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.
If you want to know more about the mindfulness of a distillery, look for the distillery exclusives. Everything that goes to market for the broader consumer, assuming national or semi-national distribution, is curated and controlled to represent a very specific image of the distillery.
If you’re a small upstart distillery you want to create a name for yourself by bringing to market only the best of what you can offer. Maybe it’s creative, but generally you’re shooting to bring people into your profile. You want people to pick your bottle over the competition. If you’re a national name, you need to respect the consumers who built you up. Either way your ability to try something off the wall can be limited. You can be “unique” within certain parameters.
Which is why I say if you want to see something fun, look for distillery exclusives. Jack Daniels brings excellent whiskey to market. I just reviewed their American Single Malt, which is a national product. I quite enjoyed it to be honest. What I’m reviewing this time around, Jack Daniels Distillery Series Selection #10, is completely different all together. This is a straight Tennessee whiskey barreled in charred white oak and finished with toasted pecan wood chips to add depth and character.
“Our latest Distillery Series release caps off a bold year for Jack Daniel’s. This line gives us the opportunity to innovate and experiment across all stages of our whiskey making process, and I’m proud of every selection we’ve made since it launched,” said Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller.
Jack Daniels is making, for them, a micro batch of whiskey. To take this to a national market would be a major financial risk. However, release a small sample to a loyal Tennessee faithful and see what lands and what doesn’t. Go from there. I appreciate bold steps, and I appreciate big labels being willing to try something. If you’re ever visiting a major distillery and they have something special at the distillery, pick it up.
With that we turn to the glass.
Tasting Notes: Jack Daniels Distillery Series Selection #10
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Vital Stats: 120 proof (60% abv) bottled in 375 ml bottles. MSRP $41.99.
Appearance: Maple syrup with slow forming legs.
Nose: Sugar roasted pecans, a hint of alcohol, but honestly that’s about all.
Taste: This is how I experienced this whiskey: we start with standard Jack Profile it evolves into a sweeter whiskey and pinnacles with the tastes of pecan pie crust and disappears. There is a dry woodiness to it, which is nice. This tastes almost like Gentleman Jack with a undercurrent of sugar pecans. The finish dries out the mouth and leaves a soft whisper of oak across the mouth. It is a nice flavor but could easily be overwhelming if it were much more robust.
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