It’s been a long time since Jack Daniel’s put out a new whiskey. However, last month it released Jack Daniel’s Rye, the brand’s first new recipe since prohibition.
The whiskey takes JD’s traditional recipe of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye and turns it on its head, making a spirit that’s instead 70% rye, 18% corn, and the same 12% of malted barley. Most ryes you see on the market are either closer to 51% or over 90% rye, so not only is it a unique offering for Jack Daniel’s, it’s pretty unique compared to most other ryes you’ll find on the market.
Much like traditional Jack Daniel’s the rye is filtered using sugar maple charcoal before it’s aged in American oak barrels.
I actually had the opportunity to travel to Tennessee and try some straight out of the barrel before it was released in October, as well as some from the bottle.
By in large, it’s a great, affordable rye. At $27 a bottle, it’s within the reach of most rye whiskey fans. While I did try it on its own, I personally think it’s more of a cocktail whiskey than one you’ll want to drink straight up, although you certainly could.
You get a good amount of the grain on the nose and a sweetness that almost makes it feel like a bourbon rather than a whiskey. On the palate, you get a dry mouthfeel with pepper and a bit of that grain, although not as much as you might expect given how much of it you get on the nose. It it’s all swept away by that signature, mellow Jack Daniel’s finish.
It’s a delicious, affordable whiskey, and a great addition to Jack Daniel’s regular lineup.
Distillery: Jack Daniel’s
Location: Lynchburg, Tennesse
Style: Rye
Proof: 90