One of the great perks of travelling internationally is browsing through duty-free shelves. In airports like London Gatwick, whisky fans are often rewarded with unique finds. On a recent trip, I spotted the Jack Daniel’s single malt Tennessee whiskey—a release that immediately caught my attention.
American single malts are still rare, so adding this bottle to my tasting list was a no-brainer. Jack Daniel’s is a global powerhouse, known by whisky drinkers everywhere. Over the years, I’ve sampled many of their releases, with the Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel being my personal favourite.
What Makes Jack’s Single Malt Different?
The Jack Daniel’s single malt is crafted from a mash bill of 100% American malted barley—distilled and charcoal-filtered in true Tennessee fashion. After maturing for around five years in new charred American oak, it’s finished in Oloroso sherry casks for added depth.
Released by Brown-Forman in 2023, this single malt marks Jack Daniel’s first step into a category traditionally dominated by Scotch and newer American malt players like Balcones.
Master Distiller Chris Fletcher summed it up nicely:
“This was never an attempt to create a Scottish- or Irish-style malt whiskey. We wanted to make a modern single malt in a Tennessee style, the best we could in an American way.”
It’s a bold move—taking the Jack Daniel’s name into uncharted waters. The Jack Daniel’s single malt American whiskey is a no-age-statement release.
Jack Daniel’s Single Malt Whiskey Review
COUNTRY: USA
ABV: 45%
COLOUR: Mahogany
NOSE: Freshly baked banana bread, honey, and berry compote upfront. The nose is quite sweet and fruity, underpinned by malt and oak notes. Not the most complex nose.
PALATE: The first sip delivers butterscotch sweetness dusted with cocoa. That signature Jack Daniel’s cherry note makes an appearance, joined by dried fruit and subtle sherry influences. There is toasted cereal, bread, oak, and a touch of smoke to round it out. The mouthfeel is creamy, with medium intensity—but it lacks the spice-driven depth I look for. No vanilla, cinnamon, or peppery kick. Ultimately, it feels a bit one-dimensional.
FINISH: Short and dry with hints of oak, burnt coffee, and smoke.
RATING: GOOD
The nose reminded me of Jack Daniel’s Rye, especially that baked banana bread note. But unlike the rye, this single malt lacks spice and complexity. The sherry influence is present, but it gets buried under the sweetness.
It’s a daring release from Brown-Forman, but I was expecting something bolder and more layered. To be honest, I found it rather bland.
The regal blue packaging stands out beautifully on a shelf, and collectors or die-hard Jack fans will undoubtedly enjoy it.
Would I buy it again? Probably not. For the price, I’d reach for something with more character. While it’s a solid travel-retail pickup—and you can even find it on Amazon—it doesn’t quite deliver the punch I hoped for.
Verdict: Worth trying if you’re a Jack Daniel’s enthusiast, but don’t expect the complexity of Scotch single malts or the boldness of American craft malts.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I may receive a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase.