Arnett is a native Tennessean and will become only the seventh master distiller in the company's history. He replaces Jimmy Bedford, who announced his retirement from the position last month.

The master distiller oversees the entire whiskey-making process of milling, yeasting, fermentation, distillation, charcoal mellowing and maturation.

"I fully understand the huge shoes that I'll be stepping into and can't begin to express my appreciation to those who have entrusted me with this position," said Arnett. "It's been a privilege to work with Jimmy Bedford and learn the trade over the past several years. I look forward to carrying on the Jack Daniel's tradition and following Mr. Jack's guiding words of 'every day we make it, we'll make it the best we can.'"

Arnett began his career at the Jack Daniel Distillery seven years ago in quality control and overseeing Jack Daniel's Single Barrel. Since that time, he has worked in a variety of capacities throughout the distillery, including warehousing, maturation, distillation, charcoal mellowing management, barrel quality and bottling, as well as being a member of the Master Tasters' panel.

Prior to his work with Jack Daniel's, he served as production manager and engineer in the food and beverage industry for 10 years.

"We have every faith and confidence that Jeff is going to do an outstanding job as Master Distiller and carry on the long tradition of the master craftsmen who have made the world's best whiskey for more than one hundred years," said Tommy Beam, senior vice president and general manager of the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow Prop.

From the April 14, 2008, Prepared Foods e-Flash