This is how it all started

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Passionate about Whiskey and American Food Culture

About Us

Whiskeys of the World

At Taste of Tennessee, we strive to not only create an immersive experience of the Jack Daniels brand, but also let our patrons dive into the Whiskeys of the World and discover their own passion and flavour.

Combined with hearty American food and an authentically decorated space, every aspect reflects excellent craftsmanship. This is a restaurant & pub experience for the true whiskey lover. Rustic and refined, rooted in tradition and brewed with passion.

2013

Taste of Tennessee Public House is the brainchild of Willem Nel. During this year he became an avid collector of a variety of rare and special liquors.

2014

Willem and his wife traveled the famous Route 66 through America. They made a detour to visit the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg Tennessee. During their visit at the distillery, Willem partook in a one-of-a-kind whiskey experience: “Buy a Barrell.” The Distilling team personally guided him through a tasting to find the barrel that was right for him. After returning to SA, Willem waited 10months for his barrel to arrive. The entirety of his barrels whiskey arrived in individual single barrel select bottles, adorned with a personalized medallion, along with a series of accompanying premium keepsake elements, like the original barrel of his selection, to help authenticate his experience. A special plaque was put up in the Jack Daniels Personal Selection Room at the distillery that commemorated his selection.

2016

After his experience at the Jack Daniels distillery, Willem moved his collections focus to Jack Daniels, along with some other whiskeys. He started making the unique Jack Daniels furniture that you see in the restaurant today. His whole collection was kept in his house on handmade displays, hidden from the world. Marlise and Johan, his two children, suggested that his collection and furniture be used to open a small whiskey lounge, so that the people of South Africa can also enjoy this one of a kind collection

2017

The Taste of Tennessee business as you know it today was registered, while a search for the perfect venue started.

2018

After a long search this venue was finally found and the dream of a small whiskey lounge, turned into the reality of a restaurant. The Taste of Tennessee you know and love today was born. After hand painting the walls and decorating the restaurant as a family, on the 28th of April 2018, the first drinks and first food of Taste of Tennessee was served.