Editor’s Note: The party behind this whiskey gave us a review sample. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review. It should also be noted that clicking the buy link in this review earns our site a small referral payment, which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
The historic Jack Daniel’s distillery in Lynchburg, Tenn., has hosted many new Tennessee whiskey releases from this venerable brand over the years. Some of the more obscure offerings, such as those from the Distillery Series, provide an exciting contrast to your typical Jack Daniel’s 101-style bottling.
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The Distillery Series is described as a “line of experimental and innovative whiskeys” featuring Jack’s classic whiskey in different layers of complexity. The most recent one available, and the one I’m reviewing here today, is the Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series #12, Straight Tennessee Whiskey Finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks.
According to the distillery, this release is distilled from a mash bill of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye. It goes through the classic Jack Daniel’s charcoal mellowing process before entering into new, charred American oak barrels for an undisclosed amount of time. Once fully matured, it is finished in Oloroso Sherry casks from Andalucia, Spain, for an additional three years.
“We first used Oloroso Sherry Casks with our American Single Malt, and it was only natural to continue experimenting with them to craft innovations that only Jack Daniel’s could,” said Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller, at the time of this whiskey’s release in December. “What resulted was something completely unique that further elevates the complexity of Old No. 7 but maintains a balanced profile.”
Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series #12, bottled at 90 proof, was released in 375 ml bottles in Tennessee for $41.99. It was selected by Whiskey Taster Randall Fanning, who recently retired after nearly 50 years with the brand.