A little background
Jack Daniel’s No. 27 Gold is a relatively new expression that was originally intended to be a limited-edition, travel-retail bottle sold in international markets. However, in 2018 the bottle became available at the distillery shop in Lynchburg and is now available in select markets throughout the United States.
The juice is the bottle is the standard Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 recipe, but this expression is double mellowed and double barreled. This means the juice follows the standard Jack Daniel’s process where it is mellowed in sugar maple charcoal once it comes off the still and is then aged in America oak. However, in an effort to impart additional flavor and a more smooth, luxurious taste, the distillery finishes this whiskey in maple barrels and then puts it through the Lincoln County process again before bottling.
This bottle originally retailed for $100.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Golden Honey
Nose
The nose is relatively light and soft, and required some time to open up before I started getting any defined flavors. I found caramel, sweet corn, a few notes of ripe banana, and a hint of rye spice. All of these flavors are wrapped in a prominent note of maple wood from the finishing process.
Palate
On the palate, this whiskey is again relatively soft with a thin mouthfeel. Initially, there is plenty of sweet maple syrup and dry oak, and a mild spice develops mid-palate. Other than the sweet notes and some muted baking spices, I really didn’t find much more flavor. The overall profile was slightly tannic and wood-heavy.
Finish
The finish is medium, dry, and relatively unimpressive. Sweet caramel and maple dominate along with mild alcohol burn that tapers off very quickly. The heavy wood notes define the finish and really prevent any additional flavors from developing.
In conclusion
I was initially intrigued by this double-barreled, double-mellowed experiment from Jack Daniel’s. I guess I was also distracted by all the shiny gold packaging, which is exceptionally well done. However, much to my dismay, there really isn’t anything exciting about this whiskey once it’s in the glass. The entire profile, from the nose to finish, felt somewhat thin and lacking in overall flavor. And while the maple notes were enjoyable, the wood notes dominate the pour and prevent other flavors from fully developing. The result is a relativity dry, tannic experience that left me wanting more.
Jack Daniel's No. 27 Gold
80 Proof
The Good
- Packaging
- Very easy-drinking
- Maple notes
The Bad
- Price point
- Lack of depth and complexity
- Wood-heavy profile
Mac
8 Dec 2019Complexity
4
Nose
8
Palate
7
Finish
6
Value
3
Probably the best JD can be. The intro of the maple wood finishing and the additional time around a barrel has added new flavor and improved the profile, however it simply didn’t seem to pick up depth or complexity.
Dont get me wrong, this is good whiskey, but at this price point, I expect more complexity, and something that as I make my way through the glass.
Nose: this its the best aspect.
Plate: still corn forward (yes, it’s JD) with some additional sweetness, and a little wood bitters that helps balance the sweetness. Despite other reviews I’ve read, the wood doesn’t come thru too much to me, it is well balanced. There isnt too much else to say on the palate. I’d like more depth of flavor to discuss.
Finished: I’m not getting much beyond the after taste of what I discussed above. The sweetness disappears, and nose bitters remain. Nothing offensive.
Bottomline: This is a quality whiskey, but not a $100 whiskey. I wouldn’t go over $60, and that is pushing it. It needs more flavors and character to warrant the price tag, and it isnt there.
Greg Scholer
27 Mar 2020Complexity
6
Nose
8
Palate
10
Finish
10
Value
8
Couldn’t disagree more . I love this , it’s so much more enjoyable too sip on .
JR Henry
3 Apr 2020You need to know your original jack better before you go on to other flavors it is not mellowed in oak chips it is sugar maple charcoal
Matthew Evans
27 Apr 2020Hello! Thanks for the comment and correction. We’ve gone back and adjusted the content of the review to reflect this. Cheers!
Reno
10 Aug 2023Complexity
8
Nose
9
Palate
9.5
Finish
10
Value
8
Bourbon and whiskey are two separate beast. A sour mash blend to get the full flavor of it needs to breathe for several minutes before a critique should be attempted. The nose on this whiskey is very pleasing and has a maple aroma not over powering the hint of wood and char. Of the white oak. The palate on the front side has a very pleasing maple, banana, mix with a very slight hint of caramel. But still has a wood base as it should. On the back end it has a slight whiskey burn called heat. The finish is very smooth with an overall flavor the is pleasing and not over powering. Pair this with a nice cigar or pipe and you have Great opportunity to relax and enjoy a wonderful evening by a fire or lake or just in your living room. Very well made and bottled whiskey. Cheers remember let it breath