Sazerac launches new Tennessee whiskey, AJ Bond, with first release
Sazerac has announced the debut of its new Tennessee Whiskey, AJ Bond.
The new release was crafted by master distillers Allisa Henley and the late John Lunn, and named in their honor.
More whiskeys will be added to the portfolio, according to the company.
According to a news release, the pair began creating the flagship brand in 2016, which marks the spirit’s company’s entry into this category. To distinguish the new whiskey, they used a dual-distillation process featuring both pot and column stills, with the distillate produced by both then charcoal mellowed and aged independently before they were blended together “to deliver a balance, elevated Tennessee Whiskey,” according to the company.
“We wanted to raise expectations for what Tennessee Whiskey can be,” said Allisa Henley. “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.”
Made in La Vergne, Tennessee, AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey was bottled at 95 proof, and will be available beginning in Tennessee in June, then throughout the U.S. in late 2026 with a suggested retail price of $39.99 for a 750mL bottle.
According to the tasting notes, it has a nose of wedding cake and caramel corn, butterscotch and redwood. On the palate, it’s complex, with baked apple and charred fruit, marzipan, powdered cinnamon, brandied cherry, cream soda and baking chocolate with a long finish marked by savory peppercorn and notes of chestnut honey.
Sazerac announced the name of the new Tennessee Whiskey operation in April. The company entered the category with the acquisition of the Popcorn Sutton distillery facility and retained the skilled production team led by Henley and Lunn. The operation was relocated in 2019 to its current home, expanded and renamed.
“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, in April. “Under Allisa and John’s leadership, this team has built a strong foundation rooted in expertise, passion and a deep respect for the craft. 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, and worked together for more than 12 years before joining Sazerac. Lunn died in 2023.
“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.”
