Sazerac has officially named its Tennessee distilling operation AJ Bond Distillery, honoring the partnership between Master Distiller Allisa Henley and the late John Lunn. The La Vergne, Tennessee, facility is preparing to release Sazerac’s first Tennessee whiskey brand in summer 2026.
The distillery name reflects the bond between Henley and Lunn, whose combined decades of expertise launched Sazerac’s Tennessee whiskey operations. The company entered the category in 2016 with the acquisition of the Popcorn Sutton distillery facility, retaining the production team led by the pair.
Continued investment in equipment and capabilities followed, culminating in the relocation of the operation in 2019 to its current home in La Vergne.
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READ THE STORY“Formally naming AJ Bond Distillery reinforces our commitment to Tennessee Whiskey and reflects Sazerac’s broader vision to invest in exceptional people, places and traditions that shape the future of American spirits,” said Jake Wenz, president and CEO of Sazerac.
“Under Allisa and John’s leadership, this team has built a strong foundation rooted in expertise, passion and a deep respect for the craft,” Wenz added. “As we look ahead, we are proud to build on their legacy as we continue to balance heritage with innovation in pursuit of producing world-class spirits.”
Henley and Lunn began working together in 2004, developing a partnership rooted in technical expertise. The duo worked side by side for more than 12 years before joining Sazerac.
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Their knowledge, combined with guidance and resources from Sazerac’s Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, helped establish the foundation for crafting true Tennessee whiskey. Lunn’s passing in 2023 cut the partnership short.
“John and I worked together for 20 years, and he played a major role in shaping my understanding of the chemistry behind distillation,” said Henley. “We worked diligently to create every aspect of AJ Bond Distillery together. His absence is felt every day, but I know he would be proud of what we’ve created. It’s meaningful to know that the whiskey made here will carry his legacy forward.”
Since the acquisition, AJ Bond Distillery has expanded production capacity and invested in additional equipment and team members. The distillery is now producing and aging what will become the company’s first Tennessee whiskey brand, crafted from a mashbill originally developed by Henley and Lunn.
“From the very beginning, John and I knew we wanted to make a true Tennessee Whiskey, and we’re incredibly proud of the mashbill we’ve developed,” said Henley. “Seeing it now aging in our warehouses has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Our team has worked tirelessly to bring our shared vision to life, and I’m excited for what is to come.”
The debut will mark Sazerac’s formal entry into the Tennessee whiskey category. The global spirits company already operates distilleries including Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, Hawk’s Rock Distillery in Ireland, and Paul John Distillery in India.
AJ Bond Distillery plans to introduce additional expressions and limited experimental releases in the years ahead. These future offerings will explore new possibilities in Tennessee whiskey while remaining grounded in traditional methods championed by Henley and Lunn.
