Does anyone like JD Single Barrel?

[humchan2k]

I was given a bottle of JD SB for my birthday....and am so far finding it to be a highly overpriced, mid-shelf whiskey which should be used just like normal JD....for a whiskey and ginger....am I missing something here, did I get a bad bottle? It just tastes really thin, not impressive, but not BAD, per se......does anyone out there in SB land love the stuff? If so, what about it appeals to you? I'm trying to find a reason to like this...and I can't get there.

[Ejmharris]

I was given a bottle of JD SB for my birthday....and am so far finding it to be a highly overpriced, mid-shelf whiskey which should be used just like normal JD....for a whiskey and ginger....am I missing something here, did I get a bad bottle? It just tastes really thin, not impressive, but not BAD, per se......does anyone out there in SB land love the stuff? If so, what about it appeals to you? I'm trying to find a reason to like this...and I can't get there.

Sounds like it is just it is not your thing. Nothing wrong with that. When Jack or the SB are the only options I tend to mix it as well. No reason to struggle to like it there are some many other options to try that you will like.

[BigRich]

I'm a fan but I'm also a bit of whiskey whore.

[GaryT]

I've had one bottle as a gift and emptied it, so I must not have thought it that bad (although this was before I became a "bourbon enthusiast"). I recall thinking it was a step up from JD (sort of like Eagle Rare is to BT). Not sure it is worth the price I've seen charged for it though - never bought a bottle myself.

[ebo]

I'm a fan of the SB, but I have no use for the Black. The SB does tend to be variable, as most SB's do. I've had bottles that were very good and others that were a struggle to finish.

[Brisko]

I think it's pretty good, but overpriced.

[Gillman]

It's fair to point out that Jack Daniels is lighter in body than bourbon, since it undergoes a lengthy maple charcoal filtering before barreling. The charcoal apertures trap oils which would otherwise stay in the spirit and give body and additional taste. Thus, it is lighter, drier whiskey to begin with, apart from having a particular house flavor of course.

The Single Barrels do vary a lot, but in general it is fair again to point out a fundamental difference with Kentucky Bourbon. Whether it is worth the money is down to each person's view on it of course.

Gary

[VAGentleman]

I Love JDSB. One of my all time favorite whiskies. Love the taste, moutfeel, finish. Just goes to show to each his own. I must also say that the Silver Select is even better if you can get some from duty free or over seas.

[camduncan]

I definately rate it as the best product in the JD lineup - maybe even the TN Whiskey lineup (but to be fair, most of the Dickel products I've tried in the last few years have seemed below par)

[fishnbowljoe]

I actually think it's okay, but I don't buy it often. I look for it when it's on sale. I bought a private selection bottle in Sturgis South Dakota for under $40 when I was on vacation. It was actually for a friend. The last one I bought for myself, (not counting a JDSS) I paid $25.99 for. I knew it was priced wrong. I asked. Couldn't say no.

By the way Cam, do you get the Single Barrel or Silver Select in Oz?

[camduncan]

By the way Cam, do you get the Single Barrel or Silver Select in Oz?

Single Barrel is everywhere for about $80 a bottle (it competes with Bookers at that price), but I think Silver Select was only available duty free.

[Gillman]

Definitely agree with Cam on Dickel in recent years. I get pronounced "vitamins" notes, with a thinnish body. I want to like it more but...

Gary

[camduncan]

About 10 years ago, Dickel #8 used to be a house pour at one of the bars at Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast. It was just after I started getting serious about Bourbon and American Whiskey and my pallet was still developing, but I remember it having an "oily" almost sweet "butter-milk" like quality that I really enjoyed. I definately don't get that in any of the recent Dickel I've tried.

[JB64]

I like JD, both the black and the gentleman jack. Nothing exceptional just a reliable easy drinking whiskey I enjoy with friends at the backward ass bars we frequent. Had the single barrel a few years ago and from what I remember it was a few steps above the black label. I do think their whiskey is over priced but when I find myself with a little extra cash I plan on buying a private bottling of the SB to add to my bar.

