Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Rye

“Tastes like grandma” - Ralphie and chief Wiggum https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bBfejqLC6wg I find many ryes to be one dimensional;, I find myself buying and trying them over and over only to discover that many taste disappointingly similar, the spices and body are very similar- this bottle is not exactly an exception to my feelings; however, there is a smoothness and complexity to this bottle that has merit. The palette is sugary invoked me to think about it a bit more, there’s a floral theme here that isn’t overpowering, but isn’t great - better than many high end whistle pigs. Oink

I cut my whiskey teeth on Jack's "Old No. 7"; it was the first whiskey I actually liked. Didn't drink much of it straight other than in shots (or occasionally on the rocks), but it was a go-to when I wanted something other than beer. Haven't had any Jack for some time now but it still has a special place in my heart and memory. But on to the review! This whiskey comes in a beautiful square bottle, with a nice cork stopper. The barrel info is on the collar of the bottle neck. This bottle is from Rick L-2, Barrel No. 17-0225, bottled on 1/9/17. There is no age statement. Bottled at 47% ABV, the whiskey is a gorgeous dark maghogany amber in the glass. The mash bill for this dram is 70/18/12, rye/corn/malted barley. It leaves a nice oily coating and produces long slow legs when swirled. So far so good! The nose is spicy cinnamon and cloves. Some corn sweetness and oak. Dark pumpernickel/rye bread, burnt butter and caramel. Completely different from the Old No. 7 I remember, but then this is a rye, not a "Tennessee" bourbon. There is very little burn considering the proof. Very nice. The first sip is a little hot with a strong rye character. Dry and oaky. This is not the "spicy rye" that you get with most so-called rye whiskeys that are barely 51% rye and a bunch of corn. This is pungent, dark rye. After the palate and the glass settle down, there is some sweetness with a buttery charcoal note. Deep down inside there are hints of the Old No. 7. There is definitely a familial relation, but more like a 2nd cousin than a brother or sister. The finish is fairly long with more warm rye and oak. This dram has more in common with Dad's Hat Pennsylvania Rye than any bourbon or "barely rye" whiskey out there. Dad's Hat has no corn at all. As a result it's almost too much rye, too dry. The 18% corn in this mashbill adds just enough sweetness to balance the rye very nicely. There is a bold rye punch, but tempered with just enough sweetness to make it more enjoyable. This is a very enjoyable whiskey. I picked up this bottle for $45 at my local Kroger's liquor store, which makes it very accessable and reasonable in my opinion. I have no problem giving this 4.5/5.0. Highly recommended. Cheers!