Jimmy Bedford - Master Distiller for Jack Daniel's

By Jay DiEugenio

03/08

07! That's right, there's something sooo sweet about watching that car speed past. This season, Clint Bowyer is my NASCAR driver of choice. Old No. 7 also happens to be my drink of choice. No coincidence.

Just to fill you all in on a little secret - Jay, The Tailgate Guy, is a HUGE Jack Daniel's fan. That's why it was such a HUGE honor when I was asked to be a judge for the 19th Annual Jack Daniel's Invitational World Champion BBQ Competition in Lynchburg, and an even bigger honor to sit down for a one-on-one interview with Master Distiller Jimmy Bedford.

Q: As a professional tailgater, there's one question I get asked over and over again. And I'd like a turn to put it to you. So... how did you get this SWEET gig?

A: I grew up here in the community and worked at the distillery in my high school and college days. I had an opportunity to come back and work directly with Frank Bobo in 1968 in the department where we actually make the product. I worked with him and under him for twenty years, and when he retired in 1988, I was made the Master Distiller at that time.

Q: Growing up here in the holler, and working for Jack Daniel's, when did you actually get your first taste?

A: I was actually out of college before I tasted whiskey at all. My father always had a bottle in the house. And when I went off to school, it was just nothing to excite me. Again, I was out of college before I had a taste of Jack - I might've had a few beers in college, but I was out of college before I had my first taste of whiskey.

Q: Jack Daniel's is a big part of plenty of tailgate parties, and for years has been a great supporter of the sport of tailgating. Why do you think it's such a great mix?

A: I think that cooking and spirits go together in a lot of ways. Having festivities and having spirits around is a good thing. I think Jack Daniel's fits into that. And you know this is our 19th Annual, and we really have great BBQ here.

Q: Give us the consumer's guide to the different labels of Jack Daniel's?

A: Our family brand is the Black Label Old No. 7, Gentleman Jack and the Single Barrel. Our Green Label is only sold in thirteen states and used to be our leading brand, but it is a little bit less mature and has a little bit less color than the Black Label. So, the Black Label is the better one of the two.

Q: So, if the Green Label is less mature, why pull it off at that time?

A: It’s matured the same amount of time; it just isn't as flavorful as the Black Label would be. It comes from the bottom of the warehouse.

Q: On our first tailgating tour, my family and I stopped in Lynchburg on our way through Tennessee. Of all the places we visited in over 70,000 miles on the road, the Jack Daniel's Distillery is at the top of our favorites list. We learned so much and had such a great time, as a family. Is that important for Jack Daniel's? To consider the family?

A: It is. We want people to come here as a family and enjoy themselves, stay two or three days – some stay more than that. Fridays and Saturdays are great days to be here. It is a family thing. And you talk about tradition. We haven't changed that much. If you would've been here in the nineteen and twenties. There’s always been activity here around this little town, but come tomorrow Monday when all these BBQ people are gone the square'll be back to normal.

Q: Before I let you go, there are a couple things true Jack fans like me are gonna want to know. We all recognize you from those great commercials, heading off to work at the distillery. But what about your co-stars? Who is the dog, and do you really drive the red truck?

A: The red truck is in the shop right now. Yes I do drive it. Well, I have a little transmission work done right now. You know it's an 85 model and I'm keepin' it and keepin' it up in real top shape, because I use it a lot. And my dog's name is Zimmer.

All that talk of Jack made me a bit thirsty, but since it's a dry county I had to settle for ice water to wash down more than 8 pounds of meat I consumed as a judge. It’s not an easy task, but I'm up to the challenge. This year, I’m going to start my training early to get in shape for the 20th. So, if you see me in the lots, pile mine high and serve it with some Old No. 7!

After 20 years, Jimmy Bedford will be stepping down at the end of this month as the 6th Master Distiller at the oldest distillery in America. We at Tailgater Monthly ask you to raise a glass in honor of his retirement!

Jay DiEugenio is The Tailgate Guy, a lifestyle expert on the red-hot trend of tailgating who's had the unique privilege of tailgating with fans at every stadium in the NFL (not to mention more than a few colleges, tracks, concerts, truck stops, and wineries!)