Your Daily Briefing: Raising a glass to Tennessee whiskey🥃

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Hello! Food (and occasional whiskey) writer Mackensy Lunsford here. Here at the Tennessean, we just launched an extensive project about Tennessee Whiskey and what makes it special. It's partially about the water. And it's also partially about the culture that surrounds it.

In 2022, the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, a collaborative effort of more than 30 Tennessee distillers, welcomed 7.8 million visitors into statewide distilleries. That's an increase of 1.3 million visitors over 2019. To say interest in Tennessee whiskey is on the rise is an understatement.

In celebration of the success and spirit of Tennessee Whiskey, the Tennessee Whiskey Trail is throwing a collaborative showcase May 15-21. Tennessee Whiskey Week will be tons of fun with lots of festive culinary events and cocktail specials all over Nashville and plenty of cool tours and tastings.

"The Tennessee Whiskey Trail represents the best spirits this state has to offer, and we’re thrilled to showcase a week-long celebration to immerse our guests and savor all the spirits of Tennessee," said Charity Toombs, executive director of the Tennessee Distillers Guild and the Tennessee Whiskey Trail.

We can't wait to see you there!

Check out the full schedule of events here, and get to know the world of Tennessee Whiskey at the links below.

A toast to Tennessee whiskey

• Tennessee whiskey industry old and giant — but also new and fledgling
• How is Tennessee whiskey different from bourbon? What to know about the law, science
• Tennessee whiskey vs. Kentucky bourbon: unraveling a rivalry
• Innovative distillers make a mark on a spirit with deep traditions
• Why the founding father of Tennessee whiskey isn't who you think it is
• Tennessee Whiskey Trail: What to know when planning your custom trip
• A Tennessee whiskey original with innovative new releases
• Notorious former prison revives small town with moonshine
• How to make an old fashioned that lets your Tennessee whiskey shine
• Industry veterans celebrate great outdoors with unique whiskey
• Tennessee whiskey outlier operates out of old schoolhouse
• Tennessee whiskey: 5 essential bottles to try

Thanks as always for reading, Nashville!

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