Almost a decade after acquiring a distillery in Tennessee, Sazerac has announced the launch of its first Tennessee whiskey, AJ Bond. This whiskey, a blend of column and pot-distilled spirits bottled at 95 proof, signifies the debut of the AJ Bond Distillery in La Vergne, Tennessee.

The journey to AJ Bond began in 2016 when Sazerac purchased a distillery in Newport, Tennessee, formerly known for the Popcorn Sutton brand. The acquisition seemed more like an acquihire, as Sazerac retained the expertise of John Lunn, the master distiller, and Allisa Henley, the master blender, without acquiring existing brands. Their experience in the Tennessee whiskey industry, particularly from their previous endeavors at George Dickel, was crucial for this new venture.

Years later, Lunn and Henley orchestrated production under the radar, experimenting with a distinctive approach to creating Tennessee whiskey. In early 2026, it was revealed that the distillery would operate under the name "AJ Bond," symbolizing the partnership between Allisa and John. Tragically, John Lunn passed away in 2023, but both Henley and Sazerac aim to honor his legacy through the distillery and its offerings.

Consumers will soon be able to taste the fruits of their labor. The inaugural release of AJ Bond whiskey is set to appear on shelves in summer 2026. While specifics about the recipe remain undisclosed, it adheres to Tennessee regulations, containing at least 51% corn in its mashbill. The production involves a blend of two liquid streams, distilling one via pot stills and the other through column stills, followed by sugar maple charcoal filtering, known as the Lincoln County Process.

After aging separately, the whiskeys are combined at bottling at 95 proof. Tasting notes highlight aromas of wedding cake and caramel corn, complemented by flavors of baked apple, marzipan, and brandied cherry, with subtle hints of cream soda and baking chocolate.

In alignment with its Tennessee roots, AJ Bond sources corn from a family farm in Murfreesboro and utilizes barrels made from Tennessee oak. However, it’s yet to be confirmed if all corn and wood materials are sourced from within the state.

AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey will launch in Tennessee in June 2026, with broader distribution anticipated later in the year. Priced at an MSRP of $39.99, this release marks Sazerac’s official entry into the Tennessee whiskey market, with plans for additional expressions from the AJ Bond Distillery in the future.