Thank you so much for this bottle, Justin!

Jack Daniel's Distillery, situated in Lynchburg, Tennessee, is one of the most iconic whiskey producers in the United States. The distillery's history is deeply intertwined with its founder, Jasper Newton "Jack" Daniel, who learned the art of distilling from Reverend Dan Call and Nathan "Nearest" Green, an enslaved African American man, in the early 1860s. The exact founding date of the distillery is contested, with the brand claiming 1866, while some sources suggest it was officially registered in 1875(1)(5).

Jack Daniel's early success was marked by innovative practices, including the use of square bottles to convey fairness and integrity, and the Lincoln County Process, which involves filtering whiskey through sugar maple charcoal to create a smoother, distinct Tennessee whiskey(1)(5). This process set Jack Daniel's apart from bourbon and other whiskeys.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Jack Daniel's faced significant challenges, including Prohibition. Tennessee passed a statewide prohibition law in 1910, and nationwide Prohibition began in 1920, forcing the distillery to cease operations. Lem Motlow, Jack Daniel's nephew, played a crucial role in navigating these challenges and eventually led efforts to repeal state prohibition laws in 1938(1)(5).

After World War II, production resumed in 1947, and the distillery continued to grow under the Motlow family's management until it was sold to the Brown-Forman Corporation in 1956(1)(5). This acquisition marked a significant shift, allowing Jack Daniel's to expand globally while maintaining its traditional methods.

In recent years, Jack Daniel's has introduced several new expressions, including the Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye. This whiskey represents a significant departure from the traditional Tennessee whiskey, as it is crafted with a unique mash bill of 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley(4)(7). This is the first new grain recipe used by Jack Daniel's since before Prohibition, highlighting the distillery's willingness to innovate while honoring its heritage(4).

The Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye is bottled straight from individual barrels at full proof, which can vary between 125° and 145° proof(7)(9). Each bottle is a testament to the Single Barrel legacy, ensuring a unique experience with every pour. The whiskey undergoes the Lincoln County Process, which contributes to its smoothness and refinement(7). This release has become a permanent addition to the Jack Daniel's lineup, offering enthusiasts a bold and intense whiskey experience that reflects the distillery's commitment to craftsmanship and tradition.

Review:

Nose: A very unique first note of evergreen/minty characteristics. It is very herbal and has some pepper spice in there as well, which can be attributed to the rye. The malted barley brings just a bit of yeast to the profile as well, like a sourdough starter in a way. While there is corn here, I am not getting the classic “banana peel” note that you find in JD products. However, I do get the peanut shells here faintly as well, which I do know is something that appears from time to time. On the back-end I get some cordial cherries and nutmeg.

Palate: It is immediately hot on the palate. Not surprising at 129 proof for this single barrel. I immediately get a grape soda note to this and I can confidently say I have never once in my whiskey experience had that come up first. On the second sip I taste a cherry toaster strudel that you left in for just a minute too long where the sweetness is still wonderful but the char is there too. It has a wonderful viscous consistency and I have to say I am enthralled with this palate. Barrel spice, cherries, confectionary sweets, and fruits jump out. The pepper does not come through here. This is such a treat.

Finish: The finish is incredibly complex. The first note that comes across on the finish is honey. The finish lasts for 20-30 seconds and waves of vanilla, dusty corn, peanuts, and cinammon come across to wrap this all up. Not much to add other than the notes on the palate last through to about halfway through to the finish until the more bitter/savory notes linger.

Overall: (92). Before I even get into the overall, I wanted to think my friend Justin for the bottle. He mentioned this was “dangerous” and he wasn’t kidding. It was phenomenal. This single barrel pick from the Open Door Taproom in Clarendon Hills was an absolute home run. I was completely blown away by the sweetness and flavor complexities that presented themselves from start to finish. When Jack Daniel’s released the SBBP Rye starting in 2024, Breaking Bourbon mentioned this is the rye to look out for in 2024. They were not wrong. This is a stunning whiskey. I would say this is arguably one of the best rye whiskies I have ever had the pleasure of having. I would love to compare this to a Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye and a side-by-side to the Van Winkle 13 Year Rye in my collection (although wildly different proof points).

Value: 75/100; (+2 on the overall). Retail about $89.99. You could charge $150 for this and I wouldn’t think too hard about buying a bottle. I have never had a rye with the flavor profile of this one. Not by a country mile. This was and will be a celebratory bottle that will be shared only with those that are interested in Rye or like whiskey. I simply cannot stomach one of my friends adding this and coke together and calling it a day.

Availability: Low availability. It is not that easy to find single barrel picks of this whiskey. If you do. I’d say pick one up. Jack Daniel’s in my opinion has gone through a significant revamp and is showing the whiskey world that it means business.

Citations:

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye - Review

The Book of Bourbon

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye - Review

Highland Park Cask Strength #5 - Review

Redbreast 21 Year Old - Review

The Book of Bourbon