Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. 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 in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
The name on everybody’s lips is once again Jack Daniel’s. A juggernaut in the world of whiskey marketing and name knowledge, Jack Daniel’s Distillery continues to ride the line between innovation and classic recipe and presentation, this time with the newest release in the Distillery Series No. 11, a Limited Edition Añejo Tequila Barrel-Finished Tennessee Whiskey.
While tequila barrel finishes are not rare in whiskey finishes, this particular whiskey presents a complexity within the flavor profile that greatly benefits from the añejo tequila, giving just enough to influence but not too much to overpower.
Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series No. 11 was first aged in American White Oak barrels, then transferred the whiskey to barrels in which añejo tequila was matured in Mexico before returning to Lynchburg, TN. The Distillery Series is all about experimentation, and Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Chris Fletcher says of the release, “This añejo tequila barrel-finished whiskey pushes the bounds on what people may expect out of a Tennessee Whiskey, yet still has the familiar characteristics that are uniquely Jack Daniel’s.”
The first registered distillery in the U.S., Jack Daniel’s was established in 1866 and quickly garnered world-wide notoriety with its consistency and quality. Utilizing Tennessee limestone spring water and a tried-and-true mash recipe of corn, rye, and barley, Jack Daniel’s continues to offer exciting twists to their whiskey releases.
The Distiller Series No. 11 was selected by Whiskey Taster Danny Lamb and comes at 90 proof in a 375ml bottle. I have enjoyed whiskey finished in tequila barrels but have often found a sweetness to take over my palate in an unpleasant manner. With this tasting, I was surprised at how well-balanced the whiskey is with the tequila barrel aging, there was the perfect amount of recognizable añejo notes without being overwhelmed.
Tasting Notes: Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series No. 11 Añejo Tequila Barrel-Finished
Vital Stats: Mashbill of 80% Corn, 8% Rye, and 12% Malted Barley. 90 Proof (45% ABV). SRP $41.99 for a 375ml bottle. Aged 4-5 years.
Appearance: The whiskey is a chrome yellow with long legs.
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Nose: A delicious aroma of banana, almond, and apricot with slightly sharp astringent notes.
Palate: There are oaky notes on the palate, with a nutty and herbal slant, slightly sour on the mid-palate, but blending well with honey and clove. The tequila barrel is expressed well on the palate.
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