Tag: Brown-Forman Corporation Page 2 of 8

The Brown-Forman Corporation is one of the largest American-owned companies in the spirits and wine business. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, it manufactures several well known brands throughout the world, including:
Woodford Reserve bourbon whiskey
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey
BenRiach single malt whisky
GlenDronach single malt whisky
Glenglassaugh single malt whisky
Canadian Mist whisky

Maker's Mark bourbon vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon whiskey comparison.

It has been ages since I have done a comparison post, and they are always so much fun. The last ones I did was between rye whiskey. So let’s look at a comparison I have been avoiding, two of my favourite bourbons against each other. The Maker’s Mark vs Woodford Reserve bourbon.

To make it fair, we did the tasting in unmarked glasses. It is much more difficult when you have to compare whiskey and are unsure of what is in your glass. But to objectively choose our favourite, we tasted it blind.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey

Maker's Mark bourbon Whisky with glass

The bourbon that made me fall in love with bourbon. I always have a bottle, it’s perfect in cocktails and in my glass. Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey is produced at the old Burk’s Distillery in Loretto. Beam Suntory owns the distillery and brand. It is bottled in very recognizable squarish bottles sealed with red wax.

The mash bill does not include rye. Instead, the Maker’s Mark mash bill uses red winter wheat (16%), along with corn (70%) and malted barley (14%).

Maker’s Mark bourbon whiskey has no age statement. It is bottled when the tasters agree it is ready, roughly around 6 yo. Other expressions include the Maker’s 46 and the Maker’s Cask Strength bourbon. Occasionally this release is on special at Amazon and it is worth looking out for it.

It is an excellent introduction to bourbon for someone unfamiliar with it and an ideal base for cocktails.

Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey

Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon with glass b

Another bottle that I always have in my house. Woodford Reserve is a small-batch Kentucky Straight bourbon brand produced by the Brown-Forman Corporation. Distilling began on the site of the current distillery in 1812.

The distillery was formerly known as the Old Oscar Pepper Distillery. Brown Forman introduced the brand to the market in 1996. Other releases in the brand include the Double Oaked and Rye whiskey.

The mash bill for Woodford Reserve features a high percentage of rye. It has a 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malt ratio. Woodford Reserve has no age statement but matures for at least 6 years. It is easily available and I see it regularly at Amazon for around £35. This bourbon is perfect for an Old Fashioned cocktail.

Also Read: Johnnie Walker Blue vs Black Label Whisky

Maker’s Mark vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Comparison makers mark vs woodford reserve bourbon

	Maker's Mark	Woodford Reserve
Type	Bourbon	Bourbon
Mashbill	70% corn, 16% Red winter wheat, 14% malted barley	72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malt
ABV	45%	43.2%
Colour	Light golden copper	Dark copper
Nose	Cherries, brandied fruit, toasted wood and vanilla spice. Adding a few drops of water brings out more spice and woody notes.	Honey sweetness with apricots and oranges. Bits of condensed milk richness mixed with vanilla, dark chocolate and hints of spices.
Palate	Full of vanilla, followed by sweet cherries and fresh red fruit. Cinnamon and toasted oak. A few drops of water brings butterscotch and warming nutmeg. Delicious and very easy drinking.	Oak and sweetness perfectly balanced with apricot and cinnamon spiciness. Tangy winter fruits and vanilla mixed with toffee. Creamy and smooth with a full body and a satisfying mouthfeel.
Finish	Long with hints of sweetness, vanilla and caramel.	Long and lingering and ends in notes of sweetness and spices
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Price	$33	$40

Such a problematic comparison: Maker’s Mark vs Woodford Reserve bourbon. Both are stellar drams. Delicious, bold and drinkable. Glass 1 was the Woodford and glass 2 was the Maker’s bourbon. I did not even attempt to guess which one was which; I just tried to find my favourite.

For me, the Woodford Reserve was my favourite. I liked the fruity sweetness more. The condensed milk, vanilla, dark chocolate notes, and soft oak spices suit my palate. Woodford Reserve bourbon will suit someone who likes sweeter drinks.

John preferred the Maker’s Mark bourbon. It is slightly spicier than the Woodford Reserve, with more vanilla, wood and cherry notes. This bourbon will suit someone who likes a bit of a spicy kick mixed with a red fruit sweetness.

