Country music has long featured whiskey as a central motif, with the spirit representing both life's finest and most troubling moments in classic songs.
– "Tennessee Whiskey" – Chris Stapleton's smoky blues rendition of this song (originally recorded by David Alan Coe and George Jones) has become the definitive version; it compares a lover to whiskey.
– "Whiskey River" – Willie Nelson's signature opening song since the 1970s, penned by Johnny Bush, effectively captures the feeling of drinking away heartbreak and remains one of the best songs built around whiskey.
– An unnamed George Jones hit featuring Canadian Club whiskey with a water chaser, paired with a tequila sunrise to nurse a hangover after a wild party.
– George Jones' first number-one hit about moonshine from the Appalachian hills; whilst a novelty song, it captures the rebellious spirit of moonshiners evading the law and producing exceptionally strong brew.