Tasting Note:
- Appearance: A rich amber color with golden highlights. The clarity of the spirit hints at its age and filtration process.
- Aroma: The nose opens with a characteristic sweetness of corn, brown sugar, and vanilla. Hints of toasted oak, baking spice (cinnamon, nutmeg), and a subtle smokiness emerge as the whiskey breathes.
- Palate: The first sip offers a smooth and medium-bodied mouthfeel. The initial sweetness of corn and vanilla unfolds on the tongue, followed by a wave of warming spice notes. The signature charcoal mellowing process creates a distinct, yet subtle, peppery character that lingers alongside hints of oak and caramel. The sour mash influence adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness.
- Finish: The finish is medium-length and slightly dry. Lingering notes of brown sugar, oak spice, and a touch of char linger on the palate, with a gentle warmth spreading through the chest.
Overall, Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Brand Sour Mash Whiskey is a classic Tennessee whiskey known for its smooth and approachable character. The corn mash bill provides a sweet foundation, balanced by the signature charcoal mellowing process that creates a distinct peppery note. The sour mash influence adds a touch of complexity, making it an enjoyable sipper or a versatile base for cocktails.
Food Pairing:
Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Brand Sour Mash Whiskey, with its smooth and approachable character, offers a surprising range of food pairing possibilities. Here are some delicious options to complement its sweet, spicy, and oaky notes:
Savory Pairings:
- BBQ: The sweetness of Jack Daniel’s pairs well with the smoky and savory flavors of barbecue meats like pulled pork, brisket, or ribs. The whiskey’s peppery character can help to cut through the richness of the barbecue sauce.
- Grilled Foods: Grilled burgers, sausages, and chicken all pair well with Jack Daniel’s. The whiskey’s sweetness complements the smoky char from grilling, while the oaky notes add complexity.
- Smoked Cheeses: The smoky and savory flavors of smoked gouda, cheddar, or Gruyère cheese create a delightful contrast with the sweetness of Jack Daniel’s.
- Spicy Dishes: Jack Daniel’s sweetness can help to balance the heat of spicy food like chili, jerk chicken, or tacos.
A Few Surprises:
- Chocolate: The sweetness and oaky notes of Jack Daniel’s complement the richness of dark chocolate. Try a small piece of dark chocolate after a sip of whiskey for an interesting flavor combination.
- Salty Snacks: The sweet and spicy notes of Jack Daniel’s can surprisingly pair well with salty snacks like peanuts, popcorn, or potato chips. The whiskey can help to cleanse the palate between bites.
- Avg Price (ex-tax)
- $27 / 750 ml / 45% abv
Mellowed drop by drop through 10-feet of sugar maple charcoal, then matured in handcrafted barrels of our own making. And our Tennessee Whiskey doesn’t follow a calendar. It’s only ready when our tasters say it is. We judge it by the way it looks. By its aroma. And of course, by the way it tastes. It’s how Jack Daniel himself did it over a century ago. And how we still do it today.
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