Richard-Davenport
Jack Daniel's Bonded Tennessee Whiskey
Tennessee Whiskey — Tennessee, USA
Reviewed
December 14, 2022 (edited September 8, 2023)
Since this bourbon just won Whisky Advocate's Whisky of the Year, I had to go grab a bottle ($41.99 at my local shop; well above the $30 that WA says it can be found for). Deep clear mahogany color. Sweet nose shows peanut brittle, butterscotch, some orange, and light brown sugar. Sweetness continues on the palate, along with a little char. There is a subtle bitterness on the finish, though not offputting; like a dark espresso, giving way to some lingering vanilla. Only the faintest spiciness (just 8% rye in the mashbill), and the 100 proof drinks smoothly.
It's annoying that this bourbon is sold in a nonstandard 700ml size. This effectively means that you are paying an extra 7.1% per bottle compared to a normal 750ml. Alternatively, there are 16.9 standard 1.5oz shots in a standard 750ml bottle, whereas there are only 15.8 shots in a 700ml bottle.
This is my second taste, after trying it last night as well. All in, an enjoyable bourbon, but not overly complex. Much better value if it could be found for $30, but if you're drinking it neat, only $2.66 for a 1.5oz pour at the price I paid--far cheaper than any bourbon you'd find in a bar or restaurant. Would I buy it again? Yes. 3.75 on the Distiller scale.
N.B. All whiskies tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.
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@PBMichiganWolverine I recall reading somewhere that in the US, the use of 700ml bottles is now “allowed”. With that, I suspect you’ll see an increase in 700ml bottlings for the obvious reasons: 1 production line/ordering of bottle manufacturing; easier for international sales; less for the same dollar (greater profit)
I was prepared to trash this one when I reviewed it for the 700ml size, but I liked it so much I gave it a pass. It does irk me, though. I’ll also say my first bottle had this awesome musty, earthy, leathery quality that my second bottle doesn’t have. For me, that was what made it stand out. Without that note? Not nearly as good IMHO.
Also to add….not sure I’d put that much value in Whiskey Advocate’s best category. JD, along with other big names, makes up their core ad revenue.
Wondering if they went the 700ml route to save cost on international sales. There’s no 750ml internationally
I bought and tasted this last night for the same reason: won Whisky of the Year and it’s now flying off the shelves. And my impression is similar. Problem is that I just tasted the Bruichladdich Barley that appeared on the list as number 9 and it’s vastly vastly superior to this. I know the panel supposedly taste the whiskies blinded but do they intrude some kind of taste bud impediment too?