A little background

The fifth annual special release from Jack Daniel’s features a twice barreled American Single Malt Whiskey finished for 2 years in Oloroso Sherry Casks. This 2022 special release sports an all new grain mash bill that is 100% malted barley, charcoal mellowed, and then twice barreled for a truly unique and enjoyable experience. Each bottle is bottled straight from the cask and will be released at a proof ranging from 106.1-107.8.

Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Location: Lynchburg, Tennessee
Proof: 106.1-107.8
Price: $70

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Dark Chestnut

Nose

Brown sugar, sweet fruit and a hint of vanilla and plum

Palate

Sweet vanilla, plum, dark chocolate, and oak

Finish

Spice and pepper with clove dark chocolate and sweet fruit

In closing

First and foremost I am typically not a fan of Oloroso Sherry finishes but when the masterminds at Jack Daniel’s Distillery do a special release it tends to change your viewpoint on things. The nose is light and airy which is inviting because you can literally dig your nose into the glass and enjoy the wonderful flavors of brown sugar, sweet fruit, and hints of vanilla and plum. The viscosity is creamy and oily and flashes with sweet vanilla and quickly transitions to plum and dark chocolate with oak coming on the back of the palate leading you into the finish. The finish begins with spice and pepper leading into a dry clove note that melds well with a nice heat from the proof. The heat would suggest a higher proof whiskey but nothing overpowering and it melds beautifully with aromas of sweet fruit and subtle chocolate that come back through on the finish.

Am I a buyer at $70? Absolutely! Anything Special Release from Jack Daniel’s is an automatic buy but this release is a bit different than the past 2 in that the flavors and whiskey are more subtle and gentle. If you are expecting the potent flavors and heat from the Special Release Rye or Coy Hill this whiskey is not going to hit those marks. However if you are wanting an enjoyable and delicate experience from an artfully well done whiskey than this pour is right up your alley!

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Jack Daniel’s. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.