I didn’t start drinking until later than most. Blame a Baptist college and social circle that didn’t involve a lot of parties.
It took me years to enjoy a good beer and half my life to learn how a good bottle of bourbon could warm my heart. When I began to drink whiskey my go to was Jack Daniel’s. It is easy to find, has consistent quality, and mixes well. I am a lot older now, but I still have fond memories of Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey.
Interesting, while I think of Jack Daniel’s as a Bourbon, they have chosen not to label their product that way – at least openly. If you dig a bit you will find out that Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 is listed as a bourbon on the North American Free Trade Agreement.
The most asked question about Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey is actually about why it has the “Old No. 7” in the label. It has a simple explanation. The original distillers were given Registration No. 7 in district 4. The name stuck, even after the registration system was updated and they became Number 16 in district 5.
The nose on this Jack Daniel’s is alcohol, a touch of dried fruit, and maybe a hint of vanilla.
The mouth feel is crisp and clean, and has some burn when drunk neat. I found that putting some ice or water lets me really appreciate that vanilla I noted on the nose, and even lets me pick up some cinnamon in the wood char.
I actually feel bad for how I rank Jack Daniels overall. It was my first whiskey, but I’ve grown in the last five decades and my honest evaluation is that Jack Daniels is a 51/100, making it perfect for “Mixers Or On Ice”.
Color
Light Amber with a touch of rust.
Proof
40.0% ABV
Pros
- Easy to find
- Cheap
- Great for mixers.
Cons
- Rough edges on the palate.
- Post sip bite makes it hard to sip, drink neat or even over ice.
