A few weeks ago, I had the fantastic opportunity to chat to Bradley Watson, the South African Brand Ambassador for Jack Daniels about all things Jack and especially the Jack Daniels Rye whiskey. Even though this release has been around since 2017, it is only now available in SA. As part of our chat, we also did a side-by-side comparison between the Jack Daniel’s Rye vs Old No 7 Tennessee whiskey.
These two releases are both produced according to the Lincoln County Process that makes Tennessee whiskey unique. However, the mash bill for the Rye release is different. Jack Daniel’s whiskey isn’t bourbon, despite bearing most of the same characteristics, in production methods at least.
There is, however, one key difference. Jack Daniel’s filtrates their whiskey through sugar maple charcoal before maturation. This process is of key importance to the finished whiskey’s character, bottled as Tennessee whiskey.
Also Read: Jack Daniel’s vs Gentleman Jack Whiskey
Jasper Newton ‘Jack’ Daniel’s started the Jack Daniel’s distillery around 1866. It is one of the oldest registered distilleries in the United States of America. The distillery remained family-owned until 1956 when it was sold to Brown Forman, a Kentucky distilling company.
Moore County, where the Jack Daniel’s distillery is located, is one of Tennessee’s dry counties. While it is legal to distil the product within the county, it is illegal to buy it there. An exception is made where a distillery can sell one commemorative product.
Jack Daniels Old No 7 Tennessee whiskey is the entry-level whiskey from the distillery. The mash bill for this release is 80% corn, 12% barley, and 8% rye. It is a NAS release, but maturation is estimated to be around 4 years.
Brown Forman released the Rye whiskey in September 2017 as a new addition to the standard Jack Daniel’s lineup. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Straight Ryewhiskey is produced using a mash bill of 70% rye, 18% corn and 12% malted barley.
It follows the same Lincoln County Process that makes Tennessee whiskey unique. It is a NAS release, and it also has an excellent ABV.
| 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 |
| Price | $27 | $28 |
| Pairs well with | Smoky chicken, KFC | Aged steak, dark chocolate |
Putting these two releases side by side shows the difference in the mash bill very nicely while keeping to the smooth Jack Daniel’s distillery character.
The standard Jack Daniel’s has notes of caramel, vanilla, and dry oak, with cherries and cereal. The Jack Rye release has a tropical tone, with banana, dark chocolate, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The standard release showcases cherry and vanilla notes with toasted oak. The Rye release is spicier than the standard release and more complex than the Old No. 7.
Both releases are readily available in SA and affordable, and if you enjoy Jack Daniel’s, I would recommend that you try this comparison.
I prefer the Rye release. It is better balanced, more versatile and just delicious. It reminds me of freshly baked banana bread and chocolate. The Rye suits my sweet palate but with enough bits of rye spice to make it distinguishable.
I got this nice breakdown from the friendly folks at Jack Daniel’s. A quick way to see the differences.
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