Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Jack Daniel’s. 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.
Jack Daniel’s, arguably one of the most recognizable names in Tennessee whiskey, again dips their toes into the Bottled-in-Bond world with their 2022 Jack Daniel’s Bonded 100-proof expression. The strict requirements a distillery must adhere to in order to categorize a Bottled-in-Bond whiskey are a small price to pay for the ability to ensure consumers of the integrity of the spirit.
The Bottled in Bond act was passed in 1897, requiring the whiskey to be a product of one distillery in a single season (spring or fall), aged a minimum of four years in a government bonded warehouse, and bottled at 50% ABV/100 proof. It is also a rule that no additives or color corrections may be applied to the whiskey, ensuring that only water is used to bring the whiskey to proof.
The brand of Jack Daniel’s was created before the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 was enacted, founded in 1867 by Jasper (Jack) Newton Daniel, with the introduction of the Jack Daniel’s signature charcoal-mellowed Tennessee whiskey. As Master Distiller Jeff Arnett says of the process, “Charcoal can accomplish in days what the barrel takes a couple of years to accomplish.” This process is also considered a large part of the smoothness that comes from a Tennessee whiskey like Jack Daniel’s.
Jack Daniel’s Bonded Tennessee Whiskey is the first of two Bottled-in-Bond American whiskeys from the distillery’s new Bonded Series, and I had a really fantastic tasting from this reliably consistent distillery. The characteristics of the whiskey will be familiar to Jack Daniel’s fans, while offering a unique tasting blend and a richer mouthfeel than I, personally, have become accustomed to with the brand.
Tasting Notes: Jack Daniel’s Bonded Tennessee Whiskey
Vital Stats: Mash bill of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye. 100 Proof (50% ABV). SRP $29.99/700mL.
Appearance: The whiskey has a dark, burnt ochre appearance.
Nose: It has a fresh, vegetal aroma, with hints of mint and oak.
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Palate: Grain and peat hit the palate in a clean, earthy first taste. There are elements of raisin and other dried fruit at the front with cinnamon and caramel flavors developing midway through. There is a nice, mellow burn, not at all harsh, with a smooth finish.
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