Review: Jack Daniel’s Special Release American Single Malt

Jack Daniel’s Twice Barreled Special Release American Single Malt Finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks

Giving a nod to the growing popularity of the American single malt category, Jack Daniel’s is releasing a 100% malted barley mashbill for the first time ever, with their 2022 Special Release American Single Malt Finished in Oloroso sherry casks. The company states in its press release that “Jack Daniel’s Twice Barreled Special Release American Single Malt begins with 100% malted barley that is ground, fermented and distilled in Lynchburg, Tennessee. The whiskey passes through Jack Daniel’s traditional charcoal mellowing process and is then matured in new, charred American white oak barrels for at least four years. It is then finished for an additional two years in the finest quality Spanish Oloroso sherry casks from the Antonio Paez Lobato Cooperage before bottling at cask proof.” This release will range in proof from 106.1 to 107.8. Following in line with their recent releases, Jack Daniel’s Twice Barreled Special Release American Single Malt Finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks will only be sold domestically in 700mL bottles.

NOSE

The nose greets you in a surprisingly soft sort of way considering its 100+ proof point. Both the Lincoln County Process and the Sherry Cask finishing are evident as scents of red berries and vanilla initially step forward, along with a light peppercorn spice. Inhaling deeper brings forth aromas of sweet malt, sweet chewy caramel, and maple wood. Its gentleness makes you really sit and concentrate on what’s in the glass, but when you hone in on the scents, they reward you with their layered complexity. I wish the nose had a bit more oomph to it to help it excel a bit more, but what is present is still very well done.

PALATE

Much like the nose, the sherry cask finish makes its mark on the palate. Malt, cocoa powder, vanilla, and sherry swirl forward. Wading past these flavors reveals additional components of peppercorn spice, light maple, and a dab of charred oak along with a touch of cherry. The mouthfeel is neither thick nor thin, instead providing a layer of doughy dry vanilla sherry as you work your way through it. Overall it’s well-composed and makes for a nice midpoint of the sip.

FINISH

A dash of chewy oak kicks things off. Resting on top of a layer of heat are notes of dry fruit, a touch of sherry sweetness, dabs of white peppercorn spice, charred oak, and a hint of earthiness. As the flavors fade, you’re left with a sweet charcoal and doughy sherry note that is lifted by a lingering heat which allows this finish to have staying power. While it doesn’t live up to the same level that the palate brought forth, it’s still a good way to end the sip.

UNIQUENESS

American single malt still makes up a fraction of the overall American whiskey market. However, while still small, a clear focus has been made on the category as more distilleries begin to focus their efforts on American single malts. While this isn’t the first time that Brown-Forman has dabbled in malt whiskeys, as Woodford Reserve Straight Malt Whiskey can claim that fame, it is the first time that Jack Daniel’s has stepped into the malted category with a 100% malt mashbill.

Finishing a malt whiskey in a second barrel isn’t a new concept, nor is finishing malt whiskey in Oloroso sherry casks groundbreaking. While still uncommon it’s also not boundary-pushing, as several distilleries including Stranahan’s and Oldline just to name a few, have released their own variations already. What is unique about Jack Daniel’s Twice Bar

Review: Jack Daniel’s Special Release American Single Malt

Bottle Info

Classification: American Single Malt Finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks

Company: Brown-Forman

Distillery: Jack Daniel’s

Release Date: November 2022

Proof: 105.7

Age: NAS

Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley

Color: Dark Mocha

MSRP: $70 (2022)

Official Website

Reader Rating9329 Votes

9.6

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