Jack Daniel's Old No. 7

Smokey, sweet, smooth when mixed. Pepper aftertaste.

What can be said about this legendary whiskey that hasn't been said before? It can feel daunting reviewing a brand as popular as Jack Daniel's especially because to many it can seem like a cheap option for those that don't know better. As a brand Jack Daniel's has developed a reputation for a strong, peculiar banana flavor profile and that is immediately noticeable right out of the bottle. Very ripe, almost dark brown images of bananas come to mind after smelling this and if it wasn't for the potent smell of corn I almost would have felt that I wasn't smelling a bourbon at all. Much less noticeable unless you poke around are scents of vanilla, oak and actually young grain. The last bit isn't too surprising. When you mass produce a product careful, persistent aging isn't to be expected. The palate strongly follows the nose with this acting as an interesting banana and corn bomb. Extremely sweet upfront the two flavors don't quite mesh as well I'd like them to but they also don't antagonize each other. In the mid palate there's some nice hints of dried fruits, as if you are banana bread with hints of raisins. This is followed by nice vanilla and oak flavors with a touch of cinnamon for good measure. Throughout though there is a pretty pervasive taste of a young malt that is just begging to be left with more time in the barrel and that gives the entire proceedings a rough around the edges feel. The finish isn't particularly memorable. The vanilla, woody flavors of the cask combine with a suggestion of a rye spice before fading away leaving notes of caramel corn. This is not a potent whiskey and it tastes fairly watery so the brief, almost curt finish makes sense but it does leave you craving for something more. Ultimately this is far from the worst whiskey options on the market. The banana presence allows it to distinguish itself from the competitors and it's way fruitier in general than most offerings at its price point. On the other hand the youngness of the taste and smell make this a bit of an unremarkable sipper. It works alright in cocktails especially with it's sweeter attributes but it's never a fully convincing experience. I'd keep a bottle around now and then for some very casual mixing or sipping but it isn't mind blowing or particularly great.

Go to with Coke Zero