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Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Whiskey | In-Depth Review


Russell's Reserve Single Barrel

Distillery: Jack Daniel's Distillery


Company: Brown-Forman


Proof: 129.9 proof


Mash bill: 80% corn, 12% Rye, 8% Barley


Age: NAS but most are around 7 years old


MSRP: $65


Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, and Affiliate Partner of other products discussed on my website I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not cost you anything extra and helps me keep this website running. All of my reviews and recommendations are my own and not influenced by any sponsorships or collaborations.

 

Fool Proof Rating and Summary of Tasting Notes



Color: Deep Amber


Nose: Vanilla Bean Ice cream, dark chocolate covered banana, smokey toasted oak


Palate: Buttery vanilla, butterscotch, brown sugar, leather, smoke and toasted oak


Finish: Long with notes of dry vanilla, leather, smoke and toasted oak


Feel: Moderate viscosity and good mouth coating


See below for an in-depth review.



Use my exclusive Caskers.com discount code: WHISKEYFOOL10 to receive $10 off qualifying* orders. Copy and paste to use at checkout.

*$100 or more


For all my tastings I use either the Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glass or a traditional Glencairn glass. They both are great for nosing and help in discerning more subtle notes.



 

In-Depth Review of Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Whiskey


Let's dive into my review of Jack Daniel's - a bottle I've ignored for far too long. As someone who isn't a big fan of Jack Daniel's, I was pleasantly surprised when I finally decided to give this Tennessee Whiskey a try. You might be wondering, is it really a bourbon? Technically, no. But,

it does meet all the criteria to be called one.


The upper-level barrels carefully chosen by Jack Daniel's master distiller produce Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof. Unlike the watered-down 94-proof single-barrel whiskey, this offering is bottled at a higher proof between 125 and 140. Handmade toasted and charred American oak barrels contribute to the maturation process, infusing this robust and smooth whiskey with distinctive flavors of vanilla and toasted oak. The intensity of these flavors is elevated due to the higher proof. The palate is beautifully balanced with notes of sweet brown sugar and finishes with a toasted oak.


Jasper Newton Jack Daniel, born on September 5, 1850, was the youngest of ten children. Both of his parents had Scottish and Irish heritage. In 1864, Jack learned the art of whiskey making from a preacher and an enslaved man named Nathan Nearest Green, who later became the head distiller of the Jack Daniel Distillery. The distillery, established in Lynchburg, Tennessee in 1866, became the first registered distillery in the country (at that time, distilleries were required to register with the federal government, and the Jack Daniel Distillery was assigned Registered Distillery Number 1).


The bottle I am tasting comes from Barrel House 3-08, barrel number 23-10544 and was bottled on 12-8-23.

Nose


Let's start with the nose. I immediately picked up on the scent of vanilla bean ice cream, which was unexpected. Then I noticed a hint of dark chocolate-covered banana, which gave it a slightly fruity and sweet aroma. This was followed by notes of rich and smokey toasted oak. The combination was great and made it hard not to take a sip right then and there.


Palate


Now, onto the palate. The first thing I noticed was the buttery vanilla flavor, followed by rich butterscotch and brown sugar. It was like a dessert in a glass. But what really stood out to me was the leather and smoke notes. They gave the whiskey a depth and complexity that was truly unique. The toasted oak flavor tied it all together.


Finish


As for the finish, it was long and lingering. The dry vanilla flavor mixed with the leather and smoke, created an unforgettable taste. I could still taste it long after the last sip.


Feel


In terms of feel, Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof Whiskey had a moderate viscosity and good mouth coating. For a 129.9-proof whiskey, It felt smooth and silky going down, without being too heavy or overpowering.


Overall


In conclusion, Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof Whiskey offers a unique blend of flavors and sensations that leaves a lasting impression. It's a symphony of rich butterscotch, brown sugar, smoky leather, and toasted oak that dances on your palate. With its long-lasting finish and smooth yet robust feel, it offers an intoxicating journey for the senses. Whether you're a seasoned whiskey drinker or just embarking on your tasting journey, this whiskey proves to be an indulgent experience worth savoring.


Overall, this bourbon exceeded my expectations in every way. From the initial aroma to the long finish, it was clear that this was a high-quality and well-crafted spirit. I highly recommend giving it a try if you have the chance.


I'm giving this bottle of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Whiskey a Fool-Proof Rating of 88%. Keep in mind that because this is a single-barrel product each experience can be different. This is my first bottle, and I was very impressed. I look forward to exploring future releases.



Use my exclusive Caskers.com discount code: WHISKEYFOOL10 to receive $10 off qualifying* orders. Copy and paste to use at checkout.

*$100 or more



I would love to hear from you! Drop me a comment below and let me know what you think of this whiskey.


Below are my favorite glasses for doing tastings. The Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glass is my favorite because it has a little more heft to it and feels better in my hand than the traditional Glencairn glass does.


Tags: First time, malted barley, American whiskey, full proof, Jack daniel's barrel proof, special release, barrel proof single

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