LYNCHBURG, Tenn.—Barbecue teams from around the world will convene in Lynchburg, Tenn., to smoke, season and sear their best recipes and celebrate the 24th Annual Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012.

Teams, judges and more than 25,000 visitors from around the world will converge in Jack Daniel’s Hollow for the annual crowning of the boss hog of competitive barbecuing at The Jack™. Championship teams from the United States and international teams from as far away as Switzerland, Germany, Australia, Estonia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Canada, Poland, Aruba, Puerto Rico, Norway and Denmark will compete in seven categories – Pork Ribs, Pork Shoulder/Butts, Beef Brisket, Chicken, Dessert, Cook’s Choice and Jack Daniel’s Sauce – for the coveted title of Grand Champion in what competitors call the world’s most prestigious barbecue competition.

Lynchburg is primarily known for its whiskey, but it is also known for some of the best barbecue in the world. The historic town is home to the Jack Daniel Distillery, America’s oldest registered distillery. Together, the distillery and the town have hosted the prestigious competition for the past 23 years, attracting teams from all 50 states and around the world.

To qualify, domestic teams must have won a state championship with a minimum of 25 teams entered, or a competition with more than 50 teams battling in the categories of Pork Ribs, Pork Butts, Chicken and Beef Brisket. The final competitors are then selected during a blind drawing of all eligible teams in early September. The 2011 Jack Daniel’s Grand Champion, Smokin’ Hoggz, and the current season’s Memphis in May, American Royal Open and Houston World’s Championship Bar-B-Que grand champions receive automatic invitations.

“Recognized around the globe, the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Barbecue creates a competitive, yet uniquely fun, contest among some of the top culinary experts in their field,” said Lynne Tolley, KCBS-certified barbecue judge and great-grandniece of Jack Daniel. “And, as fans unite in historic Lynchburg to take in the action, and samples, the competition really comes to life.”

Year after year, Jack Daniel’s master distiller Jeff Arnett continues to find the talent, focus and skill of competing teams admirable.

“The quality of this competition and the talents of the teams participating is routinely enhanced each year. Judges and fans are consistently amazed by the creative ideas and flavors these barbequers bring to Lynchburg,” said Arnett. “The time and money spent developing and perfecting their recipes is what makes these teams, and this competition, the best in the world. Like any championship, the competitive drive is evident, but the mutual respect and camaraderie remain when these teams gather in Lynchburg for The Jack™.”

Other activities include original games such as the Country Dog Contest, Butt Bowling, and Bung and Bag Toss competitions. Games begin at 11 a.m. Saturday and continue throughout the day. Free tours of the Jack Daniel Distillery from the Visitor Center will also be available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Barbecue judging starts at 11:30 a.m., and the awards presentation will take place at 5 p.m.

Admission to the 24th Annual Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue is a voluntary donation to the Moore County schools. For more information, please call (931) 759-6930.

About Jack Daniel’s
Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey-Based Ready-to-Drink Beverages and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails.

Jack Daniel’s encourages its friends to drink responsibly.