Tucked away in the rolling hills of southern Tennessee lies a story of heritage, hard work, and world-class whiskey. It all began in 2012, when two men, Clayton Cutler and James Butler, started the distillery that would become Big Machine Distillery in the historic town of Lynnville, TN. With a commitment to authenticity and a passion for true Tennessee whiskey, Clayton and James set out to create something remarkable—using time-honored techniques, local spring water, and heirloom grains grown close to home.

By 2015, Scott Borchetta, founder of Big Machine Label Group and longtime whiskey enthusiast, recognized the potential in what Clayton and James were building. Their partnership elevated the brand to new heights, but the core mission stayed the same: produce a whiskey that honors tradition, values craftsmanship, and always delivers on taste.

Today, Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey is a name that stands for purity, pride, and place—and it comes in three distinct expressions:

Clayton James Tennessee Whiskey (90 Proof)

This is the flagship. Crafted on-site in Lynnville, this Tennessee whiskey is mellow yet full of character. It’s charcoal mellowed in the classic Lincoln County Process, giving it that signature smoothness. At 90 proof, it strikes a perfect balance between bold and approachable—ideal for sipping neat or mixing in a classic Old Fashioned.

Clayton James Bottled-in-Bond (100 Proof)

For the purists, our Bottled-in-Bond expression is a nod to one of America's oldest quality standards in whiskey. Produced in a single distillation season and bottled at 100 proof, this whiskey delivers a robust flavor with an unshakable sense of structure. It’s a bigger, bolder take on Tennessee whiskey—still smooth, but with more edge and complexity.

Clayton James Single Barrel (Varied Proof)

No two barrels are alike—and that’s exactly the point. Our Single Barrel releases showcase the unique characteristics that emerge from each hand-selected cask. Proof varies by barrel, but the quality is always exceptional. These limited runs are bottled straight from the barrel to preserve every ounce of flavor and individuality. For whiskey collectors and adventurous palates, this is where the magic lives.

Built From the Ground Up—Literally

Every drop of Clayton James whiskey is distilled, aged, and bottled at our Lynnville distillery—a place where tradition meets innovation. We don’t cut corners. From using heirloom grains to grinding our grains with a stone mill, our process is deliberately slow and meticulously crafted. Because great whiskey isn’t rushed. It’s earned.

Whether you’re visiting us in Lynnville, ordering a bottle online, or enjoying a pour at your favorite bar, you’re not just tasting whiskey. You’re experiencing a legacy—a little bit of Tennessee in every glass.  Book a distillery tour and tasting here!