JACK DANIEL'S INTERNATIONAL BBQ

PURE AMERICANA IN TENNESSEE
           The Jack Turns 27

By Doc Lawrence
 
LYNCHBURG, TN-Saturday marks the 27th year of this event-my favorite in America-where teams of champions the world over gather in the park beside the world’s most hallowed distillery to compete for big cash prizes based on barbecue excellence. For the past decade I have served as a judge at the Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue in Lynchburg, Tennessee alongside some of the biggest names in food, spirits, music and media to determine the planet’s best of the best.

Teams from across the country and around the world light the coals and fan the flames going head to head in an intense battle of smoking, seasoning and searing. Only one will emerge Grand Champion. If you live in Atlanta, Charlotte, Memphis, Louisville or Birmingham, it’s an easy drive. If you live in New York, Washington or somewhere in the middle of Montana, hop on a plane to Nashville, find a ride and head on over to “The Jack,” as the event is known the world over. You'll get a taste of Lynchburg in Jack Daniel's Hollow, see the international teams parade and enjoy some of the finest barbecue in the world.

The World Championship Barbecue is a combination of culinary expertise and friendly but serious competition with a $10,000 prize going to the Grand Champion.

Award-winning teams from around the world compete for the coveted title of Grand Champion in seven categories: Chicken, Pork Ribs, Pork Shoulder/Butts, Beef Brisket, Dessert, Cook's Choice, and Jack Daniel's Sauce.

A Tennessee tradition: No visitor is a stranger. I’ll be in the Judges Pavilion Saturday, lodging at nearby Parish Patch Farm Resort and after the awards, attending the South African Wine Dinner at fabled Cortner Mill Restaurant on the Duck River in Normandy.

Come over and say hello. We’ll take some photographs, do an interview and include you in the stories published, broadcast and podcast next week.