A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to sit down with Bradley Watson and talk about all things Jack Daniel’s, with a special focus on the increasingly popular Jack Daniel’s Rye whiskey. Although this rye expression first launched back in 2017, it has only recently become widely available in South Africa. Naturally, that called for a proper side-by-side tasting: Jack Daniel’s vs Jack Daniel’s Rye whiskey.
At first glance, these two whiskies appear closely related. Both are produced at the legendary Jack Daniel’s distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, and both follow the famous Lincoln County Process that defines Tennessee whiskey. Yet once you pour them into the glass, the differences quickly become apparent.
What Makes Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey Different?
One of the biggest misconceptions in whiskey is that Jack Daniel’s is simply bourbon. Technically, it meets almost every requirement to qualify as bourbon, but there is one critical distinction.
Before maturation, Jack Daniel’s whiskey is filtered through sugar maple charcoal in a process known as the Lincoln County Process. This extra step softens the spirit and creates the smooth, mellow profile that Tennessee whiskey is famous for.
Also Read: Jack Daniel’s vs Gentleman Jack Whiskey
Founded by Jasper Newton ‘Jack’ Daniel around 1866, the distillery remains one of the oldest registered distilleries in the United States. The brand stayed family-owned until 1956, when Brown–Forman acquired it.
Interestingly, the distillery is located in Moore County, Tennessee, which is still officially a dry county. While whiskey can legally be distilled there, alcohol sales are heavily restricted, aside from special commemorative bottlings sold at the distillery itself.
Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 Tennessee Whiskey
Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 is the flagship release and one of the most recognisable whiskies in the world. Its mash bill consists of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye. Although it carries no age statement, most estimates place maturation at around four years.
On the nose, Old No. 7 delivers classic notes of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and sweet cherry. There is also a subtle cereal character running underneath the sweetness. The palate is smooth and approachable, with brown sugar sweetness balanced by dry oak and gentle spice.
This is a whiskey designed for accessibility. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed with cola, it remains easy-drinking and instantly recognisable.
Jack Daniel’s Rye Tennessee Whiskey
Released in 2017, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Straight Rye whiskey brought a fresh dimension to the core range. The mash bill shifts dramatically to 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley, giving the whiskey a much spicier and more robust character.
Despite the higher rye content, the signature Jack Daniel’s smoothness still shines through thanks to the Lincoln County Process.
The nose opens with banana bread, dark chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramelised sugar. On the palate, the rye spice becomes more pronounced, but it never overwhelms. Instead, it works alongside flavours of toasted oak, cocoa, vanilla, and ripe banana to create a whiskey that feels richer and more layered than Old No. 7.
The higher rye content also gives this release more versatility in cocktails, particularly classics like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Jack Daniel’s vs Jack Daniel’s Rye: Which Is Better?
| Jack Daniel's Old no 7 | Jack Daniel's Rye | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Tennessee Whiskey | Tennessee Rye Whiskey |
| Mash Bill | 80% corn, 12% barley, and 8% rye | 70% rye, 18% corn and 12% malted barley |
| ABV | 43% | 45% |
| Colour | Light amber | Light amber |
| Nose | Sweet with caramel, vanilla and dry oak and a hint of smoke. Some dried fruit and marzipan. | Tropical banana, hints of dark chocolate and toasted oak. Cinnamon and sweetness |
| Palate | Toasted oak and butterscotch sweetness. Hints of vanilla, overripe cherries and nuts. Something like sour cherries and cereal on the palate. It is quite an oily whiskey. Mellow and smooth. | Freshly baked banana bread, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Drying cinnamon and nutmeg with hints of chocolate sweetness. Bits of oily wood and vanilla. Medium body. |
| Finish | Medium length with some toasty oak, butterscotch and spice. | Medium length with lack pepper and spicy cinnamon and oak spices |
| My Rating | Very Good | Excellent |
| Comments | Not very complex. However, it is easy-drinking and great to use in marinades or basting sauce when cooking. | Tropical notes with an oily mouthfeel. Smooth and warming |
| Pairs well with | Smoky chicken, KFC | Aged steak, dark chocolate |
Tasting these two whiskies side by side highlights just how much a mash bill influences flavour while still retaining the underlying Jack Daniel’s house style.
Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 is sweeter, softer, and more straightforward. It is the reliable everyday pour that made the brand famous worldwide.
Jack Daniel’s Rye, however, feels more refined and complex. The extra spice, richer mouthfeel, and dessert-like banana bread notes make it a more interesting sipping whiskey for my palate.
Personally, I prefer the rye release. It strikes a better balance between sweetness and spice while offering considerably more depth than the standard Old No. 7. If you already enjoy Jack Daniel’s, then comparing these two expressions is absolutely worth your time.
For further whiskey comparisons, you can also explore Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 against Johnnie Walker Black Label and see how Tennessee whiskey stacks up against Scotch.
I got this nice breakdown from the friendly folks at Jack Daniel’s. A quick way to see the differences.
