DSR – TN – 015: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Rye Whiskey
Company/Distillery: Jack Daniel Distillery
Location: Lynchburg, Tennessee
Mash Bill: 70% Rye, 18% Corn, and 12% Malted Barley
Age Statement: No Age Statement
Proof/ABV: 130.8 Proof/65.40% ABV
Color & Viscosity: Examining this rye whiskey in its bottle reveals a color reminiscent of aged oak. When poured into a glass, the whiskey radiates a warm burnt umber glow. Tilting the tasting vessel reveals a sharply defined, viscous line that transforms into droplets and swiftly transitions into legs, gliding down the sides of the glass.
Purchase Price: $69.95 from the NC ABC Store; 750 ml
Bottle Label Information:
Neck Label
Barrel Proof Rye
Barrel House 2-18
Chris Fletcher – Master Distiller
Barrel No: 23-08304
Bottling Date: 9.18.23
Front Label
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Rye Whiskey
Uniquely Crafted | Handmade Barrels
Lynchburg, Tenn.
Master Distilled
Back Label
From grain to barrel and straight to the bottle, our barrel proof Jack Daniel’s single barrel rye is made for those who appreciate a pure taste experience.
Distilled & Bottled by Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tenn., U.S.A.
Tennessee Rye Whiskey
Distillery Background
Jack Daniel Distillery
The year was around 1864, the town was Lynchburg, TN. A young man by the name of Jasper “Jack” Newton Daniel would break out on his own and subsequently meet a preacher by the name of Dan Call. Reverend Dan Call ran a small distillery on his property and would eventually teach Mr. Daniel how to make whiskey. All of this would be accomplished with the help of enslaved craftsman, Nathan “Nearest” Green. Just a few years later in 1866, Mr. Daniel would establish the first US registered distillery known as the Jack Daniel Distillery. Mr. Jack Daniel would eventually go on to lead the distillery with the assistance of his dear friend and head distiller, Nearest Green. In October 1911, Mr. Daniel, in a moment of anger, kicked his safe and sustained an injury that would eventually take his life due to gangrene.
In 156 years of production, the distillery has been lead by only 8 different Master Distillers:
- Jack Daniel (1866-1911) & Nearest Green (1870s-1881)
- Jess Motlow (1911-1941)
- Lem Tolley (1941-1964)
- Jess Gamble (1964-1966)
- Frank Bobo (1966-1988)
- Jimmy Bedford (1988-2007)
- Jeff Arnett (2008-2020)
- Chris Fletcher (2020-Present)
Before his unfortunate death, Jack Daniel moved his distillery to its current location, Cave Spring Hollow, in Lynchburg, TN after purchasing the property for $2,148. This property drew Jack in, due to its natural limestone spring. To this day, the spring is responsible for supplying the distillery with its water for whiskey production. The spring is always a cool 56 degrees and produces approximately 800 gallons of water every minute.
Jack Daniel Distillery prides itself on quality craftsmanship – much of which happens right in Lynchburg, TN. For a distillery the size of Jack Daniel, it is with great pride that they make every single drop of the world’s Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey, right on site at their Lynchburg distillery. They also make their sugar maple charcoal, char their own barrels, and own and operate many of the cooperages in the supply chain. As if all of this is not enough, the distillery still holds the title of the world’s biggest selling American whiskey around the world.
In addition to Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Rye Whiskey for this review, Jack Daniel Distillery also offers its Old No. 7 recipe (also know as “Black Label”), Tennessee Apple, Tennessee Rye, Tennessee Honey, Tennessee Fire, Gentleman Jack, Sinatra Select, Single Barrel 100 Proof, Single Barrel Rye, Single Barrel Barrel Proof, No. 27 Gold, Single Barrel Select, Jack Daniel’s Bonded, Jack Daniel’s Triple Mash, Jack Daniel’s Bonded Rye and many specialty releases.
To read more about the unique history of Jack Daniel and his distillery, visit Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey.
Lincoln County Process
The Lincoln County Process, also known as charcoal mellowing or “The Extra Blessing,” is an important part of the process in making Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. It is believed that this process was taught to Jack by Nearest Green, early in his life when he worked at the Call Distillery. Jack continued the technique as taught by Nearest Green. This is still an intricate part of the process at Jack Daniel’s today.
Seeing the charcoal mellowing firsthand is really an amazing process to behold. Jack Daniel Distillery takes sugar maple and slowly burns it down to the charcoal that is later used in the mellowing process. The homemade charcoal is placed into large wooden vats that are 10 feet deep. The white dog whiskey then painstakingly drips for 3-5 days through the 10 feet of charcoal where it is given its patented mellow characteristics. (Source)
Tasting Notes
Tasting Date/Vessel: January 4, 2024 – Neat in Glencairn Glass; Then with a few drops of distilled water.
