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I gotta try this. I recently watched a video on the 10 most popular modern cocktails (or some such) and only one of them had even been invented when I was a bartender in the 80s. Just found out there is a nice little crafty bar near me so the countdown begins.

Jack Daniels has really upped its game the last few years with its age stated expressions and its annual limited edition single barrel releases. But for more readily available expressions of Jack, it is tough to beat the single barrel, barrel proof Tennessee whiskey. The regular single barrel really elevates Jack Daniels Tennessee whiskey above the black label Old No. 7 (for my palate anyway), but the barrel proof takes it to another level. And in the current market, it is pretty well priced for a barrel proof bourbon (yes, Jack is a bourbon), if you like what Jack has to offer. The Basics Distillery: Jack Daniels Brand Owner: Brown-Forman Mash Bill: 80% corn, 12% rye, and 8% malted barley (Jack Daniels Tennessee whiskey mash bill) Proof: Barrel proof Age: NAS (at least 4 years old, picks seem to be around 6 years old and I would assume the shelf version is similar) MSRP: $70 Expression introduced: 2015 Last time as BotM: September, 2022 Distillery Tasting Notes See: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO8IwQvIsfs for a breakdown by Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniels master distiller (and a really nice guy in my experience). My Thoughts Jack Daniels single barrel, barrel proof is a powerful whiskey, frequently coming in at more than 130 proof. But the good examples are not overly hot, merely preserving the richness and viscosity of uncut, barrel proof whiskey. The Jack Daniels yeast does its thing in most barrels and imparts that banana flavor it is known for. In the barrels I like best, it comes off as a banana cream pie mingled with a reasonable dose of oak (this certainly isn’t an extra aged tannic whiskey, but there’s enough oak to let you know these barrels are reasonably mature). The relatively low rye content also imparts some subtle spice to add some complexity to the more dominant sweet notes from the yeast and the significant amount of corn in the mash bill. The warmth of the finish definitely reminds you of the proof point (is this a Tennessee hug?). As with any single barrel product, there is variation, but these are available as private selections, so look for one from your trusted stores and/or groups. My group picked one of these earlier this year and it is pretty great. And the pick experience at Jack Daniels is incredible; a wonderful mix of history, hospitality, and good whiskey. Plus who doesn’t love a whiskey slushy when it’s hot out! So, Straight Bourbon, what do you have to say about Jack Daniels single barrel, barrel proof?

Wait 'til you try this one!

@JGrassa I’m a fan of their offerings. This bottle has similar specs to the bottle you shared. This is MGP that drinks like Bookers. Which I like! Thanks for giving me the idea to reach for this one.

Proof: 115.18 Blend of 8.5-16 year juice from both Kentucky and Indiana. Rich, concentrated with Jim Beam like peanut notes, vanilla, butterscotch, some rye spice and charred oak, as well us a bit of citrus peel. Great lingering finish. Fairly complex with quite a bit more happening than I can describe so quickly. I've been told they have quite a cult following so I sought out a few bottlings. This was hands down my favorite of 3 I tried. The other 2 I tried are Rare Character Whiskey Company Kentucky Straight Whiskey Batch No.01 2025 Rare Character Whiskey Company Exceptional Series Wheated Bourbon (this one improved quite a bit since opening. still not sure I am sold on the price-tag yet.) Worth trying out some Rare Character for sure. Even the other 2 are quite clearly high quality whiskey. I am excited to try others in time.

Thank you! Bourbon: Currently - Dark Arts French Oak finish. All Time - 2012 Micthers 20 year. (Never owned a bottle but was fortunate to taste it twice) Rye: Currently - Found North Cask Strength Rye Single Barrel Red Pineau des Charentes Finished (VWM Store Pick) - (Full Disclosure. This is my store pick. I bought the store back in October, and was lucky to collab with a few other stores on a barrel pick) All Time - Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13yr Really been digging Found North (Canadian juice), Dark Arts, and Seelbach's in recent months. The new Old Fitz 7yr is pretty great too. Always looking for tips, and willing to offer my own! Pretty incredible the amount of information on this forum. Only discovered it seeing some thread with Julian Van Winkle back in 2003.

Yeah, that’s good stuff right there!

Some Paper Plane action tonight. Made my bride one as well. Great summer cocktail of equal parts (1 shot of each is the usual recipe): -bourbon (or rye) -Aperol -Amaro Nonino -Fresh lemon juice Add a little ice and stir.

Welcome to SB jgrassa. Bourbon and rye guy? Which ones are your faves?

Interesting. Never heard about it. Please tell us about it.

Rare Character Whiskey Company Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Batch No.04 2025. I've only had a handful of Rare Character Whiskey and this is so far my favorite yet!

Glenrothes 30 Year Old 1995 Signatory Symington’s Choice Super excited about this one. Generally more of a Bourbon and Rye guy, but I had fallen in love with some Signatory Speyside bottlings. Not sure how soon I will open this though.

I enjoy Irish whiskey most during the hot summer months. I guess probably because of the plentiful fruity notes, and in some cases, tropical fruit notes. I'm really enjoying this pour of Redbreast Lustau right now. It's so creamy,... and pops with fresh flavors, making it a perfect summer whiskey.

I really like the 12 year PX Cask from them. It's really good.

Thanks....that makes my cheap-ass feel better. After tasting it, I should've bought 2-3 bottles. It's really great whiskey....

Total my bad. I didn't realize yours was the barrel pick. Mine was just the standard BiB 6 yr. Apologies. Enjoy your bottle!

I've never seen one either. And I also would have picked one up like you. Good find. FWIW I recently tried the OGD 16 year in a bar, and I have to say after passing on a bottle due to the price and poo-pooing it here on SB, I really enjoyed it. I might have been too hasty in passing on the 16.

That's the same price the SiB picks go for here. You done good!

I'm currently enjoying an Alaskan Amber while picking up things around the house.

Good point, but I definitely was inside in the air conditioning hah. Hey I drink whiskey neat during the hot summer so anything goes (as long as I'm inside in the A/C).

Hello All, With the summer heat here and us celebrating 4th of July this weekend, what else could we possibly be thinking about but FOOTBALL!!!!!! That's right, we are already getting set for the 2025 SB Fantasy Football League. We know we have one opening for this season that we need to fill and possibly more. So if you are interested, please post a message in our season thread over in the Social area and we will go from there. It is a fantastic group of SBers that play, and each season is very competitive, yet fun at the same time! Hope to see a new face or two this season! Cheers!

It's pretty durn good!

I love this one. Syrupy, low burn, oakey, but way less than anticipated. But not as thin & oakey as EC18.

That's awesome. Will be interested in how it compares to OGD BiB no age statement. Do you mind sharing the price of that btl?

Saw an OGD BIB 7 year age stated, so I picked it up. Never seen it before