Today’s exploration takes us into the world of an iconic spirit – none other than the revered Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 Tennessee whiskey. Whether you’re an ardent fan or on the opposing side of the spectrum, one thing’s sure – this Old No. 7 Tennessee whiskey has left an indelible mark across the globe.
Born of a blend of Welsh and Scottish heritage, Jasper Newton ‘Jack’ Daniel’s exact birth date remains mysterious. Around 1866, he embarked on a journey that would etch his name in the annals of whiskey history – the establishment of Jack Daniel’s distillery. This endeavour marked the birth of one of the oldest registered distilleries in the United States.
Jack’s brand flourished as the years rolled by, propelling Tennessee to the forefront of the American distilling landscape. An enigmatic bachelor, Jack entrusted his distillery to his nephew Lem Motlow. The turbulent era of Prohibition brought production to an abrupt halt.
Lem, however, emerged as a beacon of change, assuming the role of a Tennessee State Senator and playing a pivotal role in dismantling the state’s prohibition laws.
Also Read: Jack Daniel’s Rye vs Old No 7 Whiskey
World War 2 led to a production break until 1947 when quality corn became available again. From this point, Jack Daniel’s whiskey embarked on an upward trajectory, achieving nothing short of a cult-like status. Though the distillery remained in Jack’s family until 1956, it eventually found a new home with Brown-Forman.
Nestled within Moore County, a Tennessee dry county, the distillery thrives, crafting its renowned product within its borders yet rendering its purchase a legal impossibility. A sole exception exists – the distillery’s right to sell a single commemorative product. The global stage witnessed the ascendancy of the Jack Daniel’s brand, crowning it the highest-selling American whiskey worldwide.
It’s worth noting that while Jack Daniel’s whiskey shares many characteristics with bourbon in terms of production methods, it deviates in one crucial aspect: the Lincoln County process: filtration through sugar maple charcoal before maturation. This hallmark procedure shapes the whiskey’s character, resulting in the celebrated Tennessee whiskey bottled as Jack Daniel’s.
Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 Tennessee Whiskey Review
ABV: 43%
COUNTRY: USA
COLOUR: Light amber
NOSE: An exquisite symphony of sweetness, where honey, vanilla, and toasted oak harmonize with a subtle smokiness. Hints of dried fruit and marzipan add to the intrigue.
PALATE: Smoky undertones, oak’s embrace, and the embrace of butterscotch sweetness take centre stage. Amidst these flavours, a suggestion of sour cherries and cereal lends a unique dimension, supported by fruit notes and abundant vanilla. It is quite an oily whiskey and has a full body. Mellow and smooth.
FINISH: Medium length with oasty oak, butterscotch richness, and a whisper of spice.
RATING: VERY GOOD
The Old No 7, while not overly intricate, offers a reassuringly easy-drinking and comforting profile. A purchase of this bottle guarantees a consistently high-quality and flavourful choice at an appealing price point. In South Africa it retails for around R 430 and in the UK for £ 21. In India it is a bit more expensive and the price is around ₹ 4,590.
Its ubiquity is undeniable – regardless of your location on the global map, Jack Daniel’s stands as a reliable presence, its cult status well-deserved.
Embracing its versatility, the Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 Tennessee whiskey enhances culinary creations with its robust flavour, adding depth to cooking and baking endeavours. While not a whiskey destined for celebratory occasions, it’s the perfect companion when the options are limited, say, on a plane with only Jack Daniel’s at the bar – a scenario that wouldn’t warrant too much complaint.
I paired this bourbon with some KFC to see how it would work. If you’re seeking a deeper understanding, I’ve compared Old No. 7 and Gentleman Jack side-by-side, peeling back the layers of their distinctions. Dive into my blog post for an engaging exploration of Jack Daniel’s versus Jim Beam bourbon, discovering my personal favourite in the showdown.
I have also tasted the Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple. Not strictly a whiskey, but a fun drink nevertheless.
Also Read: Jim Beam Black Bourbon
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