The Story Behind “Tennessee Whiskey”: A Timeline of Releases and Evolution

When people ask about when “Tennessee Whiskey” was released, they are usually referring to one of two things: the legendary spirit itself or the iconic country song that shares its name and has become a modern anthem.

Because the phrase can point to either a legendary genre of liquor or a timeless song recorded by multiple icons, exploring its “release” history requires a look at both.

1. The Song: “Tennessee Whiskey”

If you are looking for the release date of the famous song written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove, the history spans a few distinct eras, marked by three major artists.

The Original Release: David Allan Coe (1981)

The song was first recorded and released by outlaw country artist David Allan Coe in 1981. It served as the title track to his studio album of the same name, released that year. Coe’s version leaned into a traditional, honky-tonk style and peaked at No. 77 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

The Breakthrough Hit: George Jones (August 1983)

Just a couple of years later, legendary country singer George Jones recorded his own rendition. Released as a single in August 1983 from his album Shine On, Jones transformed the track into a smoother, heartbreak-heavy masterpiece. His version resonated deeply with fans, propelling the song all the way to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and cementing it as a country standard.

The Global Phenomenon: Chris Stapleton (April 27, 2015)

Though the song was already a beloved classic among country purists, it achieved a whole new level of mainstream immortality when Chris Stapleton released his blues-soaked, country-soul cover on April 27, 2015, as part of his breakout solo album Traveller.

Stapleton famously performed the track alongside Justin Timberlake at the 2015 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, an unforgettable moment that shot the song back into the cultural zeitgeist. Stapleton’s version turned the track into a multi-platinum, generational smash hit.

2. The Spirit: Tennessee Whiskey as a Legal Category

If your question is about the alcoholic beverage itself—specifically when “Tennessee Whiskey” was officially recognized and defined—that timeline involves legal milestones rather than a single release date.

• The 1800s (The Roots): Distilleries like Jack Daniel (established legally in 1866) and George Dickel (established in 1870) began producing the style in the 19th century, characterized by the “Lincoln County Process,” where the whiskey is filtered through sugar maple charcoal before aging.
• May 13, 2013 (Legal Protection): Tennessee whiskey earned an official legal definition. Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam signed a bill into law requiring that any product labeled as “Tennessee Whiskey” must be crafted within the state, made from a fermented mash of at least 51% corn, aged in charred oak barrels, and filtered through charcoal prior to aging (with specific exceptions for brands like Benjamin Prichard’s).
• 2014: The definition was further solidified when federal trade regulations reinforced that whiskey labeled as “Tennessee Whiskey” must adhere strictly to these geographical and production requirements—distinguishing it formally from standard bourbon.

Summary

• First recorded release (Song): 1981, by David Allan Coe.
• Most famous modern release (Song): April 27, 2015, by Chris Stapleton.
• Official legal status (Beverage): Codified by Tennessee state law in 2013.

Whether you are pouring a glass of the amber spirit or turning up the radio for Stapleton’s soulful growl, “Tennessee Whiskey” represents a rich tradition of American craftsmanship that has only gotten better with age.