A Little Background

Although Jack Daniel’s has been around for generations, the company is becoming notorious for their annual single barrel special releases. For the past few years they have knocked these out of the park with heavy hitting barrels that truly exemplify what a Single Barrel can and should be. The 2021 Special Release Coy Hill High Proof is absolutely no exception.

Master Distiller, Chris Fletcher, notes that “The Coy Hill High Proof is about pushing limits and showcasing unique characteristics of the Jack Daniel Distillery”. These barrels were pulled from the “Buzzards Roost” of Rickhouses #8 and #13 on Coy Hill; the highest point on the Jack Daniel grounds. They come with the typical JD Mash Bill of 80% corn | 12% malted barley | 8% rye, vary in proofs from 137.4 all the way up to 148.3 and retail roughly at $75.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Mahogany

Nose

Dark fruit, sweet cherries- resembling a roasted Bing cherry sauce, cinnamon and allspice, Caramel and oak.

Palate

Warm and sweet. Vanilla, brown sugar and cherry easily balance the heat of the cinnamon spice that this delivers with slight dark chocolate and leather notes.

Finish

Long, with Red Hot candies, honey and cinnamon.

In closing

If you see a bottle of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Coy Hill High Proof on the market, buy it. Do not phone a friend, do not go to social media and ask “should I…” just simply do it. At MSRP this is a no brainer, and I would venture to say this Special Release will be one that whiskey enthusiasts seek out for years to come. It is just that good. Coy Hill High Proof does not drink like it is sitting at a proof of 140 and for those that are put off by Jack Daniel’s typical banana notes, you certainly will not be disappointed with this bottle, the taste banana is almost completely nonexistent. Additionally, this is possibly one of the darkest whiskies I have ever seen. It is truly remarkable in so many aspects.

If I came into a case of this, I would grab it in a heartbeat.