LA VERGNE, TN – Sazerac is officially entering the Tennessee Whiskey category with the launch of its highly anticipated flagship brand, AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey.
Crafted by Master Distillers Allisa Henley and the late John Lunn, this inaugural release marks a monumental shift for Sazerac (the parent company behind Buffalo Trace, Weller, and Pappy Van Winkle) as it plants its flag in Tennessee with a distinct balance of tradition and modern distillation innovation.
A Legacy Bonded in Liquid
The brand identity pays direct homage to the decades-long professional partnership between Henley and Lunn, a bond tragically cut short by Lunn’s passing in 2023. Together, the duo spent years designing a unique dual-distillation process utilizing both pot and column stills to create an elevated standard for the category.
True to its roots, the new-make spirit is independently aged before being masterfully bonded together. It honors the classic Tennessee heritage by undergoing the Lincoln County Process—charcoal mellowing through sugar maple charcoal produced entirely in-house by the distillery team.
“We wanted to raise expectations for what Tennessee Whiskey can be,” said Allisa Henley. “Every decision behind this whiskey was driven by a commitment to quality and a belief that innovation and tradition can work hand in hand. By combining pot and column still distillation and bonding those components after aging, we have created a whiskey that sets a new standard for the category.”
Hyper-Local Sourcing & Tasting Notes
AJ Bond prides itself on deep state provenance. The grain bill prominently features corn sourced from the 200-year-old, family-owned Batey Farms in nearby Murfreesboro, and the liquid matures inside barrels constructed from native Tennessee white oak.
Bottled at 95 proof (47.5% ABV), the flavor profile delivers deep complexity:
- Nose: Opens with sweet notes of wedding cake and caramel corn, complemented by butterscotch and a subtle redwood undertone.
- Palate: Complex and layered; baked apple and charred fruit unfold into marzipan, powdered cinnamon, brandied cherry, cream soda, and baking chocolate.
- Finish: Long and evolving with savory peppercorn and lingering chestnut honey.
“AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey is deeply personal,” Henley added. “John and I built this together over years of shared experience, and this whiskey carries forward his legacy. It’s a reflection of the respect we have for the process, the people who taught us, and the bond we will forever share.”
Availability & Pricing
AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey will hit retail shelves first in Tennessee in June 2026 at a highly competitive Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $39.99 per 750ml bottle. Broader U.S. distribution to select states is scheduled to roll out in late 2026, anchoring what Sazerac promises will be an expanding portfolio of innovative Tennessee expressions.
For more details on the new facility and future releases, visit sazerac.com/our-distilleries.
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