Jack Daniel’s 12-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey

Jack Daniel’s 12-Year Tennessee Whiskey seemingly arrived out of the blue. Based on the distillery’s production volume, you’d think we would’ve seen a well-aged product from Lynchburg by now. Nevertheless, it’s here and the whiskey world is going bonkers. Will I feel the same?

Pour: Jack Daniel’s 12-Year TN Whiskey
Proof: 107
Age: 12 years
Color: rich copper
Nose: vanilla bean, brown sugar, dense oak, bananas foster
Taste: English toffee, toasted caramel, chocolate marshmallow, tobacco
Finish: long & intense w/ molasses, cola, charred oak, antique leather

Overall: Robust and remarkably flavorful, Jack Daniel’s 12-Year is a non-stop, one-way trip to Flavortown. A step above barrel-proof bottlings and worlds beyond Old No. 7, it’s an impressive statement of what Jack can do. And, at only $80 (SRP) it’s an instant buy.

Rating: 12/12

Jack Daniel’s Bottled in Bond

When you hear the words “bottled in bond,” do you think Jack Daniel’s? Didn’t think so. Believe it or not, Jack Daniel’s has a bottled-in-bond expression. It’s just exclusive to travel-retail outlets. Will it prove a notable step up from the 80-proof Old No. 7? Very likely.

Pour: Jack Daniel’s Bottled in Bond
Proof: 100
Age: not stated (at least 4 years)
Color: rich amber
Nose: toasted banana, creme brulee, faint spice
Taste: mild vanilla, honey-pear, nutmeg
Finish: moderately long w/ custard, barrel char, cinnamon toast

Overall: As predicted, a notch above your everyday Jack Daniel’s but that’s about it. Profile-wise, there’s very little in terms of uniqueness – not much of a boost in complexity either. Still, a decent pour, and for $38 a liter who’s complaining?

Rating: Old No. 7.1

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye

Several days ago, I reviewed Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof, an excellent TN Whiskey (BOURBON). Today, I’m giving Jack Daniel’s “Special Release” Barrel Proof Rye a go. I’ve heard nothing but good things – different levels of good, but good nonetheless. Let’s pour!

Pour: Jack Daniel’s SiB Barrel Proof Rye 20-06941
Proof: 131.9
Age: not stated
Color: deep rosy copper
Nose: hummingbird cake, vanilla pudding, blood orange
Taste: rye pancakes, thick molasses, boozy citrus
Finish: long & intense – dark-fruity caramel, lemon-pepper, holiday spice

Overall: Folks, this is a grand slam. The viscosity, the depth, the complexity, the balance … it carries it effortlessly at a remarkably palatable 131.9 proof. It’s a single-barrel release, so there’s always that; but, if you see this rye don’t sleep on it.

Rating: Outstanding.

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof

However familiar your palate may be with Jack Daniel’s, it’s wildly incomplete until you’ve tasted Jack at barrel strength. I probably shouldn’t spoil this review so early, but preconceived notions be damned. This Tennessee whiskey will knock your bourbon snob socks off.

Pour: Jack Daniel’s SiB Barrel Proof 18-8417
Proof: 128.3
Age: not stated
Color: dense copper
Nose: toasted vanilla bean, English toffee, buttery oak char
Taste: caramel chews, creme brulee, thick sweet molasses
Finish: long & sticky – brown sugar, rich honey-maple, baked cinnamon

Overall: This ain’t your daddy’s Jack. Ain’t Sinatra’s either. This is intense, in-your-face, full-flavored BOURBON from the last place you might expect it. Debate classifications all you’d like, but this whiskey sports a gold label for a reason.

Rating: Michael Anthony’s bass.