Jack Daniel’s Barrel Trees Help Military Families Get Home For The Holidays

How can a whiskey barrel help reunite military families this holiday season? Jack Daniel's iconic Barrel Trees are lighting up 12 cities while funding travel home.

By Beth Squires
Published: December 2, 2025

Beth Squires is the Deputy Editor of The Whiskey Wash and a graduate of the OurWhisky Foundation’s Atonia Programme. With over half a decade of industry experience, she is passionate about writing stories that highlight innovation, diversity, and sustainability across the global whisky landscape.

Scotch & the US Tariff — Your Views

1. Since the US introduced its 10% tariff on Scotch whisky in 2025, have you noticed an increase in the price of Scotch? Yes, I have noticed prices rise No, prices have seemed about the same I am not sure

2. Once the tariff removal takes effect, do you expect Scotch whisky to become noticeably cheaper for you as a customer? Yes, I expect to pay less No, I think retailers or importers will keep the saving No idea

3. Once the tariff is removed, do you expect to buy more Scotch whisky than you do now?

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Since 2011, the Operation Ride Home program has helped over 14,000 individuals travel home and raised more than $4 million.

The initiative provides travel support to military families across all 50 states, serving members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard.

“The holidays are a time for connection and gratitude, and we’re proud to support the brave men and women who serve our country,” said Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller.

“Each barrel carries a piece of Jack Daniel’s tradition while helping bring our heroes home for the holidays. We invite everyone to join us in turning these barrels into lasting memories for service members and their loved ones.”

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Jack Daniel’s constructed its first 26-foot-tall Barrel Tree in 2011 in Lynchburg, Tennessee, using 140 American white oak whiskey barrels.

This year’s display includes 22 trees lighting up cities across the country.

Barrel Tree locations include Buffalo, New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; Inglewood, California; Lynchburg, Tennessee; Memphis, Tennessee; Nashville, Tennessee; New Brunswick, New Jersey; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; San Antonio, Texas; San Francisco, California; Tampa, Florida; and Washington, D.C.

Each barrel was previously used to mature Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey before being repurposed for the holiday displays.

The Armed Services YMCA operates 39 service centers near military installations worldwide, providing programs and services to junior-enlisted personnel and their families.

Operation Ride Home specifically targets E-5 and below service members who often face financial constraints during the holiday season.

Beth Squires

Beth Squires is the Deputy Editor of The Whiskey Wash with over half a decade of industry experience. She possesses comprehensive knowledge of the global whisky landscape, spanning everything from heritage and production to complex market analysis. A graduate of the OurWhisky Foundation’s Atonia Programme, which champions women in whisky, Beth is a dedicated advocate for diversity and sustainability, focused on highlighting the innovation and storytelling that define the modern whisky industry.

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