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In the heart of Tennessee, tucked away in a remote holler, a secret lost for over 150 years waited to reshape the world of whiskey. When this story came to light nearly eight years ago, it sent shockwaves through the spirits industry, further explaining how the pivotal distinction between Kentucky Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey came to be, and still defines these spirits today. It began with a modest farmhouse, a determined preacher, and a mysterious shack billowing smoke and steam. What happened there would ignite a legacy, blending tradition, ingenuity, and the quiet strength of those who worked in the shadows.

This is a tale of ambition, transformation, and an innovation that forever altered the course of whiskey-making. Journey back with me to the mid-1800s, where dirt roads, rolling hills, and deep hollers, hid a process so unique it turned whispers into legends. The story of this forgotten holler continues to echo through the hills, challenging everything we thought we knew about whiskey history.

This is one of my favorite stories to tell while out on the Bourbon Trail.  I hope you enjoy and let me know what you think!

Feel free to email your thoughts about the episode or the show in general at thebourbonprincipal.com. I would love to hear from you!

Thank you for listening to Bourbon: Legends from the Trail, where history meets flavor and every bottle has a story to tell. Cheers to the stores and legends behind the Spirit! Please leave a rating and review as it will help me plan future episodes.