John ventured a guess as to which is which, and he was correct. If you look out for the cherry notes in the Maker’s Mark, you can identify it.

Both have a long finish, with the Woodford ending slightly sweeter and the Maker’s ending in vanilla and caramel. I am not going to complain about either bourbon in my glass. They are both delicious.

Also Read: Woodford Reserve Rye vs Bulleit Rye whiskey

Jack Daniel’s Rye Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 05/01/2023

In Rye Whiskey

Today I look at another Rye release, Jack Daniel’s Rye whiskey. What a roller coaster we have had in South Africa with covid and lock down. When SA went into lock down level 5 in March 2020, the sale of alcohol was banned. A whole industry came to a sudden standstill.

Three months later, SA moved to lock down level 2 and liquor sales were allowed again. Items stuck in port was permitted entry and wine farms and distilleries started operating again.

South Africa’s covid figures increased substantially, and then one Sunday evening, the President suddenly banned alcohol sales again. All plans I had to try new drams came to a grinding halt. But the long wait is over, and I can try some new releases again.

Just before lock down, I saw some social media posts about Jack Daniel’s rye becoming available in SA. But I could not find a bottle at the time. However, now that I can shop again, I found a bottle and I was fortunate to have a chat to Bradley Watson about this release on IGTV.

The Jack Daniel’s Rye whisky was released in September 2017 as a new addition to the standard Jack Daniel’s lineup. Jack Daniel’s Rye 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 a really good ABV.

Also Read: Gentleman Jack vs Woodford Reserve bourbon

Jack Daniel’s Rye Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 45%

COLOUR: Light amber

NOSE: Tropical banana, hints of dark chocolate and toasted oak. Cinnamon and sweetness.

PALATE: Freshly baked banana bread, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Drying cinnamon and nutmeg with hints of chocolate sweetness. Bits of oily wood and vanilla.

FINISH: Black pepper and spicy cinnamon and oak spices.

RATING: EXCELLENT

The Jack Daniel’s Rye Tennessee whiskey has a medium body and an oily mouthfeel. The oak spices and cinnamon is captured by the oily wood for a warming finish. Not the most complex whiskey, but very drinkable. It reminds me of a traditional bourbon blended with a shot of grain whisky and a shot of more conventional rye.

It has the tropical fruit notes of grain whisky, balanced with the spicy rye notes with bits of bourbon vanilla and oak. However, it is softer and more refined than more traditional rye releases that I have tried in the past. Delicious and unique.

It is now widely available in South Africa and retails for around R320. I have seen it on Amazon for around £29. This makes it a great whiskey for cocktails. Affordable and a great taste.

Bradley mentioned that it would work wonderfully in a boulevardier cocktail and also a Bloody Mary. The best food pairing is with steak or with dark chocolate. That is a pairing I can get excited about. If you have not tried this yet, go out and grab a bottle. I did a side by side comparison between the Rye and Old No 7 to see how they differ and you can read it by following the link.

Also Read: Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey

Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 Tennessee Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 02/03/2023

In Bourbon whiskey

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 toasty 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 (I see it regularly on Amazon on special). 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

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 01/02/2023

In Whisky Comparison

One question that comes up frequently is, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve bourbon whiskey – which one should I buy, or which of these two releases is better?” Now, proclaiming one to be superior to the other is challenging. Why, you ask? Well, it’s because each of us has our unique taste preferences when it comes to whiskey.

Personally, I lean towards the sweeter, sherry-finished whiskies and relish a bourbon with a delightful vanilla sweetness. However, I’ve also cultivated an appreciation for the bolder, peatier drams from the mystical Islay region.

In contrast, my husband John leans towards the heavier, spicier whiskies. So, let’s clarify: this series isn’t about declaring what’s good or bad. It’s about guiding you between these two remarkable releases.

If you’re in the mood for something sweeter, lean towards option A, but if you crave that smoky allure, option B is your ticket. So this series is not to define what is good and bad. It is to say, between these 2 releases, if you are looking for something sweeter, choose A. If you are looking for something with smoke, choose B.

Now, let’s delve into a detailed comparison of two heavyweights in the Brown-Forman stable – Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve. Both of these whiskeys have secured a permanent place in my liquor cabinet.

Following this comparison, I’ve undertaken numerous other head-to-head matchups, including the epic Johnnie Walker Blue vs. XR and Old No. 7 vs. Gentleman Jack whiskey showdown.

