Sazerac, the global spirits company behind award-winning distilleries including Buffalo Trace in Kentucky, has revealed the name of its first Tennessee-based distillery, which is set to launch its inaugural whiskey this summer.

AJ Bond Distillery honours the partnership between industry visionaries Allisa Henley and the late John Lunn, whose shared passion and decades of experience helped bring Sazerac’s Tennessee whiskey ambitions to life.

The company entered the category in 2016 with the acquisition of the Popcorn Sutton distillery facility, retaining the skilled production team led by Henley and Lunn. Continued investment in equipment and capabilities followed, culminating in the relocation of the operation in 2019 to its current home in La Vergne, where their legacy continues through ongoing production and ageing.

Since the acquisition, AJ Bond Distillery has established its operations in La Vergne, Tennessee, expanding production capacity and investing in additional equipment and team members to support long-term growth. Today, the distillery is producing and ageing what will become Sazerac’s first Tennessee whiskey brand, crafted from a mash bill originally developed by Henley and Lunn.

Henley and Lunn began working together in 2004, forming a strong partnership rooted in technical expertise. The duo worked side by side for more than 12 years before joining Sazerac. Their knowledge, combined with the guidance and resources of Buffalo Trace Distillery, helped establish the foundation for producing authentic Tennessee whiskey. The AJ Bond name honours their partnership, which was cut short in 2023 with Lunn’s passing.

Commenting on the news, Allisa Henley, said: “John and I worked together for 20 years, and he played a major role in shaping my understanding of the chemistry behind distillation. 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.”

Allisa, continued: “From the very beginning, John and I knew we wanted to make a true Tennessee whiskey, and we’re incredibly proud of the mash bill we’ve developed. Seeing it now ageing 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.”

Details about AJ Bond Distillery’s inaugural Tennessee whiskey will be shared in the months ahead, as the brand prepares for its summer 2026 launch.