Jack Daniel’s 10 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey
Well well well…if it isn’t another limited release priced under $100 that’s selling for 3-4 times that.
Is it worth it? Never. Almost never. Almost never. I’m thinking of one or two bottles I’d ever pay 3x4 times MSRP for at time of release. This bottle is good - even great - but no, don’t start paying $300 for it.
Ok, it’s got a few things going for it:
First 10-year age statement from Jack Daniel’s in about a century
A 10-year age statement on a new American Tennessee Whiskey (cough bourbon cough), period
Limited release with continued availability uncertain
A lower-than-desired but higher-than-expected proof
That’s a lot in its favor, and a lot to live up to. Also keep in mind that some of the latest Jack Daniel’s special/limited releases have been some of the best stuff I’ve tried (see the 2020 Special Release Single Barrel Rye, for example). I’m DYING to try the new Coy Hill release, but that’s a pipe dream at the moment.
Master Distiller Chris Fletcher wasn’t around when these barrels were distilled and filled (he assumed the title after previous Master Distiller Jeff Arnett left in late 2020), having left Brown-Forman for a few years before returning in 2014. That being said, he knows Jack better than anyone else stepping into Arnett’s shoes, and I’m inclined to give him a lot of rope. After all, this is the best-selling American whiskey in the world, one of the largest distilleries by volume in the world, and one of the most recognizable brands in the world. Even if this isn’t the good ol’ No. 7, anything Jack Daniel’s puts out will undoubtedly be scrutinized, sipped, and sought after.
I’m curious what profile Chris sought when picking these bottles, because it’s something quite unusual. At ten years old, American whiskies are at an inflection point - some can keep aging, some start to over-oak and get woody. With Jack Daniel’s 10 Year Old, though, there’s a magical spot on which Fletcher has planted the flag: it’s at 97 proof but not thin, ten years old but not at all woody, and displays all that wonderful pure Jack Daniel’s flavor.
It’s still not worth $300 (at a MSRP of $70), but if you find yourself with a chance, definitely try this out. Definitely try this if you’re a Jack Daniel’s fan. And please send me a sample of that Coy Hill..you know, for site purposes…
Jack Daniel’s 10 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey: Specs
Classification: Straight Tennessee Whiskey
Origin: Jack Daniel’s Distillery
Mashbill: 80% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 8% Rye
Proof: 97 (48.5% ABV)
Age: 10 Years Old
Location: Tennessee
Jack Daniel’s 10 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey Price: $70
Jack Daniel’s 10 Year Old Tennessee Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes
Eye: Dark apple juice verging on light maple. Medium rims with large droplets.
Nose: Lots of rich brown sugar. Runt banana candies, yet not as artificial as typical Jack. Rounded, no proof or oak on the nose. Hints of the best JDBP picks at a lower proof point.
Palate: There’s the classic Jack Daniel’s flavor. So much banana nut and Runt flavor, oak and peppery spice showing up in the back. Light brown sugar slightly burnt, cinnamon bark too. Mouthfeel is coating and a bit astringent, leaving a JD-flavored lacquer on my tongue. Cinnamon and nutmeg continue to grow, as does Assam tea and red spice drops.
Finish: Medium-to-long, coating all over the palate as rice pudding opens up. Mouthwatering under the tongue. Lasts seemingly forever.
Overall: A fascinating and ultimately great pour. Even at 10 years old, no hint of over-oaking, just lots of creamy custard and the classic Jack Daniel’s banana Runt profile. Would love to try this at a higher proof, but for semi-mass market the proof is well chosen.
Final Rating: 7.4
10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close (Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Old Label Batch 4 or 2, Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)
9 | Incredible | Extraordinary (GTS, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 and B520)
8 | Excellent | Exceptional (Stagg Jr. Batch 10, Highland Park Single Barrels)
7 | Great | Well above average (Blanton’s Original, Old Weller Antique, Booker’s)
6 | Very Good | Better than average (Four Roses Small Batch Select, Knob Creek 14+ YO Picks)
5 | Good | Good, solid, ordinary (Elijah Craig Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond)
4 | Sub-par | Many things I’d rather have (A.D. Laws Four Grain, Compass Box “Oak Cross”)
3 | Bad | Flawed (Iron Smoke Bourbon, Balcones)
2 | Poor | Forced myself to drink it (Buckshee Bourbon and Rye)
1 | Disgusting | Drain pour (Virginia Distilling Co. Cider Cask)
