Review: Jack Daniel’s Bonded and Triple Mash Whiskey
Review: Jack Daniel’s Bonded and Triple Mash Whiskey
Jack Daniel’s has been on a tear of late, dropping special editions and permanent line extensions like JD 10 Years Old left and right. It’s odd that JD calls these two new whiskeys “the first super premium line extension in 25 years,” but I’m not sure what qualifies as “super premium” under Jack’s rubric, so I won’t argue it.
What I will do is say that unlike most of what we’ve seen from JD in recent years, these are indeed permanent expressions, both bonded, so over 4 years old and bottled at 100 proof.
“The Jack Daniel Distillery has been making exceptional American whiskey to the highest standards for generations, before and after the Bottled in Bond Act, dating back to the days of Mr. Jack himself,” said Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller. “Jack Daniel’s Bonded and Triple Mash are a nod to our heritage with a touch of innovation and craftsmanship. These whiskeys are another opportunity for both our friends and new drinkers to explore and discover everything Jack Daniel’s has to offer.”
Of special note: Be aware that both bottles are 700ml instead of the standard 750ml, which was recently approved as an option in the U.S.
We got samples of both releases to try, so let’s dig in.
Jack Daniel’s Bonded Tennessee Whiskey – Made from the classic JD mashbill of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye and charcoal filtered — but bottled at 100 proof. Aromatic with a surprising amount of fruit, the nose kicks off with apple and folds in caramel and some grittier, peppery spice. It’s a big step away from Old No. 7, the palate boldly fruited with cinnamon apple, some citrus, and a layer of sesame, then a bigger nutmeg element and a hint of peanut brittle later in the game. Lots of caramel throughout. Lightly grainy as the initial fruit rush fades and the finish builds, with a sweet breakfast cereal element lingering. It’s not overwhelming in complexity but it sure is hard to put down. I’d mix with this any day. A- / $30 (700ml) [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
Jack Daniel’s Triple Mash Blended Straight Whiskey – This is a weird blend of three straight bottled-in-bond whiskeys – 60% Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, 20% Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, and 20% Jack Daniel’s American Malt, all distilled during the same season. I was expecting a really bizarre experience here, but this combination works surprisingly well. Soft with a more cereal-forward nose, it does indeed come across like a blend, a melding of various styles all in one glass. Spice meets cookie dough on the nose, with a touch of peppery rye evident along with a hint of gunpowder. Chewy and more malt-focused on the tongue, the whiskey takes a peppery turn late in the game on the palate, a rumbling note of roasted almonds, milk chocolate, coconut, and indistinct spice all in a slurry. The finish is more warming than the Bonded, with a little less cohesiveness to it, though it’s never short of engaging. A change of pace there, somewhat more subdued. B+ / $33 (700ml)
Jack Daniel’s Bonded Tennessee Whiskey
$30
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