[z327]

I have found the limited military released JDSB bottles to be much better than the standard liquor store bottles. I like to believe they hand pick these before selling to the fine folks protecting our country. Friends in or retired from the military have been generous to purchase or share a couple bottles with me.

[T Comp]

I definately rate it as the best product in the JD lineup - maybe even the TN Whiskey lineup (but to be fair, most of the Dickel products I've tried in the last few years have seemed below par)

Definitely agree with Cam on Dickel in recent years. I get pronounced "vitamins" notes, with a thinnish body. I want to like it more but...

Gary

I have to respectfully disagree on this one gentleman...at least on the Dickel #12 I purchased about 6 months ago for $16.99. Yes, it has those vitamin notes, but as I recall, so did a dusty I had from the early 80's with Bill Bruno's name on it (he was the master distiller that followed and was protege of the original, Ralph Dupps, appointed by Schenley in the '50s to revive the brand... according to John Lipman). I can understand how the vitamin notes might distract (as like the much heavier charcoal presence in Jack can too) but there are plenty of other flavors of molasses, maple, butter, light smoke, even some lemon and a slight oily texture. I find it far more enjoyable and complex than the standard Jack or Gentleman Jack, for sure. I'll have to dig through my disorganized bunker closets and see if I have a sample left of the older Dickel and can then let you compare the two when we next get together Gary.

[Gillman]

Sounds good Thad, I look forward to it, thanks.

Gary

[GreggJ]

I think while over priced it is good for what it is. Lets face it, this is a bourbon that capitalizes on the JD name, as a decent SB offering at a upper moderate price point to imply excellence / prestige. While much like Johnnie Walker Blue this is not a great QPR buy but, it is decent juice and sometimes the Barrels can be quite tasty. While not a go to I have no problems with it and usually enjoy the experience.

[boneuphtoner]

I'm a big fan of JD single barrel. Currently I place among my almost favorite whiskeys, that includes EC12, Weller 12, and Woodford Reserve. I love the rich sweetness, just right for me in the two different bottles I tried, and for me it has a terrific mouth feel. I bought them on sale for $31, and I think it is at least worth that.

[Gillman]

I thought it was interesting that in a Jeff Arnett interview not that long ago, he said considerably more of the barrel flavor enters the whiskey than for Jack Daniels Black Label, due to exclusive selection from barrels from high up in the rackhouse. So it is a richer whiskey due to this exposure to greater heat in the top of the warehouse. You can taste the difference and still each barrel differs. I find Silver Select the least barrely among this group, perhaps the higher proof somehow makes it seem less oaky, you taste the ethanol before the wood, perhaps...

Gary

[Parkersback]

At $31 I'd buy it now and again. But I can't find it for less than $45+, and I'm not ready to drop that kind of coin on it, at least not often.

[cowdery]

The single barrel is far and away my favorite Jack Daniel's expression and a drink I enjoy as much as I do most bourbons. A single barrel from a company like Daniel's, which has so many barrels from which to choose, is always interesting. It has its own profile and is a little older than Old No 7 or Gent.

[Lazer]

Yes. I love it. One of my favorites. :cool:

[Frodo]

I've found the single barrel to be significantly different from the other bottling of Jack. Different in a good way...

[Young Blacksmith]

I just recently picked up a 50ml 3 pack - standard Jack, Gentleman, and Single Barrel. It's been a while since I've tried Gentleman, so I was due another taste!

The Gentleman was almost too toned down. Yes, it's extremely easy sipping, but the taste was not quite there when compared to the others.

Standard Jack was OK, a bit thin and watery.

The Single Barrel was pretty good, but it had a distinct burn on the throat. Lots of flavor though, and I assume it's from the increased proof.

If I found a single barrel on sale, I may just pick it up again, but I think it will be a while before I do that.