Jack Daniel’s Bottled-In-Bond
Jack Daniel’s - like most companies - occasionally puts out a new release through the travel retail market to test it. If it flops, no big deal, if it succeeds, move it Stateside or to bigger export markets. Jack Daniel’s Bottled-In-Bond is one of those. I got my bottle through travel retail, so it’s a 1L size. For now, it remains travel retail-exclusive, but I can see reasons for bringing it to the US.
For one, it’s a bottled-in-bond product - that will ALWAYS get eyes here. Second, most (if not all) Jack Daniel’s is somewhere between 4-6 years old, and according to former master distiller Jeff Arnett, there’s no juice older than 6 years old in the warehouses. Do I believe that? Not for a second, but I do believe there’s a limit on how long they’ll let most juice age. If the sweet spot for Jack is 4-6 years, bottled-in-bond hits right there.
Third? It’s just good stuff. It’s got that extra kick the Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 is missing, particularly around the mouthfeel. I think this could handle a cocktail and ice much better than the classic Jack, besides being great to drink neat. It’s a shame it’s currently unavailable here, but if anyone at Jack Daniel’s is reading this, hurry up and send it - I really think you’re missing out.
Jack Daniel’s Bottled-In-Bond: Specs
Classification: TN Whiskey
Origin: Jack Daniel’s Distillery
Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
Age: NAS
Location: N/A
Jack Daniel’s Bottled-In-Bond Price: $38 (Travel Retail Exclusive)
Jack Daniel’s Bottled-In-Bond Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes
Eye: Amber. Thin rim holds, slow syrupy legs.
Nose: Banana Runts - tart and sweet. Nail polish remover for a few seconds then vanilla. Ripe nectarines.
Palate: So much banana right away. Cream pie, only a slight burn. Baked bananas. Mildly coating, light to moderate mouthfeel.
Finish: Banana Runts circle back around for a medium-length finish.
Overall: Banana heavy for sure without veering into rum territory. Clearer, if singular, flavor. Rounds out well, and at a good price point.
Final Rating: 6.6
10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close (Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)
9 | Incredible | Extraordinary (GTS, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 and B520)
8 | Excellent | Exceptional (12+YO MGP Bourbon, 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)
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