Okay, so it’s not often we showcase American whiskey here but when we do it has got to be the good stuff. Everyone is familiar with Jack Daniel’s but don’t often venture into their non-commercial offerings – Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, is just that. Each and every barrel is unique, with each one offering something different – essentially making every barrel a one-off. To do this, the JD Master Distiller looks for those rare few barrels – less than one in hundred – from the upper reaches of the Barrelhouse. Coincidentally this area of the Barrelhouse is warmer in temperature and because of this, lends a much richer character and smoothness. Each bottle carries the individual barrel, rick and bottle number, with the date it was decanted.
On the nose: there are initial wafts of brown sugar, toffee, cream soda and cinnamon. These initial notes are closely followed by notes of stem ginger, candy sticks, a touch of mint and some light floral notes. Rounding-off the nose are notes of pears, candy apple, honey, a hint of zest, flourishes of rose-water and cheese cake. On the palate: those honey notes are present but there are interesting sherried notes floating around in there too, which are followed by brown sugar and cinnamon. Those apple candy notes are present too, alongside poached pears, liquorice and turmeric. Finishing-off the palate are notes of maple syrup, oak, a dash of mint and some peppery all-spice. The finish: is medium, smooth and sweet, with soft lingering notes of spicy oak.
The verdict: Jack Daniel’s has such a unique flavour in taste and this particular Singe Barrel is no exception. On the nose there are no real surprises but the palate has a lovely little note of sherried currants that was totally unexpected. It is so smooth on the palate and this coupled with the well-rounded and full nose make the Single Barrel one of my favourite drams from our friends across the pond. Bottled at 45% ABV, there is no need to add water. That said, it does make the most beautiful paring for an Old Fashioned.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select in any well-stock whisky shop or online whisky auctions for approximately £45.
For more information on Single Barrel Select , visit the official Jack Daniel’s website.
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