Chris Fletcher assumes top Jack Daniel’s job following six years as assistant master distiller
On October 7th 2020, the Jack Daniel Distillery hosted a virtual press conference to announce the new holder of one of the drinks industry’s coolest jobs – Jack Daniel’s master distiller. Following six years as assistant master distiller under Jeff Arnett, Chris Fletcher takes the top job.
Fletcher was born and raised in Jack Daniel’s home town of Lynchburg, and follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, Frank Bobo, who served as master distiller between 1966 and 1989. Graduating with a B.S. in Chemistry from Tennessee Technological University in 2003, Fletcher then worked as a chemist with Brown-Forman in Research & Development, later becoming assistant master distiller for Jack Daniel’s.
Chris Fletcher says of his new gig: “It’s an honor to be named Master Distiller here at Jack Daniel’s and join a line of folks who’ve made the best whiskey in the world… Over the last 17 years, I’ve been able to learn and work alongside so many talented whiskey makers, and I am very grateful for the mentors I’ve had, including Jeff Arnett who taught me so much. Our distillery and team here in Lynchburg are the best in the business, and I cannot wait to continue to work with them crafting the world’s favorite Tennessee Whiskey.“