Nose
Christian: In the bottle, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Rye Whiskey quickly releases a rich and robust burst of fresh tobacco. A second pass allows an amazing sweetness of dried fruits, reminding me of raisins or plums, brown butter, and dark brown sugar. In my Glencairn glass, this barrel proof Tennessee rye whiskey produces notes of flaky fresh pie crust and a sweetness very reminiscent of molasses or even pecan pie filling. There is a very subtle floral presence that is detected. A gentle swirl allows sweet honey, dark brown sugar, and light baking spices to jump from the rim of the glass. This pour is a gorgeously aromatic treat. Wow! The addition of distilled water creates a sugary sweetness that wasn’t present in the first pass. Molasses, smoked butterscotch, pie crust, and brown sugar cinnamon all emit from the glass.
Mike: Nosing the aroma of this Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye straight from the bottle, I’m treated to a symphony of dried fruits, subtle notes of charred oak and maple, followed by a transition to brown sugar and the essence of curing tobacco leaves.
Bringing the Glencairn glass closer to my nose, I detect sweet nuances of honey and dark molasses, followed by a blend of baking spices. A more profound inhalation allows a subtle touch of ethanol to weave itself through the sweetness.
Mouth
Christian: The mouthfeel on this barrel proof rye by Jack Daniel’s is surprisingly light and airy – not viscous as I had anticipated. A quick bitter sweetness punches your palate. Notes of milk chocolate, maple charcoal, and cinnamon all are equally present. As I continue to sip, the hallmark Jack Daniel’s character including sweet vanilla, banana, burnt sugar, and caramel, blend together, becoming reminiscent of a bananas foster dessert. Amazing flavor continues to develop each time the whiskey crosses my lips. The distilled water allows the oak barrel char to begin to come through. The whiskey doesn’t drink as sweet without the addition of water but brings a more robust flavor to the party.
Mike: Impressive! The palate is engulfed in a burst of flavors. Cinnamon Red Hots candies take the forefront, accompanied by aged leather and fruit compote, eventually yielding to subtle notes of vanilla and banana custard on the back end. A second pass unveils velvety leather undertones and a delightful sweetness reminiscent of banana cream pie, all enveloped in a burst of inviting cinnamon spice.
Finish
Christian: Man, you get a big bold finish with this one that is both long and dry. A nice spark ignites deep in your chest and dances like a flame in your belly for some time. Beautiful notes of old leather and baking spice wake the senses before a sweetness of ripe bananas sneaks on the palate. There is a touch of fruitiness, in the form of mixed berries, that develops on the palate very late, long after the whiskey has left the tongue. Distilled water tamps down a little of the finish here but leaves a nice reminder that you are drinking a high proof spirit. Mixed berries, ripe bananas, and toffee remain long on the palate before a slight butteriness appears.
Mike: The Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye concludes with a wonderfully classic finish, delivering a consistent warmth that extends seamlessly from the throat to the mid-chest region. The cinder diminishes, then rekindles in the lower chest before gradually fading away. This whiskey boasts a truly splendid finish! Subtle notes of charred barrel bitterness and the raw essence of cinnamon stick persist on the palate.
Our Rating
Final Thoughts
Christian: I am speechless. This may very well be my favorite Jack Daniel’s offering to date and I am a huge JD fan! A phenomenal nose that begs you to take a sip and leaves your senses excited and mouth watering. The amazing flavor, which continues to evolve with each sip, brings together a balance of sweet flavors reminiscent of a dessert. The finish is strong, but only as strong as one would expect with a 130 proof whiskey. I honestly believe you could sit and sip this whiskey all night and the flavors will continue to change. Jack Daniel’s is absolutely kicking ass and taking names with their recent product releases. Do me a favor and keep choking on your memories of over imbibing on too much Old No. 7 during your college days and stay away from Jack Daniel’s products. I would hate to see them become as hard to find as other fan favorite offerings on the market.
Rating: 4.85 Rickhouses
Mike: This Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye offers a captivating experience from its enticing color reminiscent of aged oak to the symphony of aromas, including dried fruits, charred oak, and sweet undertones. The palate is a burst of impressive flavors, featuring Cinnamon Red Hots candies, aged leather, fruit compote, and subtle notes of vanilla and banana custard. The finish is wonderfully classic, providing a consistent warmth that gracefully extends from the throat to the mid-chest region. The cinder’s play in the lower chest adds a unique touch to the concluding moments. Overall, a truly splendid whiskey with a harmonious blend of flavors and a memorable finish.
Rating: 4.50 Rickhouses
Gallery
Love your reviews boys!
Thanks, Randy! We appreciate your support!