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Whiskey

Review and tastig notes Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey with glass Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve

Firstly, let’s clear the air on Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel. While many might mistake it for bourbon, it’s officially categorised as Tennessee whiskey. The secret here is the Lincoln County Process, an extra step in the production journey. The whiskey undergoes filtration through a towering stack of sugar maple charcoal, standing 10 feet tall.

This unique process, often called “mellowing” by the folks at Jack Daniel’s, effectively removes impurities and mellows out the corn flavours. After the filtration process, it’s aged in freshly charred American oak barrels and stored in the uppermost section of the warehouse.

The drastic temperature swings in this location work their magic, deepening the colour and enhancing the flavour profile. The mash bill for this particular release comprises 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye.

Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey

Review and tasting notes Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon with glass Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve

On the other side of the ring, we have Woodford Reserve, a distinguished name in small-batch Kentucky bourbon. Crafted within one of Kentucky’s oldest distilleries, Woodford Reserve brings its A-game with a unique mash bill.

Here, they utilise a higher percentage of rye – 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malt. What sets this bourbon apart is its triple distillation and entry into the barrel at a lower proof, allowing it to mature gracefully for at least six years.

Also Read: Chivas 12 vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve bourbon comparison

	Woodford Reserve	Jack Daniel's Single Barrel
Type	Bourbon	Tennessee Whiskey
ABV	43.2%	47%
Mash bill	72% corn, 18% rye, 10% balted barley	80% corn, 12% malted barley, 8% rye
Colour	Clear honey amber	Dark Copper with hints of mahogany
Nose	Honey sweetness with apricots and oranges. There are bits of condensed milk richness mixed with vanilla and hints of spices	Ripe red berries, vanilla, a hint of mint, caramel sweetness, bits of toasted oak
Palate	Oak and sweetness perfectly balanced with a bit of apricot and cinnamon spiciness. There are notes of tangy winter fruits and vanilla mixed with toffee. Rich, buttery and smooth with a full body and a satisfying mouthfeel	Cherries layered with caramel, vanilla, hints of coffee and cereal balanced with cinnamon and pepper spice. It is rich and complex and the layers open up slowly when you take a second sip. Water releases some more of the sweetness and softens the pepper.
Finish	Long and lingering and ends in notes of sweet spices	Long and lingering and ends in notes of pepper and citrus
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Comments	Rich and buttery with a great balance between sweet and spicy. Pairs well with a Hawaiian pizza	Big and bold and has a yummy'ness that you don’t want to put down
Price	$40	$54
Pairs well with	Aged Parmesan cheese, dark chocolate or roasted hazelnuts	Lazy aged rump steak

Side by side, the differences between these releases are noticeable. The Woodford Reserve is filled with oak, winter fruit, apricots and toffee. The Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel has more of a cherry, cinnamon and cereal character.

Both are bold and full bodied with a great finish. The Woodford finish is creamier with a great spiciness balancing the sweetness. The Single Barrel finish is warming with soft lemon pepper.

As I sat down for a tasting session, the question lingered: Which is my favourite? I found myself torn, as I genuinely adore both of these releases. But then, in his infinite wisdom, John helped me see the light. They can both be favourites; they’re simply meant for two entirely different occasions.

Woodford Reserve is the quintessential easy-drinking bourbon, perfect for sharing with friends, a true crowd-pleaser. In contrast, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel is reserved for those late-night, contemplative conversations by the flickering firelight, igniting philosophical musings and bonding over life’s complexities.

So, my dear whiskey enthusiasts, the choice between these two stellar bottles ultimately comes down to the moment you wish to create – one filled with camaraderie or one that stirs the depths of your soul.

Also Read: Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs Uigeadail Whisky

Woodford Reserve Rye vs Jack Daniel’s Rye

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 11/21/2022

In Whisky Comparison

Woodford Reserve Rye vs Jack Daniel’s Rye whiskey comparison
Today I do another side-by-side comparison using the Woodford Reserve Rye. The Woodford Reserve brand is part of the Brown Forman portfolio with Jack Daniel’s, GlenDronach and Benriach whisky.

There is not a rye whisky in the Brown Forman’s Scottish whisky portfolio (not yet anyway), but last year, I tried the Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye whiskey, which makes for a great comparison; Woodford Reserve Rye vs Jack Daniel’s Rye whiskey.

