I recently picked up a bottle of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey while out shopping. I’ve always had a soft spot for Jack Daniel’s flavoured releases (I enjoyed the Jack Apple a while back), but it’s been years since I last tried the Honey edition. With its long-standing popularity, I was curious to see if it still holds up.
The flavoured whiskey category is a serious business. In the U.S. alone, this segment is valued at around $10 billion—and it’s growing every year. Outside of the States, flavoured whiskey is harder to find, and here on the island (and in South Africa too), the Jack Daniel’s range is often the only option.
What is Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey?
Launched in 2011, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey is created by blending the classic Old No. 7 Tennessee whiskey with a proprietary honey liqueur made from real honey, natural flavours, and a subtle spice kick. It’s bottled at a lower ABV than standard Jack, classifying it as a whiskey liqueur rather than a straight whiskey.
Jack Daniel’s, owned by Brown-Forman (who also produce Woodford Reserve and GlenDronach), clearly knew what they were doing when they entered the flavoured whiskey game.
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey Whisky Review
TYPE: Honey-flavoured whiskey liqueur
ABV: 35% (Lower than standard Old No. 7)
COLOUR: Light gold
NOSE: The signature Jack Daniel’s banana note comes through first, followed by caramel, vanilla, floral hints, and—of course—honey. There’s also a woody undertone that keeps it from being overly sweet.
PALATE: Creamy honey leads the way, balanced with classic Jack flavours of vanilla, banana, and toasted oak. A touch of gentle spice lingers in the background. It’s smooth, approachable, and not overly complex—but that’s not the point here. The spices reminded me a bit of the Jack Daniel’s Rye whiskey.
FINISH: After the initial sweetness fades, the finish brings more oak and a subtle dryness. Medium in length, with a soft honey echo.
RATING: VERY GOOD
Let’s be clear: Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey isn’t meant to compete with your favourite single malts or high-end bourbons. It’s designed to be fun, easy-drinking, and versatile. Yes, whiskey purists may turn up their noses, but flavoured whiskey has its place—and this bottle proves why.
It’s smooth, sweet, and works brilliantly over ice on a hot summer afternoon or as the base for a cocktail. Personally, this bottle won’t be sitting on my shelf for long.
My Go-To Honey Cocktail: Jack Honey Smash
This cocktail is refreshing, simple, and perfect for showcasing the honey sweetness.
Ingredients:
2 oz Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey
Mint leaves
½ oz fresh lemon juice
½ oz simple syrup
Crushed ice
Method:
Fill a shaker with cubed ice.
Add all ingredients and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds.
Strain into a highball glass filled with crushed ice.
Garnish with fresh mint.
Should You Try Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey?
If you’re into whiskey but want something smoother and sweeter for relaxed drinking, Jack Daniel’s Honey is absolutely worth a spot in your collection. It’s not trying to be complex—it’s trying to be enjoyable. And on that front, it delivers.