Jack Daniel’s is a Tennessee whiskey that has long been the go-to liquor of southern living. Its signature tasting whiskey was born out of necessity during prohibition when Jack Daniel took its talent for distilling to the woods of Lynchburg.
The following is a bit of background on how Jack Daniel’s came to be the go-to liquor in Tennessee. Jack Daniel’s whiskey was established in 1866, and by 1904 had won a gold medal at the World’s Fair. Its secret flavor comes from limestone spring water that comes from the same source today.
Its original recipe also includes precisely calculated amounts of barley, rye, and corn. After both his parents died, Jack ran away from home. He was taken in by a preacher named Dan Call who taught him about distilling.
Shortly thereafter, Jack took over the ownership of the distillery using money from his late father’s estate. In 1884, Jack Daniel purchased the land in Lynchburg, Tennessee where the distillery is located today. He operated it until 1907 when he gave it to his nephew Lemuel Motlow.
Lem Motlow operated the distillery for 40 years until Prohibition was passed in 1910. The case went to the Tennessee Supreme Court and Motley challenged the case. The distillery in Nashville changed locations three times but was not able to produce the same quality whiskey.
The prohibition in Missouri and Alabama made things difficult for the company, and it wasn't until 1947 that they finally established themselves in their current location.
Types of Jack Daniel’s Whiskey – The Best Picks
- Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack
Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack is Black Label's less concentrated sibling that's fit for easy sipping. Typically, Gentleman Jack is enjoyed by people who don't like whiskey, but it's so mild that even whiskey enthusiasts claim it's insubstantial.
There are a few aspects of production that distinguish Gentleman Jack from its more famous counterpart. The whiskey is sourced from barrels resting on the lower levels of the ageing house, where even a subtle change in environment can affect any whiskey’s taste.
- Jack Daniel’s Straight Rye
Since Tennessee whiskey must contain at least 51 per cent corn, Jack Daniel's Rye is technically not a Tennessee whiskey. However, it is top-shelf and uses the same charcoal mellowing process that Jack Daniel's uses for its Tennessee whiskey.
This whiskey is different from other rye whiskeys because of the unique production process and the resulting spicy and complex flavor. It has a bold character that's unforgettable and pairs well with rye cocktails, such as the Manhattan.
- Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select
While Jack Daniel's core products - Tennessee Whiskey and Gentleman Jack - are a good choice for new whiskey drinkers, a Single Barrel Select provides a solid upgrade from those two. This whiskey is different from others because it's aged on the upper floors of the ageing house.
The drastic temperature adds to the whiskey's flavor. You'll enjoy a robust array of bright fruits, sweet caramel, and a snappy spice that can appeal to your tastebuds. It has a nice kick that's best appreciated straight. The best way to enjoy it is to chill it out with a splash of water.
Final Words
Jack Daniels is known for its Tennessee roots. It is the only whiskey in the United States to be charcoal filtered before barrelling. This allows for fewer toxins to leach into the mash, and more importantly, it takes away the whiskey’s bite. When you drink Jack Daniels, you won’t notice this bite, instead of drinking your poison in a somewhat sweet, somewhat smoky backdrop that seems to go down easily.
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