There are two significant differences between these releases. The mash bill between them is very different, and the Lincoln country process that is only part of Jack Daniel’s production.

The mash bill for the Woodford Reserve and the Jack Daniel’s differ considerably when you compare the percentage of rye that make up the mash bill. The Jack Daniel’s is rye heavy with 70% rye compared to the 54% of the Woodford Reserve whiskey.

The other difference is the maple charcoal filtration that characterises Tennessee whiskey and Jack Daniel’s. The Lincoln Country process is the process of filtering new make distillate through sugar maple charcoal.

The charcoal filtration allows some other flavours imparted by fermentation to shine through. The process doesn’t add flavours or sweetness to the spirit itself.

So let’s get to the two glasses in front of me.

Jack Daniel’s Rye Whiskey

Jack Daniel’s Rye whiskey with glass
The Jack Daniel’s Rye whiskey was released in September 2017 as a new addition to the standard Jack Daniel’s lineup. This Tennessee Straight rye is produced using a mash bill of 70% rye, 18% corn, 12% malted barley.

It follows the same Lincoln County Process that makes Tennessee whiskey unique. It is a NAS release. Like other rye whiskey bottles, the labelling is green in the familiar Jack Daniel’s square bottle shape.

Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey

The Woodford Reserve Rye whiskey was launched in 2015 as the third permanent addition to the brand’s core range. Woodford Reserve Rye uses a pre-prohibition style rye ratio to pay homage to history’s original rye whiskeys.

The Woodford Reserve Rye mash bill is 53% rye, 33% corn, and 14% malt. It is a NAS release. The Woodford Reserve Rye bottle shape is similar to the Woodford Reserve bourbon, just with green labelling.

Also Read: Buffalo Trace vs Bulleit Bourbon

Woodford Reserve Rye vs Jack Daniel’s Rye whiskey

Woodford Reserve Rye vs Jack Daniel’s Rye Whiskey

	Jack Daniel's Rye	Woodford Reserve Rye
Type	Tennessee Rye whiskey	Rye whiskey
ABV	45%	45.2%
Mashbill	70% rye, 18% corn, 12% malted barley	53% rye, 33% corn, and 14% malt
Colour	Light amber	Polished copper
Nose	Tropical banana, hints of dark chocolate and toasted oak. Cinnamon and sweetness.	Caramel sweetness, fresh green orchid fruit, cereal and toasted wood. The traditional rye spice notes with hints of black pepper.
Palate	Freshly baked banana bread sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Drying cinnamon and nutmeg with hints of chocolate sweetness. Bits of oily wood and vanilla.	Rye spices mixed with fresh fruit, green grass and black pepper. Bits of honey and bourbon vanilla with a butterscotch note. Toasted oak, green herbs with bits of orange. Medium body that is soft and oily.
Finish	Black pepper, spicy cinnamon and oak spices.	Medium length with oaky notes, pepper and caramel sweetness. Something green in the background.
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Price point	$35	$40

This has probably been one of my favourite comparisons. I like both these rye’s, and to make sure we don’t get influenced by our preconceived ideas, we did a blind comparison.

However, because of the tropical notes that I associate with Jack Daniel’s Rye, it was relatively easy to pick it out from the two. The Jack Daniel’s is sweeter than the Woodford Reserve, but the rye notes were bolder. The Jack Daniel’s Rye has notes of dark chocolate, freshly baked banana bread, cinnamon and nutmeg.

The Woodford Reserve is not the boldest rye but has a great balance between the rye spice and sweet fruity notes. The rye notes were more green herby when compared to the Jack Daniel’s. The Woodford Reserve Rye brings notes of caramel, fresh green orchid fruits, green grass, toasted oak and pepper.

Choosing a favourite will be difficult. Both are in the affordable price range, and both are readily available. The Jack Daniel’s Rye retail for around £28 on Amazon and the Woodford Reserve Rye for about £38.

You might enjoy Jack Daniel’s Rye more if you like a sweeter dram with bold rye notes. Suppose you are looking for an easy-drinking rye whiskey with a softer spicy-sweet balance, then the Woodford Reserve Rye will be perfect.

Choosing a favourite is difficult. Both my bottles were finished quite quickly and have been replaced. I have a soft spot for the tropical and chocolate notes in the Jack Daniel’s and that will probably make me choose it ahead of the Woodford Reserve.

Also Read: Evan Williams vs Jack Daniel’s whiskey