BOTM 07/2025 Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof

[Jazz June]

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?

[Richnimrod]

Excellent choice, Jazz June!   And, excellent analysis of the whiskey.   

And, FWIW, I totally support this BOTM, as I agree; it's one of the best "new" products, to my taste buddies anyway, over the last several years.   

The several bottles I've had since it was introduced have all been very good-to-great, and good value for the cheddar asked.

Good Job!

[NDN98]

Love the barrel proof picks, but never had a bad one off the shelf either.   People who think they don't like JD, have never had the barrel proof single barrels.   As much as I enjoy the older expressions of Jack Daniels 10 and 12 YO, I would love to get my hands on one of the JD 14 BPs.   I bet they are phenomenal.

 

That being said, I think the JD SiB BP are a good value, even if they are relatively young.   

 

Cheers!

[Skinsfan1311]

Shhhhhhhh!!!!

Don't let the word out!