Somehow, Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 has managed to become synonymous with both a rebellious nature and accessibility. Sometimes it goes by Black Label, but mainly it’s just called, “Jack.” It’s American as baseball, apple pie, and Harley Davidson, which they have worked with on occasion. When it comes to Tennessee Whiskey, this Brown-Forman-owned label is what comes to mind.
Old No. 7 is made from a mash bill of 80% corn, 12% barley, and 8% rye. Limestone-filtered water and a sour mash from previous batches are added for fermentation and the purpose of consistency. It is charcoal mellowed through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal prior to aging. Then it matures for a minimum of four years in new, charred American oak barrels that the distillery makes itself.
On the nose, that memorable Jack spice blends with aromas of vanilla, yeast, and corn. The palate shows more corn along with some charred wood from the barrel and brown sugar with a touch of citrus. The finish is long and full with notes of tropical fruit, caramel syrup, and some heart.
Old No. 7 is quite versatile and can be enjoyed on the rocks, neat, as a shot, or in a cocktail. If you’re looking to mix something up, the distillery recommends a Tennessee Cold Brew:
Tennessee Cold Brew
- 1 1/2 oz. Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7
- 3/4 oz. Coffee liqueur
- 1/2 oz. Simple syrup
- 1 oz Espresso coffee
Half fill a cocktail shaker with cubed ice. Add all ingredients and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds. Half fill a rocks glass with cubed ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass. Add coffee beans to garnish.
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is the top-selling American Whiskey brand in the world. Produced in Lynchburg in Moore County, which is dry. The spirit was named after its founder, Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel, who was born in the years around 1850. The Whiskey surged in popularity after winning the gold medal for the finest Whiskey at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. The company was sold to Brown-Forman in 1956.
Other Jack Daniel’s products include Tennessee Apple, Tennessee Rye, Single Barrel, Gentleman Jack, Tennessee Honey, and Sinatra Select as well as a variety of canned cocktails and a country cocktail in a glass bottle.
Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Ratings:
- Whiskybase: 65.95/100
- The Whiskey Jug: 82/100