If your dream job involves the sweet scent of charred oak barrels and a paycheck that comes with actual whiskey, then working at Jack Daniel’s in Lynchburg, Tennessee might sound like paradise. The good news? The rumors are true: Jack Daniel’s employees do get free whiskey every month. But before you send in your résumé, let’s break down this long-standing perk, where it comes from, and why it’s one of the coolest employee benefits in the world.
At Jack Daniel’s, the first Friday of every month isn’t just payday – it’s “Good Friday.” On this day, employees head home not only with their paycheck but also with a bottle of whiskey.
The tradition has been around for decades, and while the exact starting point is hazy, it’s become a central part of life at the distillery. What began as a gesture of appreciation has turned into a beloved ritual, proving that sometimes the simplest perks are the most meaningful.
Employees don’t exactly walk away with cases of whiskey, but they do receive a 375 ml bottle of Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7, the brand’s world-famous Tennessee whiskey.
And here’s where it gets even better: occasionally, the distillery surprises its workers with special edition or limited-release bottles. Some employees have received collector’s editions or rare export-only whiskies that can fetch up to a couple of hundred dollars. Imagine expecting your regular Old No. 7 and getting a once-in-a-lifetime bottle instead—that’s the kind of workplace surprise no one complains about.
Yes, free whiskey is fun. But “Good Friday” is about more than just booze. It’s a symbolic thank-you that fosters pride and loyalty among the workforce.
As Master Taster Jeff Norman once quipped, “No one misses that day of work!” It’s the kind of tradition that strengthens community spirit, and in Lynchburg – a small town where generations of families have worked at the distillery – it ties employees together in a uniquely Jack Daniel’s way.
In today’s corporate world, companies try to outdo each other with perks: nap pods, kombucha taps, and free lunches. But Jack Daniel’s doesn’t need gimmicks. Its perk is simple, authentic, and perfectly aligned with what it makes best – world-class whiskey.
The monthly bottle reinforces that employees aren’t just making whiskey; they’re part of a living tradition that millions around the world raise a glass to.
Here’s the twist: Jack Daniel’s is distilled in Moore County, Tennessee, which is famously a dry county. That means you can’t technically buy alcohol there like you would in most towns.
Yet, the employees producing one of the world’s most iconic whiskeys get to take home a bottle each month for free. It’s a quirky detail that adds even more charm to the story – and makes Lynchburg a true whiskey paradox.
Jack Daniel’s is more than just a whiskey; it’s a global icon. Founded in 1866 by Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel, the distillery is the oldest registered distillery in the United States. Today, it sells in over 170 countries and remains one of the best-selling whiskeys worldwide. Its square bottles, black-and-white label, and signature charcoal mellowing process (known as the Lincoln County Process) have made it instantly recognizable.
Despite its global fame, Jack Daniel’s has stayed deeply tied to its roots in Lynchburg, Tennessee – something traditions like “Good Friday” help preserve.
So, do Jack Daniel’s employees really get free whiskey every month? Yes, they do. It’s called “Good Friday,” and on the first Friday of every month, the distillery’s workers leave with both their paycheck and a bottle of Jack Daniel’s.
Most months, it’s a 375 ml Old No. 7. Some months, it’s a collector’s gem. But every month, it’s a reminder of tradition, pride, and the unique culture that has kept Jack Daniel’s at the heart of whiskey history for over 150 years.
The next time you sip Jack, remember: somewhere in Lynchburg, an employee is toasting the same whiskey—only theirs came with their paycheck.
Now that’s a perk worth raising a glass to.
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