AJ Bond Distillery has debuted AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey, marking parent company Sazerac’s first release in the Tennessee whiskey category. The 95-proof expression, crafted by master distillers Allisa Henley and the late John Lunn, will launch in Tennessee in June 2026 at a suggested retail price of $39.99 (750ml).
The whiskey is named for the bond between its two creators, who began developing the liquid in 2016. It is produced through a dual-distillation process using both pot and column stills, with each distillate charcoal mellowed, aged independently, and then blended together.
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“We wanted to raise expectations for what Tennessee Whiskey can be,” said Allisa Henley, master distiller at AJ Bond Distillery. “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,” Henley added.
The whiskey is charcoal mellowed using sugar maple charcoal produced on-site by the AJ Bond Distillery team. Locally sourced ingredients include corn from Batey Farms, a family-owned operation in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, with a 200-year history, and barrels made from Tennessee oak.
Official tasting notes from the brand describe the nose as opening with sweet notes of wedding cake and caramel corn, complemented by butterscotch and a subtle redwood undertone. The palate unfolds with baked apple, charred fruit, marzipan, powdered cinnamon, and brandied cherry, with hints of cream soda and baking chocolate. The finish is long, marked by savory peppercorn and lingering chestnut honey.
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“AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey is deeply personal,” said Henley. “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.”
Broader U.S. distribution to select states is planned for late 2026 via Sazerac‘s distributor network. The release signals the beginning of a wider AJ Bond Distillery portfolio, with additional whiskey expressions expected in the coming years.
