Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Daddy Rack Whiskey Co. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
I am hard-pressed to read the words Tennessee Whiskey without hearing the tune and melody in my head of it’s name’s sake song. To think of how often that song has been covered and reimagined gives the ballad a distinct respect in that new generations of musicians find this song, connect with it, and truly feel the way that they feel about it is worthy of their re-interpretation and that others will feel the same way. And before you know it, the story of that ballad means something new, and you are singing along to it again for the first time on the radio.
Tennessee whiskey the spirit also exists with a commonly understood cultural distinction. There is a long history and tradition of making whiskey a certain way in Tennessee and there are well documented ways that the distillers have made sure to distinguish themselves from other American whiskeys.
But, in many ways, despite a long tradition of whiskey making, Tennessee whiskey has had to play catch-up to the incredible popularity of the recent whiskey boom. As recently as 2009 there were only three counties in the whole state where you could legally distil spirits. And while today the number of brands is steadily growing, they are operating within the shadow of some pretty big name labels that have scored quite a few hits along the way.
Daddy Rack Tennessee Straight Whiskey has very recently joined the growing of new brands from the state and please check out this article to learn about Daddy Rack himself and the story behind his whiskey. We are going to look closer at the spirit itself.
Tennessee whiskey generally meets all the requirements of bourbon, but distinguishes itself in that it’s made in Tennessee and that the new-make whiskey is typically filtered through sugar maple charcoal before going into casks for aging in what is known as the Lincoln County Process. Daddy Rack takes that a step further filtering the whiskey a second time through sugar maple charcoal before bottling.
Tasting Notes: Daddy Rack Tennessee Straight Whiskey
Vital Stats: 80 proof (40%ALC/VOL); mash of 80% Level 1 corn (all sourced from local farmers), 10% rye, 10% malted barley. Pricing around $30 per 750ml bottle.
Appearance: Light, translucent amber.
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Nose: The initial notable aroma is banana, and then the bouquet takes me into familiar territory with notes of wet corn and marzipan. A second inspection has me reminded of a warm summer day and the scent of fresh cut grass.
Palate: The first sip keeps me in the summertime with a hot greeting that takes a moment to settle in. As the profile begins to take shape, I am reminded of time spent at a carnival and the consessions I may encounter, particularly buttered popcorn, peanut brittle and finishing with cotton candy.
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