A Superlative Jack Daniels

[smokinjoe]

Glad to hear that Wade, something is afoot here. It is not invariable yet, but something is going on IMO. It's like perhaps the "eucalyptus" that so many noticed in HH bourbons 10-12 years ago. It's gone now.

Now only if Beam would...

Gary

Yeah my friend, but... I like that they have the bananas in JD. I like that they had the eucalyptus in old HH. I like that they have the yeasty thang in Beam. I like that they have the cantaloupe rind in Woodford. I like that they have the good earthiness to a good BT. I like whatever the heck that is in LDI ryes. House Styles. That's what I like. Not every bourbon has to be creamy vanillas, burnt sugar, caramel, and so on...I would hate if all bourbon whiskies migrated to an indistinguishable profile. Heck, sometimes I think we're almost there, already...

Stay DIFFERENT, I say!!!!

[T Comp]

It ain't dead yet at HH...well maybe not exactly eucalyptus but definitely spearmint. Way to much of it in the newly arrived 2003 vintage EW SB handpicked by Binny's and designated as Barrel #7. The bottle minus 3 ounces will be available for keeps to anyone who wants it come Sampler weekend. I tried again tonight but the mint overpowers and damn if it won't go away. Not for me.

[Gillman]

I am all for differences, but based on flavors I regard as superlative and not based e.g., on - these are metaphors - funk, banana-acetone, pronounced vegetal, or what have you.

The existing palette of bourbon flavors hardly exhausts the potential range.

I would say Jack without a strong banana-acetone-like taste is a superior flavor, but still distinctive. I said earlier the 200 mls I tried had a distinctive complex sweetness, for example.

Gary

[smokinjoe]

It ain't dead yet at HH...well maybe not exactly eucalyptus but definitely spearmint. Way to much of it in the newly arrived 2003 vintage EW SB handpicked by Binny's and designated as Barrel #7. The bottle minus 3 ounces will be available for keeps to anyone who wants it come Sampler weekend. I tried again tonight but the mint overpowers and damn if it won't go away. Not for me.

I would love to bogart your free bottle at Sampler, Thad! Unfortunately, once Jimmy hears that there is a freebie bottle available, it'll be in his suitcase before lunch. Anywho, I'm sure I'll pony up for a bottle beforehand, as I always look forward to the yearly releases of EWSB. I'll be looking for that spearmint.

[fishnbowljoe]

I understand where everyone is coming from with the banana flavor in JD products. I thought the same thing too. I've sipped some JD the last couple of nights, and I got something different this time around. Yeah, we all know that JD is filtered through sugar maple charcoal, and maybe it's a bit suggestive, but I swear the sweetness I got from my JD and JDSS was more akin to a hint of maple syrup. Maybe y'all could revisit your Jack and see if you can taste it too. I'd hate to think that I'm the only crazy one here that tastes maple syrup.

[HighHorse]

I heard that same canard the other day from someone who should know better, that Brown-Forman lowered the proof to 80 when they bought Jack Daniels.

Brown-Forman has owned Jack Daniels for more than 50 years.

Thanks, Squire .. I'll double check and inform my bartender .. he should know better! (I'll inform him pleasantly, though, so as not to impact my future pours.)

[SFS]

Yes, let's not upset THOSE bartenders. Too huge a resource, from what Steve tells me. Guess I'll see for myself in March.

[VAGentleman]

I understand where everyone is coming from with the banana flavor in JD products. I thought the same thing too. I've sipped some JD the last couple of nights, and I got something different this time around. Yeah, we all know that JD is filtered through sugar maple charcoal, and maybe it's a bit suggestive, but I swear the sweetness I got from my JD and JDSS was more akin to a hint of maple syrup. Maybe y'all could revisit your Jack and see if you can taste it too. I'd hate to think that I'm the only crazy one here that tastes maple syrup.

I just had some JDSS ans tasted a hint of maple syrup in the initial taste, towards the front of the tongue. It disappeared into the oak and char flavor pretty quickly though. And I've never really tasted any banana in any of the JD products I've had. Must just be me.

[BourbonJoe]

I just acquired a Silver Select. Very good, no banana. I think this is the best expression of JD I've ever had.
Joe

[OscarV]

I just acquired a Silver Select. Very good, no banana. I think this is the best expression of JD I've ever had.
Joe

The Silver Select is only available in "Duty Free" shops, correct?