Milwaukee Bucks’ Brandon Jennings’ Exclusive Barrel Pick at Jack Daniels Distillery - Behind the Scenes

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Nov 22

This project brought together the iconic **Jack Daniels** brand, **NBA star Brandon Jennings**, and the **Milwaukee Bucks** —including **Matt Pazaras** and **Kareeda Chones-Aguam**— for a one-of-a-kind fan-focused barrel-picking experience in Lewisburg, Tennessee. Partnering with **Take7 Productions**, we documented every moment of the day, from the fiery charcoal-burning process that defines Jack Daniels’ smooth whiskey to Brandon’s personal touch, leaving a “**Bucks in Six**” tribute in the distillery’s charcoal room. This shoot seamlessly blended history, artistry, and modern storytelling, creating compelling visuals for the brand.

Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks legend, wearing a Jack Daniels jacket and cowboy hat with whiskey glasses in a cinematic setting.

Start with The End: Cowboy Hats and Jack Daniels Jackets

I’d like to start the photo journey with the end of the day. These were some of my favorite images, capturing Brandon’s bold style and the essence of the collaboration perfectly. We wrapped up the shoot in one of the distillery’s signature buildings. This is where Brandon debuted his second outfit—a sleek Jack Daniels jacket paired with a black cowboy hat. The outfit was a vibe all its own, adding a dynamic edge to the final shots.

Brandon Jennings holding a glass of Jack Daniel's whiskey in a dramatic black-and-white portrait, captured by Tausha Dickinson Celebrity Photographer.

Brandon Jennings standing confidently in the Jack Daniels tasting room, showcasing a selection of whiskey glasses and branded elements, wearing a sleek Jack Daniels jacket and cowboy hat.

Brandon Jennings posed in the Jack Daniels tasting room, wearing a cowboy hat and branded jacket, surrounded by whiskey glasses and wooden staves, representing the craftsmanship of Jack Daniels.

Starting the Day with Fire — Literally

Close-up of Brandon Jennings standing confidently with arms crossed, showcasing a blazing wood pallet backdrop for a dynamic and dramatic shot.

Milwauke Bucks' Brandon Jennings smiling next to stacked wood and flames, captured during an industrial-themed photoshoot.

Brandon Jennings posing in front of a towering industrial kiln with flames in the background, blending ruggedness and style.

Portrait of Brandon Jennings standing by a Jack Daniels charcoal kiln, emphasizing craftsmanship and branding.

The day began with a tour of the distillery, a highlight of which was witnessing the iconic fire where Jack Daniels burns the wood that becomes the charcoal used in their whiskey filtration process. This charcoal-mellowing technique gives Jack Daniels its signature smoothness. (Quick side note: It’s worth diving into the science behind this—it’s fascinating!) When I say it was hot, I’m not exaggerating. As you can see in the wide shot of Brandon, the flames were intense enough to cause all of us to bolt from the heat after one particularly bold photo op.

Bucks in Six — Written in Charcoal

Brandon Jennings adding "Bucks in 6" to a signature wall, celebrating the Milwaukee Bucks' legendary slogan in an industrial environment.

Brandon Jennings writing on a wall as part of a creative shoot, referencing the iconic "Bucks in 6" phrase in a gritty black-and-white setting.

After the fire pit, we ventured into the charcoal room, where Brandon seized the moment to scrawl “Bucks in Six” on the wall—a nod to Milwaukee’s rallying cry. This act brought a personal touch, connecting the project to both his team and fans.

Brandon Jennings and the Milwaukee Bucks walking through the Jack Daniels distillery grounds in a black-and-white shot, capturing camaraderie and the historic setting. — From there, we explored one of the key storage rooms, home to some of the massive barrels where the whiskey ferments. It’s incredible to think about the craftsmanship and time that goes into every bottle. We also stopped by one of the historic homes on the property, immersing ourselves in the legacy of Jack Daniel himself. It was a glimpse into history that set the tone for our next stop: the tasting room.

Brandon Jennings smiling in the Jack Daniels barrel room, wearing a distillery uniform and engaging with the Milwaukee Bucks team in a black-and-white candid shot.

Brandon Jennings and the Milwaukee Bucks team in discussion with Jack Daniels staff around a wooden whiskey barrel, capturing the collaborative spirit at the distillery.

Whiskey Barrels and Portraits

Walking into the tasting room was like stepping into another world. Barrels towered from floor to ceiling, creating an ambiance rich with the aroma of aging whiskey. Brandon and his team selected lucky barrel number three, a highlight of the fan-focused event.

Brandon Jennings enjoying a whiskey tasting at Jack Daniel's with members of the Milwaukee Bucks organization, led by Byron Copeland.

Brandon Jennings sharing a laugh with members of the Milwaukee Bucks organization during a Jack Daniel's whiskey tasting event.

Byron Copeland from Jack Daniel's conducting a whiskey tasting session for Brandon Jennings and Milwaukee Bucks organization members, surrounded by barrels.

I couldn’t resist asking for a few portraits amidst the scene. The combination of the wood, the lighting, and Brandon’s presence made for some truly captivating images.

Brandon Jennings crouches in a barrel storage room at Jack Daniel's distillery.

Brandon Jennings leans against a rack of whiskey barrels inside Jack Daniel's distillery.

Brandon Jennings sits between whiskey barrels at Jack Daniel's distillery, showcasing various whiskey bottles.

**A Lunch Break with a View**

Portrait of Brandon Jennings inside the Jack Daniel's distillery, captured by Tausha Dickinson Celebrity Photographer during a collaboration with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Brandon Jennings reflecting in a serene outdoor setting near the Jack Daniel's distillery, showcasing the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Midday, we headed up to BBQ Hill Pavilion, perched at the top of the hill for a quick lunch. This exclusive spot at the distillery, rarely seen by most visitors, offered breathtaking views and served as the perfect setting for another round of portraits. By combining natural light with a single additional light source, we enhanced the rustic charm of the surroundings, creating photos rich in depth and authenticity.