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.
In May of this the Jack Daniel Distillery released Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Special Release Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey as the latest expression from their Single Barrel Collection. This annual special release is bottled uncut, straight from the barrel at full proof points ranging between 125 and 145. This review will focus on the 137.3 proof expression.
Founded by Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel in 1866, the Lynchburg, Tennessee-based Jack Daniel’s Distillery became the very first registered whiskey distillery in the US, and still operates in its original city location. Today, it’s owned by the Brown-Forman Corporation, a Kentucky distilling company who purchased the Daniel’s-family owned distillery in 1956.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Special Release Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey is made from a mash bill consisting of 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley. It has been filtered through a process that’s required in the making of Tennessee produced whiskey known as charcoal mellowing. This entails filtering the new juice, or white dog as unaged whiskey is more informally known, through a sugar maple charcoal filter prior to putting it into the barrel for aging.
This non-age statement rye whiskey is matured in new, handmade American white oak barrels on the higher ricks of the distillery’s barrelhouses. It’s said that these types of barrels give whiskey a big and bold character and placing the barrels at higher levels in the rickhouse allows the whiskey to develop a greater depth of flavor and complexity.
“The combination of our unique rye grain bill and barrel house locations make for a special rye whiskey that perfectly balances bold and smooth,” said Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller in a prepared statement. “We’ve offered our rye whiskey at barrel strength through special limited releases in the past, and the responses from the whiskey community have been overwhelmingly positive. Now we’re excited to have our Barrel Proof Rye as a permanent part of our whiskey offerings to give even more of our friends a chance to try this special expression.”
The brand’s official tasting notes for this expression suggest a complex aroma of rich caramel and toasted subtle fruit with a peppery rye finish.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Special Release Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey is available across the US in 750 ml bottles for a suggested retail price of $59.99.
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Tasting Notes: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Special Release Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey
Vital Stats: 137.3 proof (68.65% ABV), mash bill: 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley, 750 ml bottle MSRP $59.99.
Appearance: Deep auburn.
Nose: On the nose are notes of sweet fruit, honey vanilla, spicy caramel, burnt orange peel, molasses, sweet tea, and citrus wood polish.
Palate: The palate offers rich, dark flavors notes of baked spices, raw grains, and black tea, with hints of dusty antique wood and dry leather.
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