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.
We’ve become relatively familiar with the Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Tasters’ here by now. The only one we haven’t reviewed is the Barrel Proof Rye – a 127.6 proof, 70% rye whiskey that is meant to be an extension of sorts from Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye. To remind you, these are available only in Tennessee and are part of Jack Daniel’s experimental approach.
None of the concepts they’re doing are groundbreaking ideas, but it’s the first time Jack Daniel’s has used their #1 selling whiskey in these ways, likely in order to meet the market demand of such styles.
Today, we have the Barrel Reunion #2. They age their whiskey per usual in new oak barrels, and then that barrel goes to a local beer maker. For this selection an oatmeal stout is rested in the Jack Daniel’s barrel. When the beer maker is finished with that step, they sell their beer and return the barrel back to JD, who in turn puts the Tennessee whiskey back into the barrel.
The result is the obvious – you get some nice added texture and a bit more creamy, chocolate, oaty-ness from the beer. With the mind-boggling following Jack Daniel’s has for their whiskey, it’s no doubt people enjoy trying something new from them that is still familiar enough to go down easy.
The other Tennessee Tasters’ have been interesting so far, with some really great aspects to them (the High Angel’s Share release was rather good). Jack Daniel’s has a unique enough flavor profile that it doesn’t mix with everything, so these barrel finishes need to be mindfully selected. Let’s see how this one stacks up.
Tasting Notes: Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Tasters’ Barrel Reunion #2
Vital Stats: 92 proof, Tennessee charcoal filtered whiskey, finished in a used oatmeal stout barrel that previously was a Jack Daniel’s barrel, $40 for a 375mL.
Appearance: Rich tarnished copper.
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Nose: Pine and mint, with a rich, savory note. Oak, nutmeg spice and a touch of banana bread.
Palate: Slightly smokey like Burnt butterscotch. Earthy, with mushrooms. Caramel and chocolate covered cherries.
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