed from small local operations into an increasingly important industry.

Lost distilleries and forgotten whiskey makers

An important part of the story concerns distillers whose names have largely disappeared from whiskey history. Discover pioneers such as Wiley Woodard, William Tolley and Alfred Eaton, and learn how taxation, changing regulations, temperance campaigns and illegal distilling influenced Tennessee's whiskey trade. Hannush also investigates the origins and historical significance of the famous Lincoln County Process, challenging familiar assumptions about Tennessee whiskey.

Jack Daniel's, George Dickel and the whiskey revival

The book examines the histories of Jack Daniel, George Dickel and Charles Nelson, looking beyond familiar brand stories to explore the people and circumstances behind their success. From violent conflicts and increasing restrictions to Prohibition and the industry's eventual revival, Hannush reveals how Tennessee whiskey survived dramatic changes. The final chapters explore the return of whiskey production and the growing international importance of Tennessee's most recognisable brands.

An essential historical reference for whiskey enthusiasts

With 494 pages, The Lost History of Tennessee Whiskey offers far more than a conventional whiskey guide. Combining historical research with entertaining storytelling, the book challenges popular legends and restores forgotten people and events to the history of American distilling.

An excellent addition to any collection of books about Tennessee whiskey, Jack Daniel's, George Dickel and American whiskey history.

Book details

• Title: The Lost History of Tennessee Whiskey
• Subtitle: Heroes, Villains, and Legends From a Whiskey Story Time Forgot
• Author: Drew Hannush
• Publisher: Travel Fuels Life LLC / Whiskey Lore
• Language: English
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 494
• Publication year: 2023
• ISBN / EAN: 9781734865165
• Dimensions: approximately 15.2 × 22.9 × 2.8 cm
• Weight: approximately 650 g
• Subject: Tennessee whiskey, Jack Daniel's, George Dickel, American whiskey history, lost distilleries, moonshining, Prohibition