A little background
Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series Selection #15 is a Sweet Mash Tennessee Straight Whiskey, crafted at the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, the first registered distillery in the United States, established in 1866. This limited-edition release, part of the experimental Distillery Series, showcases the distillery’s sweet mash process, which is used at the start of each distilling season before transitioning to the traditional sour mash method. Selected by Whiskey Taster and Quality Control Manager Kathy Thurmond, this expression is bottled at 117 proof (58.5% abv) and retails for $44.99 in 375ml bottles, available exclusively in Tennessee and at the White Rabbit Bottle Shop at the Jack Daniel Distillery.
The whiskey is made with Jack Daniel’s classic mash bill of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye. Distilled in 2016, it was aged for nearly nine years on the top floors of the Tract 2 barrelhouses, enhancing its character through careful barrel placement. This high-proof offering reflects the distillery’s ongoing exploration of its whiskey-making process, led by Master Distiller Chris Fletcher, and continues Jack Daniel’s legacy as a globally recognized brand, known for iconic expressions like Old No. 7 and Gentleman Jack.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Gold
Nose
Caramel, butterscotch, brown sugar, caramelized banana, subtle earthy notes.
Palate
Butterscotch, caramel, raisins, apricot, cinnamon, and orange citrus.
Finish
Nutty pralines, almonds, banana bread, caramel sweetness, light oak.
In closing
Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series Selection #15 Sweet Mash Tennessee Straight Whiskey is a compelling addition to the distillery’s experimental lineup, offering a rich and complex profile with caramel, butterscotch, and nuanced fruit notes that shine on the nose and palate, culminating in a nutty, lightly oaked finish. Its smooth, silky mouthfeel and balanced 117-proof heat make it a versatile sipper, while the sweet mash process provides a fresh twist on the traditional Jack Daniel’s mash bill, delivering great value at $45 for a nearly 9-year-old whiskey. However, the limited availability in Tennessee, small 375ml bottle size, and departure from the signature JD banana-heavy character may leave some fans wanting. For those who can snag a bottle, it’s a delightful and approachable high-proof whiskey that showcases the distillery’s innovative spirit.
NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Jack Daniel’s Distillery. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.
Jack Daniel’s Distillery Series Selection #15 Sweet Mash Tennessee Straight Whiskey
The Good
- Rich sweetness
- Great value
The Bad
- Limited availability
