Details
- Price: $22
- Proof: 80 (40% ABV)
- Type: Bourbon
- Some claim it has its own category, ‘Tennessee Whiskey’, but the mash bill is 80% corn, which is clearly a bourbon
- Age: No Age Statement
- Distillery: Jack Daniel’s Distillery
- Visit the distillery page at Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
Review
Nose: Jack Daniel’s smells like any 80 proof whiskey. There is nothing special in the scent as the added water during distillation dulls any smell. The opening paragraph is best to clarify we LOVE the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. They are pioneers in the whiskey game and revolutionized a common whiskey cocktail to usher in a generation of whiskey Degenerates. Jack Daniel’s produces many incredible whiskeys (see Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof); however, their flagship whiskey is nothing unique.
Palate: The palate is smooth with very low heat and limited complexity. This is my first Jack Daniel’s neat in about a decade. I quickly understand why no one in the world drinks it neat based on the lack of complexity and mediocre experience. It’s surprisingly better than a few whiskeys and scotches (see Angel’s Envy and Grangestone Bourbon Cask), but you can’t name many. The price alone suggests this is a whiskey for mixed drinks, rather than being consumed neat or on ice, so it’s difficult to over-analyze the experience. Fortunately, the flavors aren’t ‘bad’, but they are just dulled by the added water and lower proof. Keep this whiskey in your Jack & Cokes.
Finish: The finish matches the palate with a few flavors being noticed before an abrupt end. This shouldn’t be a surprise. I don’t think anyone seeks out a Jack Daniel’s whiskey review, since we all know what to expect and it’s not purchased for a collection. There isn’t much here, but you can understand why this is appreciated in mixed drinks by Degenerates in the making.
Rating
Overall Score: 5.0 (score reflects taste and price)
Jack Daniel’s should be thanked by the entire whiskey industry for altering consumer behaviors and welcoming in a generation of whiskey Degenerates. This is an incredible distillery that implemented a genius marketing campaign to dominate marketshare in the whiskey industry. With that said, their flagship bourbon Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is below average and doesn’t stack up to competitors as it relates to nose, palate, and finish (Bulleit Bourbon, Maker’s Mark, and Wild Turkey 101). This whiskey has little character and low complexity and should remain in the standard Jack & Coke.
Degenerate Discussion
Growing up, the narrative often focused on the negative effects of marijuana and how it serves as a gateway drug. I laughed at every dumbass that tried to promote this story and fight ‘the war on drugs’, which was typically motivated by racial undertones and profit margins from competing industries. You’re probably wondering why I mention this story; it’s simple, Jack Daniel’s is the best gateway drug known to man!
Most Degenerates started their journey drinking vodka and quickly questioned why anyone would put themselves through such a terrible experience. Fortunately, Jack Daniel’s saved many of us as we learend we could have fun and enjoy the taste of our drink (novel concept). With that said, if you’re still drinking Jack Daniel’s over the age of 25, you need to grow the fuck up. I think about these people the same way I do those awkward 8 year old kids that still drink milk from their mother’s breast. It’s just weird and you need to grab a new whiskey. Seek out Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Barrel Proof if you’re loyal to the distillery and want a great tasting whiskey. Cheers Degenerates!
Listings
You can find Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey on one Degenerate listing:
- Pending