This Jack Daniel’s single barrel was tasted as part of Dramfool‘s Brain Tumor Research Charity Tasting. Chatting with others in the tasting, it was clear that many present had been impacted by the effects of Brain Tumors/Cancer. It was a wonderful experience to share these drams with loved ones in mind while supporting future research. Thanks to those who donated the bottles in this tasting, and to Dramfool for yet another exceptional tasting experience (with purpose).
And on to the dram…
Whisky: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel #1 for The Rare Liquor King
Country/Region: United States/Tennessee
ABV: 62.5%
Cask: American Oak, Cask number 23-09221
Age: 5 years and 6 months (Barreled Apr 24, 2018, Bottled Oct 24, 2023)
Nose: Baking spices. Resin. Varnish. Banana. Vanilla. Brown sugar.
Palate: Warm spices. Plums. Toffee. Lingering banana note. Brown sugar. Weighty.
Finish: Long, warm, sugary. Spices. Perfumed soap. Hot.
Score: 7
Mental Image: Bourbon sweets with grandpa.
Narrative: This is a single barrel bottling hand picked by the owner of The Rare Liquor King, who hoped to find a cask that highlighted everything he loves about Jack Daniel’s Old No 7. I haven’t had Old No 7, so I can’t say whether or not he succeeded. Before we dive into the notes, here’s TRLK’s page for the bottle.
I tasted this blind, not knowing it was American Whiskey. It gave itself away pretty quickly. The nose was absolutely lovely, a perfect fit to the wintry mountain forest setting. Warm and cozy soul food. Cherry crumble in the oven. Remnants of rooting through Grandpa’s wood shop earlier in the day. The weighty, coating palate matched the nose.
I did find it too hot, and it (or I?) suffered my typical experience with American whiskies: same-same. It’s just not my favorite style, but oh was it good for what it was and made for the setting I enjoyed it in.