A little background

Jack Daniel’s Heroes Selection Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Rye WhiskeyThe Jack Daniel’s Heroes Selection Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Rye Whiskey is an exclusive release honoring veterans and active military personnel. Part of Jack Daniel’s limited Heroes Selection series, this special edition was hand-selected by U.S. Navy veteran and Jack Daniel’s SVP General Manager, Melvin Keebler, as a tribute to those who serve. With proof levels ranging between 125 and 140, the bottle reviewed for this article is from Barrel No. 24-05139, aged in Barrel House 1-13, and comes in at a bold 132.5 proof. This barrel-proof rye offers a complex aroma of rich caramel and toasted fruit, with each barrel expressing unique depth through notes of toasted oak and barrel spice.

Crafted from a grain bill of 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley and charcoal mellowed, the whiskey provides a smooth, robust experience. Packaged with an exclusive gift box and collectible medallions, this release also supports Operation Ride Home, which has funded holiday travel for nearly 13,000 service members and their families. Available in 750ml bottles for $69.99 at select military retail locations, this review was written by guest contributor and Air Force veteran Curtis Pitts. We thank Curtis and all veterans for their service!

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Dark Gold

Nose

Dark fruit, tart cherry, stone fruit, apricot, mulling spice, graham cracker, and a corn Chex cereal note.

Palate

Star anise, Sun-Made raisins, clove, mint, vanilla, stone fruit, leather, spearmint, and oak.

Finish

Green tea, white pepper, oak, toasted caramel, vanilla, menthol, spearmint, and dry oak.

Jack Daniel’s Heroes Selection Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Rye Whiskey
U.S. Navy veteran and Jack Daniel’s SVP General Manager, Melvin Keebler

In closing

In conclusion, Jack Daniel’s Heroes Selection Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Rye Whiskey offers a beautifully balanced experience that’s both complex and approachable. The nose greets you with a confectionary sweetness, seamlessly integrated with dark fruit, tart cherry, and subtle mulling spices, creating an effortless and inviting aroma. The palate unfolds with an explosion of flavor—notes of star anise, sun-made raisins, clove, and a surprising brightness, with no trace of the signature Jack Daniel’s banana note. The rich, oily texture enhances the complex layers, while the cooling menthol and spearmint on the long finish leave a refreshing impression. At 132.5 proof, this is truly a rye drinker’s rye, yet incredibly approachable and easy to savor. The value is undeniable, and as we enjoy this exceptional whiskey, we’re reminded to be grateful for our veterans and their invaluable sacrifices.

Jack Daniel’s Heroes Selection Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Rye Whiskey

132.5 Proof
9

Nose

9.0/10

Palate

8.9/10

Finish

9.0/10

Complexity

8.9/10

Value

9.2/10

The Good

  • Effortless nose
  • Explosion of flavor
  • Oily and rich palate
  • Value

The Bad

  • Limited

Curtis Pitts

Curtis is a 19-year Air Force vet and a traditional bourbon lover that is starting to branch out into the wide world of ryes! He loves having friends over to share stories or taste a new bottle. When Curtis isn't putting on his uniform he runs a cybersecurity team for IBM and runs his kids all over the place trying to keep up with their activities!

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